By: Kate Pollon-MacLeod, Staff Writer (and NutriChem 'Resident Mom'!)
It has been a whirlwind winter already with never ending coughs, colds and even the flu… It’s definitely time to put our travel boots on and find warmer weather! Many families are taking a much-needed trip down south for March break and the most important packing should be the medicine kit for both adults and kids because nothing can ruin a vacation more than being sick or having a sick child in paradise! Here are the top supplements to bring with you on your trip:
- Immune Boosters: The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that found an average of 20 percent of plane passengers get respiratory infections within five to seven days of flying! Vitamin C stimulates production of special white blood cells which are capable of "neutralizing" bacteria, viruses, and other foreign "invaders". I pack Nutrichem Vitamin C 1000 mg to take everyday on vacation for husband and myself and SISU's Chewable Vitamin C U-Cubes for the kids. I also pack St. Francis Deep Immune Kids drops as it helps prevent cold and flus.
- Shelf-Stable Probiotics – Beneficial live bacteria help prevent overgrowth of potentially disease-producing microbes and various parasites which may enter the gastro-intestinal tract. Both being things that you can be exposed to while travelling! I pack NutriChem’s Nutridophilus Essentials Travel Size Pack for the adults, and BioGaia ProTectis Drops for the kids. Both do not require refrigeration and help protect our guts!
- Electrolytes: If vomiting or diarrhea hits, you’ll want to prevent dehydration which means you’ll have to focus on replenishing electrolytes in the body. For my husband and myself I pack Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator Sticks and for the younger kids Pediatric Electrolyte Powder Sachets.
- Magnesium Gel: Cramped airplane seats, kinked neck from hotel bed, leg cramps from walking all day sight seeing… sound familiar? Don’t forget to pack NutriChem’s Muscle Mag Gel that helps relieve pain and inflammation in muscles and joints.
*Please note check with your and your children’s medical or naturopathic doctor to see if these products are right for you!