I’m not sure at what age I became that woman who travels with pills. But let me tell you something, those ladies were onto something, and I regret not finding out about it sooner. If you haven’t noticed, traveling is quite a hassle. International food can mess up your gut; even traveling alone can hurt your digestive system. The bottom line, traveling and our health are not best friends.
1. Melatonin
Melatonin is the holy grail that manages your sleep cycle. For those who fall under the struggles of jet lag, having melatonin on your side is a must-have. There’s research that points out melatonin’s ability to maintain your body’s biological clock on track when you cross time zones. Aka fight jet lag.
How to use it: Ask your doctor if a small dose 30-minutes before bedtime is right for you. Add some night yoga poses to help you sleep, and enjoy your good night’s sleep.
2. Probiotics
I don’t know about you, but my favorite activity to do in a new city is to try the cuisine. My stomach’s? Bother me with traveler’s diarrhea. Since I learned the hard way, I’m here to advise you: listen to the research. Studies say that taking probiotics before your vacation can reduce traveler’s diarrhea by 15%.
How to use it: Start taking probiotics at least two weeks before your trip. Look for one with at least 5 billion colony-forming units (aka good bacteria). According to research, these are the most effective.
3. B Vitamins
While your enthusiasm levels while traveling are through the roof, your energy levels might be done. Keeping adequate levels of vitamin B is crucial for maintaining energy levels up. They are responsible for turning food into glucose, so your body has the fuel for all the sight-seeing and museum-hopping you want to get done.
How to use it: Ask yourself if you’re eating a well-rounded diet. If you feel you may be vitamin B deficient, consult with your doctor on ways to supplements with a vitamin B-complex.
4. Magnesium
When it comes to benefits, no one beats magnesium. It’s a key player in over 600 body reactions. Unfortunately, most of us don’t get enough magnesium from our diets, according to research. Magnesium helps energy creation, muscle relaxation, and keeps your nervous system at bay. When you’re traveling, these are all systems you want to keep in check.
How to use it: Start by adding magnesium-rich foods like black beans and avocados to your diet. Consult with your doctor to see what type of magnesium supplement works best with your body.
5. Turmeric
The holy grail of spices, if you haven’t jumped on the love for turmeric train, what are you waiting for? We’ve gushed about the benefits of turmeric before, and here we go again. Research has linked turmeric to anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as being helpful in pain management. Plus, curcumin can help manage your anxiety and stress levels as you travel, we all know we need that as we attempt to go through security.
How to use it: There’s no consensus about how much to take among experts, so consult with your doctor to see what works for you. Take it before, during, and after your trip to keep your body in top shape.
A Note from GR8NESS
Don’t just go on a shopping spree to buy all these supplements before your next travel adventure. Consult with your doctor to figure out what your body needs to stay healthy and fight all the associated troubles of traveling.