10 Tips for the Healthy Traveler

Take care of yourself away from home. Protect your immune system when you travel with these simple tips and ideas.

1. 1

   Pump Up Your Immune System:

   The recirculated air of planes, trains and automobiles can be stale and unhealthful. Take 250mg – 500mg of vitamin C two to three times daily. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may keep you healthy by neutralizing free radicals and protect the immune system.

2. 2

   Avoid Counting Sheep:

   For a good night’s sleep, valerian root or melatonin, a natural hormone, may help promote pleasant dreams for even the most restless traveler. Don’t drive or operate heavy equipment when taking valerian root. Pregnant mothers, people with severe allergies or certain autoimmune or cancerous diseases shouldn’t take melatonin.

3. 3

   Maintain a Balanced Diet:

   Eating at odd times or dining on unknown foods can tip the scales of a well-balanced diet. Take multivitamins when you’re on the road. While never a substitute for meals, multivitamins always help to maintain a well-balanced diet.

4. 4

   Bring Health with You:

   Echinacea may help support the immune system. Used for centuries, it may even be used as a support for healthy lungs.

5. 5

   Keep Energy Levels High:

   Travelers should supplement their diets with B-complex vitamins. Among other energy-supporting benefits, the thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, B-6, pantothenic acid, folate, B-12 and biotin in a B-complex supplement help to maintain the health of the nerves and eyes, which are among the first things to go when traveling.

6. 6

   Arm Yourself for New Environments:

   Clinical studies show that daily amounts of vitamin A may support the body’s immune function. Vitamin A has also been shown to help the body maintain lung, mouth and throat tissue.

7. 7

   No More Bellyaching:

   One way to spoil an otherwise great vacation is to suffer the wrath of unfamiliar foods on the stomach. To enjoy the local fare without worrying about the body’s response, take acidophilus before, during and after your travels and keep things as regular as the day you left.

8. 8

   Energize to Maximize Your Travels:

   For an active traveler, ginseng may help maintain physical stamina. Clinical studies show that ginseng may invigorate and fortify in times of fatigue, can lower stress and may increase energy levels.

9. 9

   Fight Motion Sickness:

   Boat, plane or car travel can leave many feeling nauseated. Traditional medications have side effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness. To feel better naturally, adults are encouraged to take between .5 and 2 grams of ginger 30 minutes before travel departure.

10. 10

    Make a Pit Stop at the Doctor’s Office:

    There may be certain vaccinations or other preparations required before traveling abroad. Play it safe and make sure to check with your physician before departing. Some doctors and/or clinics specialize in travel medicine. Take advantage of these services to better ensure a safe and healthy trip.