Go-To Pill Pack for Travel
By Bonnie Fields
As Yoga to You PDX owner, Lauren Fields, prepared to leave for her exciting trip to Bali, I made some recommendations for my go-to pill pack for international travel.
I recommend these particular supplements to keep your digestive and immune systems well-tuned, help you deal with jet lag, keep your circulation functioning optimally on long haul flights, and in preparation should traveler’s diarrhea make an unwelcome visit.
ANTIVIRALS/ANTIMICROBIALS:
My top pick is MONOLAURIN.
Monolaurin is one of the most unique and exciting products on the market because its anti-viral properties enable selective use of an agent that is non-toxic to humans. It is an ester of the fatty acid, lauric acid, derived from coconut oil. Although there are many nutritional supplements that improve host immunity, Monolaurin is a viral membrane perturber and interferes with the function of the reproduction of invading pathogens. Many integrative health practitioners, who have been using this product for over 25 years, recommend taking 1-2 Monolaurin 600 mg per day a few days before you fly. They suggest that you continue taking that dose for 3-5 days after arriving at your destination. It is such a safe supplement. Many people take one every day, especially during the cold and flu season.
You can also get Monolaurin in wipes called LAURINISIN WIPES, which contain both Monolaurin and Nisin (food grade anti-microbial) making them the only wipe on the market that has both anti-bacterial and antiviral activity. They can be used to wipe down surfaces in airplanes, rental cars, hotels. They only come in large tubs, so take some out and put in a Ziploc bag for travel.
Monolaurin and Laurinisin wipes can be ordered from Ecological Formulas (800) 888-4585 or click HERE.
DIGESTIVE SUPPORT:
Probiotics are living microorganisms, typically bacteria or yeast, taken orally to maintain a healthy microbiome. S. Boulardii is a strain of non-pathogenic yeast, first discovered in French Indochina and in multiple clinical trials to be the most effective against traveler’s diarrhea. Because it cannot be killed by antibiotics, it is the best probiotic co-administer with antibiotics if you end up needing them. For traveler’s diarrhea, the recommended dosage is 250-1000 mg daily for a month.
Both JARROW FORMULAS and NOW FOODS make a good Saccharomyces Boulardii and can easily be found in natural food stores or online.
I also recommend you pack a bottle of Digestive enzymes and take 2 with every meal. They will support the body’s digestive process, especially when eating unfamiliar foods, and can be helpful for those who suffer from gas and bloating after eating. A good plant-based, Kosher certified digestives enzyme is called Farklempt Boich by Ecological Formulas and can be found on www.pureformulas.com.
JET LAG/RESTFUL SLEEP:
Supplemental Melatonin is now commonly accepted as part of any effective jet lag treatment and appears to work by helping to reset the body’s internal body clock.
In a study published in the British Medical Journal, melatonin was purported to alleviate jet leg and tiredness after long haul flights. The test group was given 5 mg of melatonin a day for three days before the flight, another dose during the flight, and a dose per day for three days after the flight. Some people respond to a lower dose (0.5 - 3 mg).
Try TWINLABS Melatonin Dots 3 mg or SOURCE NATURALS 5 mg lozenge.
Another secret to restful sleep is MAGNESIUM TAURATE by Cardiovascular Research, Ltd. This form of magnesium, delivered with the amino acid taurine, has a calming effect on the entire neuromuscular system. However, if constipation becomes a problem during your travels, I recommend MAGNESIUM CITRATE.
CIRCULATION:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can hit any long-distance traveler (regardless of age, physical condition, gender). DVT is the cause of multiple hospitalizations per year, some of which result in death. In the United States, DVT is the fourth leading cause of strokes.
A combination of French Maritime pine (Pychnogenol) and an enzyme from fermented soybeans (Nattokinase) is being investigated for its role in reducing the incidence of DVT in high risk individuals and it may also help with swelling in the lower extremities. Of course, the most important prevention strategy is to move around as often as possible. Stretch your legs and feet while sitting; don’t cross your legs and stay hydrated!
Try VENOFLOW by Life Extension (www.lifeextension.com) or FLITE TABS by Aiden (available on Amazon).
Bonnie Jarrett Fields
Bonnie Jarrett Fields has worked in the wellness field for 40 years, starting as a health reporter/talk radio host and later founding the “Health by Choice” conferences/expos. For the last 20 years, she has been the National Sales/Education Director for Ecological Formulas. She is the proud mother of Yoga to You PDX founder and owner, Lauren Fields, and currently resides in North Carolina.