Travelling during the summer, whether in the UK or abroad, can sometimes come with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the most troublesome common ailments you might encounter and our essential nutrition and lifestyle tips for a healthier, more enjoyable break.
Digestive Imbalances:
- Constipation, Bloating, and Indigestion: Changes in diet and routine can disrupt digestive balance, leading to discomfort.
- Stomach-ache: Often a result of stomach bugs or food poisoning, particularly in warmer climates, symptoms can also include loose stools or diarrhoea.
Constipation is common with a change of routine on holidays. Slow digestive transit can lead to gas accumulation. As well as drinking enough water between meals, try dietary fibre such as kiwis or milled linseeds. Where you can, eat foods that contain probiotics (live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut) and prebiotics (apples, oats, milled flaxseeds) to support your natural gut microbiome.
Herbal Digestive Support:
Chamomile Flowers:
Chamomile is traditionally recognised as carminative suggesting that it may act as a calming agent and provide relief from a build-up of intestinal gas. Chamomile flowers are thought to be a relaxant tonic for the gastrointestinal system and have been used to aid indigestion, flatulence and discomfort. Used within herbal traditions to reduce stress and encourage sleep, chamomile could potentially cause drowsiness, so it is advised not to drive until you know how it affects you. However, it may be helpful for jet lag (see below) and holiday stress.
Nature’s Answer Chamomile Flowers is a concentrated, alcohol-free fluid extract for fast absorption.
Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal is commonly used to help with gas and flatulence after eating. This charcoal supplement isn’t the same as that used to cook on the barbecue, it is a very absorbent substance that is thought to entrap impurities and aid elimination. Because it is so absorbent, take activated charcoal with water away from medications and other supplements i.e., at a different time of day.
Nature’s Answer Charcoal contains pure activated charcoal, in capsules for ease of use.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has been recognised within herbal traditions for supporting immune, intestinal and digestive health. Carvacrol, an active compound within oregano, is a phenol that has been found in scientific studies to offer antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. This suggests it may help to support resilience when exposed to new environments and travel-related gut stress, especially in places where food or water quality is unfamiliar.
Nature’s Answer Oregano Oil Soft-gels is pure, concentrated and standardised for the active compound Carvacrol.
Cystitis:
- Cystitis is more common on holiday because travel often disrupts normal habits:
Dehydration (from heat, alcohol, or flying) reduces urine flow, while higher sugar intake (from holiday snacks and treats), plus delayed toilet breaks can encourage bacterial growth. Together, these factors make cystitis more common when travelling and on holiday.
Nature’s Answer UT Answer is a complex designed to support urinary tract health by combining D-Mannose and Cranberry Concentrate alongside vitamin C. Adequate dosing of D-mannose is considered important, and this formula provides over 4,300 mg per serving in a ready-to-use liquid format, free from alcohol and artificial sweeteners. May be taken to assist with prevention of cystitis.
Why Nature’s Answer?
With over 50 years of experience, Nature’s Answer combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern extraction techniques. Their products are made using a unique Bio-Chelation® cold-extraction process, designed to gently capture a broad spectrum of plant compounds without the use of excessive heat or harsh solvents. This helps preserve the plant’s natural profile. Their herbal extracts are made in-house from carefully sourced ingredients that undergo advanced testing - including Botanical Fingerprint Technology, to ensure a level of quality, purity and consistency you can trust.
Jet Lag:
- Common when travelling across time zones, leading to fatigue, insomnia, and general discomfort.
Chamomile may promote relaxation and better sleep, supporting your body's ability to cope with the stress of changing time zones, helping you adjust more quickly.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help to support energy levels, prevent fatigue and aid as a pick-me-up after long journeys or heavy nights out.
Ideal for travelling, Ener-C effervescent drink mixes come as convenient sachets in a variety of natural flavours. Supplying 1000mg Vitamin C per serving, alongside multi-nutrients and electrolytes in an all-natural, great-tasting effervescent supplement.
Dehydration:
- Common during holidays, symptoms include fatigue and light-headedness, often due to inadequate fluid intake in hot weather.
Drink plenty of clean water to prevent dehydration, especially on hot days or if exercising.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes can replenish minerals that have been lost with sweating, such as potassium, magnesium and sodium. Mixed in water, they may help your body to hydrate.
Ener-C Sport Electrolyte Drink Mix Sachets are a convenient way to use electrolytes on holiday. Each delicious drink provides electrolytes plus additional minerals and vitamin C.
*Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
