There is one way to surely ruin a great trip, and that's to be sick. When traveling out of the country, it is important to take special care of your health. There are many health risks during this time including, viral and bacterial infection, motion sickness, indigestion and diarrhea, malaria, etc. In order to stay healthy and functional the following tips have been provided based on my travels around the world. A healthy trip means an enjoyable trip.
Before your trip:
1. One to two weeks before your departure fortify your body and build your immune system by drinking various freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices. This will help supply you with an ample amount of nutrients to help build your body natural resources.
2. Eat ample amounts of fruits and vegetables and or take daily multi-vitamin supplements.
3. Learn about the potential health risks related to your trip by going to the Destination page and choosing the country or countries you will be visiting.
4. If you are visiting a tropical region, you many need to get yellow fever shots or malaria pills in case of exposure to contaminants or infected mosquitos.
5. Assemble the items in the Holistic Travelers First Aid Kit.
Holistic Health Travelers First Aid Kit
Your holistic health travelers kit should include items which help relieve some of the most common ailments travelers’ experience. These ailments include diarrhea, indigestion, stress, anxiety, parasites, worms, headaches, insect bites, viral infections, cuts and animal bites.
Your Holistic Health Traveler's Kit should include:
Ginger powder
Hajmol Ayurvedic capsules
Garlic Capsules
Vitamin C Powder
Mosquito Repellant
Hand Sanitizer
Melatonin
Travel sized First Aid Kit
Asprin/Ibuprofen
For diarrhea, indigestion and stomachaches
Ginger Capsules or Powder Ginger is a natural digestive tonic. To relieve motion sickness and nausea, take 1 or 2 ginger capsules every 15 to 20 minutes until your symptoms disappear. Ginger is a first aid kit on a plate. It is used by many cultures in the world as a treatment for mild indigestion, fullness and gas. Many prepare a tasty tea and drink it after a large meal to assist digestion and ease stomach discomfort. .
For years I have brought Hajmol Ayurvedic capsules with me when traveling to use in the event of any minor to mild digestion complaints. It has rarely let me down.
For worms or parasites Keep some Garlic oil capsules on hand if you get worms or parasites. Take 2 capsules three times a day with meals to expels worms. You can also take clove oil, buds, or powder for the same effect. For this you would dilute a teaspoon of clove powder in hot water and drink three times a day. You can also check on a few buds of dried clove buds for the same effect.
For Mosquitos
If you are traveling to a tropical region, the risk of getting malaria through mosquito bite is heightened. It imporant to carry a strong insect repellant. Those who don't mind using toxic chemicals can use deet based repellants, but I prefer more natural products which contain the essential oil of citronella, lemongrass and other oils to repel mosquitoes. I use this product.
Travelers First Aid Kit
A standard travel sized First Aid Kit is helpful to especially if you plan on doing any active vacationing or trekking. Any standard kit should suffice.
During your trip
1. Unless you plan on eating like a health guru during your trip, take a natural multi-vitamin on a daily basis. This will ensure that you are getting your daily supply of essential nutrients. This will give you a “cushion” to allow you to cheat a little by eating foods that are not necessarily the healthiest.
2. Take a natural vitamin C supplement to help maintain and strengthen your immune system. I Between 5,000 – 10,000 milligrams per day can be sufficient. I recommend this brand. In the event of an infection, you should take at least 2,000 mg of vitamin C every 4 hours to help strengthen your immune system to fight off the infection. If you are not sick, you should still take at least a 1/2-1 teaspoon of the powder a day. It is an essential component of my Travel First Aid and Health Kit.
3. Don't drink tap water unless you are sure it safe for you to consume. Most tap water can make foreigners sick because of the presence of foreign bacteria. Its is best to drink bottled water only. You can also purchase the portable water filter which I use here, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
4. Beware of eating the skin of fruits of vegetables or fruits unless they are thoroughly washed or cooked. Bacteria on the surface of the skin of the produce and cause digestive problems. Refrain from eating salads and uncooked street food. In many developing countries sanitation is an issue so its important to be very careful when eating food prepared in the streets.
5. Carry sanitizing wipes or anti-bacterial lotion. Use when needed.
6. Bring your Traveling First Aid Kit
