SPONSORED BLOG: Six Solutions for Travel Ailments
“To travel is worth any cost or sacrifice.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
The cost and sacrifice that precedes travel is not just related to finances. Though it’s still totally worth it, think about the toll traveling takes on us mentally and physically. We spend so much time preparing for our trips, making our lists and checking them twice. But how often do you prepare for the pain your body will endure after spending six-plus hours on a cramped plane? Or the germs passed around in what is essentially a tin box? Do you have a go-to antidote for a pesky stomach bug?
Below is a list of useful items you may want to consider packing in your carry-on, whether you’re heading out on a business trip or going to visit grandma.
- Ginger: Ginger is insanely good for you. With properties that are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, ginger may be your new best friend when traveling. It also gives the one-two punch to nausea, migraines, indigestion, aches, pains and congestion. I’ve recently discovered candied ginger, which is great for snacking on the plane, too.
- Probiotics and Activated Charcoal:Probiotics help to maintain a healthy gut, balancing the good bacteria that are fundamental to your immune system as a whole. When you’re traveling you may be running from one activity to the next and not making the best food choices, so in order to keep your immunity up and your digestive system active and healthy, start taking probiotics now. And if you find yourself in the middle of vacation and sick to your stomach—because admit it, your sushi in Shanghai smelled a little fishy—reach for the activated charcoal. This powerful supplement reduces toxicity when it absorbs chemicals in your GI tract, easing the pain from food poisoning, gluten exposure, stomach bugs, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
- Rescue Remedy: This one is for the stress-balls and worrywarts out there. Leave the panic attacks at home and exchange them for this bottle of flower essence, which will keep you chilled out and calm when the airline loses your luggage or delays have you pulling your hair out.
- Traumeel, Arnica and Tiger Balm: Once you arrive at your destination, you’ve likely been sitting in a cramped position for longer than seems humanly possible. You stand up and do a little stretch, but your joints are locked and achy and your muscles are sore. Any of these three topical creams will offer temporary relief.
- Coconut Oil: By now coconut oil’s ego would be the size of the sun if it were a person. It’s given experts plenty of reasons to call it one of nature’s miracles thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial antioxidant and antifungal properties. I’ve used it as a moisturizer (and it does wonders for a sunburn), but some use it as an eye make-up remover, toothpaste, hair conditioner or apply it to cuts and scrapes. You can even ingest a tablespoon or add it to your tea for a quality source of fat and a small boost of energy. The list of benefits is endless.
- Magnesium: This is another important mineral that you should be taking every day because it serves so many functions in the body. Bring magnesium with you on your next excursion for aiding in a solid night of sleep, appropriate bowel movements and calming your nervous system.
As an experienced traveler, trust me: Whatever the cost, whatever amount of stress you endure while planning or getting to your destination, and whatever sacrifices you had to make to get your foot in the direction of exploration is totally worth it. Make it a little easier on yourself, though, and be prepared.
Please share below if you have your own travel arsenal or tips and tricks to staying healthy and sane when on the go!
