This past week I spent my time in the Mexican sun, celebrating a friend’s wedding. My fiance and I spent the week at the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort close to Cancun. I love the eco-friendly initiatives that the resort supports, like not offering straws and preserving the on-site cenotes, among other things.
Whenever I travel, there are always a few essential items I pack: immune support (Cold pro), magnesium, ibuprofen, trauma care (and/or a muscle pain relief cream), and (sometimes) melatonin.
Immune support
I love CanPrev Cold Pro. It is a professional quality supplement packed with a bunch of immune stimulating herbs. I’ll take some the day of the flight, and take another capsule each day after for 2-3 days unless I get sick. It really helps so I don’t catch a cold during vacation!
*There are many different immune support options that can be very effective. Ask your ND which is best for you!
Magnesium
This is one that I like taking for long flights. You’ll likely want to use a magnesium bisglycinate – or, better yet, ask your health care professional for the best product for you (it may differ depending on what actions you need most). Magnesium helps to relax tight muscles.
Ibuprofen
Although I don’t take Advil often, I do like having it on hand. You never know when you or your friends may need some quick pain relief!
Traumacare (or muscle pain relief cream)
Again, for the possibility that someone hurts themselves, I really like having this on hand. Traumacare is a homeopathic pain relief cream that works quite well for low back pain and other injuries. However, if you prefer the tingle of muscle creams, bring a typical muscle cream such as Voltaren.
Melatonin
When travelling to places with a significant time change, melatonin is my go-to supplement to fight jet lag. It is the hormone your body naturally makes as part of the circadian rhythm. I like liquid forms of melatonin so that I can regulate how much melatonin to take. (If you wake up groggy, take less melatonin!)
As with any supplement changes, always contact your naturopathic doctor (or other primary healthcare provider) to see if these supplements are right for you.
