Half of healthy travel is being prepared for when something goes wrong. This guide is divided into three sections, pre-travel, travel remedies, just-in-case remedies.
Basic health promotion
Water — drink at least 1.5–2.0 L of water each day. Be very careful to avoid ice cubes and tap water. Be sure to only consume bottled water.
Fresh food — ensure that fresh foods have not been cleaned in tap water. This is a common source of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Tip #1 - Pre-travel
When you travel, the food and environment will expose you to new types of intestinal bacteria. Most of the time this isn’t problematic, but when it is a problem, it can ruin your trip.
To mitigate risk, start on a probiotic 2‒3 weeks before you travel and continue with the probiotic while you are away. Select a ‘shelf-stable’ probiotic to prevent it from going off.
Recommended product(s):
· Probiotic Supreme (Designs for Health) — 1 capsule daily. Take with meals.
· Deep Immune (St. Francis Herb Farm) — take for 3 days before and 3 days into your trip. Follow the direction on the package. Changing time zones, flying and ‘coming down’ from work can often leave you susceptible to illness heading into a time of relaxation.
Continue with your regularly prescribed protocol leading up to the trip.
Tip #2 - Travel
When you are travelling, continue on the recommended probiotic to reduce your risk of travel-related diarrhoea. If you are on a special protocol, continue with that as well. Generally, a good multivitamin and probiotic are all you need, the rest of the remedies will be listed as ‘just-in-case’ remedies.
· Multi-SAP (NFH) — take 3 multi-vitamins daily. Take with or without food.
Tip #3 - Just-in-case remedies
Digestive bitters — take 1 dropper-full if symptoms of bloating, gas or nausea develop after a meal. They are also good to have on hand to help with the digestion of new or unfamiliar foods. They can be taken before heavy meals to help prevent bloating or after meals if you experience discomfort. They are also excellent for acid reflux.
For diarrhoea:
Saccharomyces boulardii — take according to the directions on the label. Start at the onset of traveller’s diarrhoea and continue for 2 days past when it resolves. Continue to take your other probiotics at the same time.
General homeopathic remedies
These remedies can be combined with any other remedies or medications. However, all homeopathic remedies should be taken away from food. Allow them to dissolve under the tongue.
· Arnica 200K — take immediately, every 15‒30 mins in the event of an accident, injury, bite or trauma. Continue every 15 mins–3 hours until the pain has resolved. Can take Arnica 200K up to two weeks.
· Nux vomica 30CH — for vomiting and illness associated with ‘excess’. Excess could refer to alcohol, sun, etc. Can also be helpful for excessive cramping associated with food poisoning.
· Cantharis 30CH — take every 15 mins–2 hours to help with the symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection.
· Arsenicum album 30CH — take every 30 mins–2 hours to help with diarrhoea.
· Ipecac 30CH — take every 30 mins–2 hours when vomiting.
Stay Healthy, Stay Wealthy and Enjoy your Travels!
Much Love,
Laura
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