Vacation Mode Activated
The essential travel supplements and products I pack to stay healthy
Hello from the Côte d’Azur! I am sitting on my terrace, gazing at the stunning view of Villefranche-sur-Mer and listening to the birds chirping.
I'm in heaven now, but getting to France was a bumpy ride, both figuratively and literally. First, my flight was very delayed, then cancelled, then rebooked. Watching grown adults have child-like meltdowns at the gate was quite the spectacle. Turbulence before the actual turbulence.
Traveling these days can be a major stressor, especially for those who have yet to address their dysregulated nervous systems (much to the dismay of the rest of us who have done therapy).
Luckily my vacation mode has been activated so I’ll keep this Substack short so I can head to the beach. Now that I’ve shared how to get there in one piece (and in First Class with miles), I have a few more tips for how I stay healthy when traveling abroad.
So what does a health optimization coach pack in her bag?
When you travel, you experience a disruption in your normal schedule, including your sleep which creates added stress to your body. The goal is to stay resilient, hydrated and regular. 💩
In addition to managing your jet lag (read Optimized on the Fly), here are my must-haves:
Beekeepers Propolis Spray
I keep one in the same plastic pouch as my travel documents and I spray it throughout a flight
Propolis is full of antioxidants which support immune health
LMNT Electrolytes (zero sugar)
I add half a pack to my water bottle and drink constantly while flying (if awake) and during the day, especially in warm climates as you increase your activity
Replenishing your magnesium, potassium and sodium prevents dehydration
KNESKO Collagen Eye Masks
For tired eyes, I use these collagen hydro-gel masks either before I land at my destination or when I arrive to rehydrate my skin
For extra depuffing, I put them in the mini-fridge in my hotel and use after a day in the sun or before an event
Supplements
I prefer to pack my daily supplements in baggies instead of a case because they take up less room in my bag and can be squeezed into small gaps
In addition to what I take normally (based on my personal needs), I focus on adding extra antioxidants to combat the stress of traveling and some targeted support for digestion and sleep
Liposomal Vitamin C (Bodybio, Livon Labs)
Altitude Assist (for pollution and high altitudes to maximize oxygen efficiency)
Omega-3s (WeNatal, Nordic Naturals)
Psyllium husk (to support digestion and stay regular)
MyoStim (collagen & creatine blend to maintain muscle)
Melatonin (using 5mg of well timed melatonin helps you beat jetlag)
Drugs & Misc
There is a time and place for pharmaceutical drugs so I have Advil, Imodium, and a few prescriptions plus a few alcohol wipes, band-aids and a thermometer
Sunscreen is so much better outside of the US so buy when you arrive
An international travel adaptor that I can use in Europe or Asia
I always have an annual travel insurance policy through Allianz (approx $280) that covers the basics in case I have a major delay, lost luggage or health emergency
Pre-Travel Protocol
Optimize Your Gut
I’ve been lucky so far in terms of getting sick on vacation but I attribute it more to what I do BEFORE I leave then what I bring
Resilience starts in the gut so having a balanced microbiome by eating enough fiber and polyphenols (fruit, vegetables, flax) prevents inflammation, combats pathogenic microorganisms and supports immunity
Food: Incorporate more whole fruit, vegetables, flax, chia and fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir) into your daily diet to help you prevent traveler’s belly on vacation
Peptides: A few weeks of BPC-157 injections can support the healing of a leaky gut by taking down inflammation and protecting stomach cells. It might give you some added immunity while you travel but nothing is a quick fix
The take-away: Travel is a stress test on the body. Prepare before you go and supplement on the road to fully enjoy your trip!
As an integrative nutrition health coach, I begin with diet and lifestyle modifications and find ways for my clients to get their nutrients from whole foods. However, supplementation can be an effective tool, when used correctly.
As a subscriber, you can visit my Fullscript dispensary for 20% off your order of supplements, collagen, protein powders and more!
Related Posts:
Optimized on the Fly: A Health Coach’s Guide to Conquering Jet Lag
Flying First Class is Good for Your Health
All writing is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.