How to keep your immune system healthy while travelling

Travelling opens the door to new experiences, new places and unforgettable memories. If you’re lucky enough to be planning a holiday, take a moment to consider your immune system and give it the support it needs to support you on your adventures. 

While travel is often a welcome escape from everyday stress, it introduces a different kind of strain on the body. Long flights, disrupted sleep and unfamiliar food can all take a toll on your immune system. The good news is that with a few simple, proactive habits, you can support your immune health while travelling, so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

Top tips to support your immune system while travelling

• Prepare before you go – understand the risks associated with your destination and ensure you have a plan. Read on below if you’re going to a destination with a high risk of traveller’s diarrhoea.
• Hygiene habits – practicing good hygiene is important at the best of times, but even more so when you’re travelling to new, often crowded places where you’ll be exposed to new germs.
• Immune-boosting nutrition – even though you’re on holiday, don’t neglect the basics. Ensuring fresh fruit and vegetables (where it is safe to do so) ensures a ready supply of immune-supporting nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc.
• Don’t skimp on the sleep – believe it or not, sleep is essential for an immune system functioning in tip-top shape. While jet lag or sightseeing can easily disrupt a good sleep routine, try to ensure a good amount of sleep where possible.
• Supplemental support – if you’re looking for extra immune support, consider immune-supporting nutrients or symptom-relieving herbs to keep in your travel bag.

Traveller’s diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common condition that affects between 30 and 70% of travellers, depending on the season and destination. It’s caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water and is more common in hot or humid climates, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and Central and South America[1].

Top tips to reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea:

• Eat smart – avoid high-risk foods such as raw and peeled fruits and vegetables, undercooked meats and seafoods, sauces and mayonnaises.
• Drink smart – stick to bottled water (and use bottled water to brush your teeth).
• Avoid ice – in drinks.
• Practice good hygiene – including washing hands with soap and water and ensuring they are completely dry before eating or preparing food.
• Consider probiotics – to support healthy intestinal flora while travelling.

If you’re looking for some travelling support, consider some immune-supporting formulas, such as Herbs of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus which combines high-strength vitamin C and zinc, key nutrients for daily immune support. And why not consider some immune herbs for those times you need it most. Herbs of Gold Berberine ImmunoPlex is a potent combination of herbs to support healthy immune function and includes Thyme, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to reduce excess mucus and relieve cough and symptoms of sore throat.

If you’re travelling to a high-risk country, you may consider Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB which contains high-strength Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) to help reduce the occurrence of symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea. For best results, start taking SB at least 5 days prior to travel and continue throughout the duration of your trip[2],[3].

Check out the full range of Herbs of Gold immune support supplements for additional support options.