Basic guidelines for staying healthy while traveling.

Traveling can be exhausting and stressful.

If you allow it, traveling can also wreck havoc on your immune system.

The key is… if you allow it.

When we consistently support our immune system, it is not easily thrown off by an influx of new germs because pathogens can only thrive in an environment that is welcoming— aka: a weakened immune system. 

If you were throwing a party without food or bevies, your guests would probably not hang around for long. With nothing to feast on, they would carry on to the next social gathering with potential items for nourishment, or head home. However, if you never gave them a reason to leave, they would stay and make themselves cozy.

My point? When pathogens cannot find proper nourishment within the body, they do not stick around for long. They thrive in acidic environments— the perfect host for virus, bacteria and fungi. Unlike our houseguests, we do not want to give them any reason to feel cozy. In fact, we can often tell when the body is successfully fighting off unwelcome visitors as our energy levels dip, even if we never actually get sick. 

Trips with short turnarounds tend to be even more depleting, as we sleep less, do more and race to get in and out— trying to squeeze in all the fun food, beverage and friendly hugs we can get with the mindset of “but… we are only here for a short time, so…”

That said, no matter what time of the year, temperature, or occasion, we can take action to support the immune system and make sure it is less hospitable towards pathogens and more hospitable towards life, itself. 

I recently traveled and did just about everything you should not do to avoid catching a bug. I radically changed my diet (going from greens, grass-fed beef and a grain-free diet, to munching on a few bites of fried cheese sticks, breaded items tossed in inflammatory canola oil, inorganic coffee and very little water), I had more alcohol than I typically would, I stayed up later with the adults, woke up earlier with the kids, ate dinner late (after the kids went to bed) and gasp— I did not take my supplements.

Sometimes we think are invincible.

Lesson learned.

I got home.

I got sick.

I am most definitely not invincible. 

Indulging is fine. There is no sense in striving for “perfection” but remember that the body enjoys a sense of consistency, so when we make radical changes, we can throw it for a loop. 

Here are a few things you can take to regularly to support your immune system, regardless:

Elderberry: Elderberries are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and can help improve digestion and elimination. The brand of elderberry matters. My favorite brand is Cassie Green Health, as it contains no glycerin, additives, or processed sugars, unlike most brands on the market and is highly effective and immune supportive. 

Colloidal Silver: This supplement, which is actually tiny particles of silver suspended in liquid, became quite controversial during Pandemic, after several holistic health “gurus” claimed it could eradicate Covid. While I am not equipped to argue that topic, I will say, it is definitely in my medicine cabinet. Colloidal Silver is thought to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and has been used to treat illness dating back to 1500 BC in China. I recommend a reputable oral version of Colloidal Silver. Consult your Nutritionist. Colloidal Silver is also excellent for pink eye, and eye infections. 

Oil of Oregano: Oregano oil has antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is potent and smells/tastes just like you’d imagine it— Oregano, or Pizza! It helps to keep bad bacteria at bay and functions much like a (natural) antibiotic. Take in the evening. 

A good probiotic! Probiotics contain microbes which can help us digest food and fight harmful bacteria that can cause bloating, constipation and a crappy immune system (pun intended). When the gut becomes unbalanced with unhealthy levels of certain bacteria, we become more susceptible to a whole slew of issues.

Magnesium! Magnesium is an essential mineral required by every function and system in the body. It is responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and found in the bones, tissues, brain and blood. We can become magnesium deficient quite easily causing bloating, constipation, anxiety… Just a few predicaments we can run into while traveling. Read more here.

Ideally, start taking these supplements 1-2 weeks before you travel but… if you are headed out of town tomorrow, take them with you.

Prioritize water and sleep and as always, please consult your Health Care Practitioner before taking any new supplements. 

P.S. Vacations are meant to be enjoyed… but make a plan for yourself so you come back feeling fabulous, not depleted.