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Natural aids to travel health
Nutrition consultant Erin McCann reviews some ‘natural’ remedies to the common (and annoying) travel complaints you might encounter. A recent travel survey in the US revealed that two-thirds of travellers get sick on holiday. But travel and summer health is something not many of us think about until it’s too late. We’ll top up our vaccinations, but how many of us think about boosting our immune system beforehand, for example, or making sure we pack effective, natural health products to see us through any problem days ahead?
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Sláinte
Here are five of the most common complaints, with recommendations on how to prevent and manage them naturally. 1. Diarrhoea
Often the result of a bacterial infection from contaminated food or water, you can help ward off traveller’s diarrhoea by… • Taking a natural immune-supporting supplement which contains bee propolis, a natural antibiotic, and olive leaf, an antimicrobial agent. These can help prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections (Bee Prepared immune support contains both, and is suitable for all ages). • Taking a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus GG, combined with Saccharomyces boulardii. Both of which have been clinically proven to help prevent traveller’s diarrhoea (Optibac is a good choice). • Being careful in selecting food in areas with a particularly high risk of bacterial and protozoan infection.
2. Sunburn
Getting sunburned is a common problem, particularly for pale-skinned north Europeans. But as well as applying suncream, diet and supplements may also help prevent, and aid recovery from, sunburn while helping to ease many skin rashes. • Antioxidant-rich foods and antioxidant supplements can help your skin resist harmful UV rays, and help your skin heal after too much exposure. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, beans and Acerola cherries have very high levels of Vitamin C. • The anthocyanin and flavonoid content in elderberry and propolis may help prevent sunburn and reduce sun damage. These phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory and photo-protective actions. • A natural suncream is crucial – try one with propolis. • Taking bee propolis internally can support systemic immunity, and its antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions can help prevent skin rashes. • Tea tree oil can be used as an external antifungal and antibacterial treatment for the skin by adding a few drops to a bath. • Calendula cream is antimicrobial as well as soothing to irritated skin (Nelson’s is a good choice).
3. Insect bites
Diet supplements and herbal repellents can help to combat those pesky biting insects that can plague us in the summer. Many commercial insect sprays are full of harmful chemicals, and are best avoided. Instead, try… • Eating garlic may help to deter bugs from biting by changing our natural scent.
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• Herbal repellent sprays containing citronella and lemon balm may be beneficial in warding off insects. Incognito is a great deet-free, chemicalfree, natural choice.
4. Colds, flu and viruses
These are often spread when you travel packed in close to other people and when wandering in highly populated areas. So… • Support your immune system before and during travel with immune-supporting foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic and onions. • Add natural immune-supporting nutritional supplements to your diet. Look out for beta glucans which aid the immune system in developing antibodies to microbial and fungal invaders and elderberry, which helps slow the rate of viral infection by altering the viral cell membrane, making it difficult for the virus cells to move and to replicate. Propolis, again, is an amazing natural choice. Bee Prepared immune support contains all of the above.
5. Hayfever and other seasonal allergies Ensuring that the immune system is functioning well is another great way to prepare for allergy season and then manage the symptoms.
A range of nutrients perform antihistamine and anti-inflammatory actions in the body and have been shown to be effective for boosting immunity, including: • elderberry and acerola cherries (rich in quercetin). • bee propolis (high in phenolenic compounds, potent antioxidant substances which have antiinflammatory properties). • reishi mushrooms, which contain oleic acid and cyclooctasulphur compounds, both potent natural anti-histamines.
You can also:
• Add immune-boosting foods to your diet, such as citrus fruit, broccoli, berries, eggs, oysters, pumpkin seeds, oats and rye. • Close windows at night and in early mornings when the pollen counts are high. • Use barrier methods to block pollen from entering the nose, such as HayMax allergen barrier balms. • Boost your immunity through diet and supplementation. • Use a neti pot (for nasal cleansing) to clear your nasal passages. • Shower when returning from outdoor activities. Erin McCann NT mBANT is a nutrition consultant for Unbeelievable Health Ltd. You can contact her at: erin@unbeelievablehealth.com
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Travel Products
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Nelsons Calendula Leaves your hands feeling smooth, soft and revitalised.
Incognito Anti-Mosquito Spray A strong repellant that’s free of parabens, SLS and deet.
Optibac Probiotics Clinically proven to help prevent traveller’s diarrhoea.
BEE Prepared immune support A natural supplement described by the Daily Mail as the ‘It-Vit’.
Be prepared
Creating a travel health kit is a great way to prevent and manage these sorts of health problems you might meet. Here are my suggestions for which products to put in it…
HayMax – Hayfever? Stop the pollen before it gets in!
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• Bee Prepared Immune Support Daily Defence – contains therapeutic doses of propolis, elderberry, and other antibacterial and antifungal ingredients such as olive leaf and beta glucans. (also comes as Bee Prepared MAX Strength, if you feel you need an extra boost). • A multi-strain probiotic, such as Optibac, and Saccharomyces boulardii. • Feverfew tea. • Calendula Cream and tea tree oil, Nelson’s is a great brand for both. • A suncream, such as Apivita Propolis sunscreen. • A natural herbal insect repellent, such as Incognito. • A hayfever balm, such as Haymax.
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