Traveling can be exhilarating but can also impact our health and well-being. The combination of long flights, jet lag, new cuisines, and climate changes can sometimes leave us feeling less than optimal. To enhance our travel experience, incorporating the appropriate health supplements might prove beneficial. Here are a few recommended travel supplements worth considering:
1. Multivitamins
Consider incorporating a comprehensive multivitamin into your travel routine to ensure you receive essential nutrients that may be lacking in your diet. Look for a well-rounded formula that includes vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex and minerals such as zinc and magnesium to support overall health and boost immunity. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, opting for an expensive brand name is unnecessary as long as the recommended daily allowance amount is included in the multivitamin.
2. Curcumin
Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditional curcumin supplements offer potential benefits such as reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, aiding digestion, and acting as an antibacterial agent to combat food poisoning. These advantages can benefit travelers who experience inflammation from long flights, joint discomfort from walking or carrying luggage, or digestive issues caused by trying new foods.
Furthermore, nano-curcumin is a specially formulated version of curcumin that aims to enhance its bioavailability, allowing for better absorption by the body. NanoCumin, a brand that has conducted extensive research and development, offers this significantly improved form of curcumin. With its nano-sized particles, nano-curcumin exhibits more than 40 times higher bioavailability than conventional curcumin. This enhanced bioavailability increases its effectiveness and enables users to consume lower doses, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.
3. Probiotics
When traveling, exposure to unfamiliar bacteria and germs can sometimes lead to an upset stomach. Incorporating probiotics into your routine can be beneficial to support gut health and boost immunity. Probiotic supplements help maintain a healthy gut flora balance and reduce the risk of digestive discomfort during your travels. Healthline’s dietitians recommend daily probiotic capsules from trusted brands like Culturelle and Florastor for a reliable choice in probiotic supplementation.
4. Melatonin
Jetlag, the inevitable consequence of long-haul flights, often disrupts our sleep patterns. However, Melatonin supplements can help alleviate this issue. Regulating the sleep-wake cycle makes it easier to adjust to new time zones and enhance sleep quality. According to Healthline, Pure Encapsulations melatonin is considered the best overall brand. It undergoes third-party testing and is suitable for most healthy adults, including those with food allergies or sensitivity to supplements and vitamins.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known remedy for motion sickness or an upset stomach while traveling. It can be taken in a portable supplement format to provide natural relief. According to Emma Slattery, a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicine, ginger possesses anti-nausea properties by influencing gastrointestinal motility, which regulates the rate of food movement through the digestive system. Consuming ginger promotes efficient digestion, preventing food from lingering in the gut for extended periods. Additionally, ginger contains over 400 natural compounds, some of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Incorporating travel supplements into your routine can support your body and mind, helping you maintain energy and good health throughout your journey. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your travel regimen, ensuring they suit your specific health needs and conditions.