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The Ultimate Travel Guide- How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

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As of writing this, I will be towards the end of traveling three consecutive weekends, which is not something I love doing.  

Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I love my routine and I am a firm believer that creating an environment that builds consistency makes healing that much easier.  Obviously, there are drawbacks to this socially, so my wife keeps me in check!

That being said, what to do while traveling has to be one of the top-five questions I have been asked over the years, and I think it is because many assume that it’s just automatically going to destroy their progress and they might have to start over from zero.  It doesn’t have to be that way AT ALL!

Yes, chances are not every single meal is going to be as healthy, but you can still do a lot to enjoy your trip and even continue making progress!

Sure, it might not be 100% the way you like, but there are a lot of tools that can help you stay on track so that you don’t lose progress during your travels.

Best of all, some of them can be completely free!  They just will take some planning and effort.

So I thought I’d take a slight detour this week and put together a list of practical tips, tools, and herbal supports that I use/bring on my travels.

Do I use all of these on all of my trips?   Of course not.  Trips in a car, for example, give you a lot more control than when traveling on an airplane.

My goal in this blog is to give you the full suite of tools and which situations I find using them is best.  You will have to use your own judgment to figure out which ones will be best for your next vacation!

The key is to always be prepared.  I will do my best to do that this week.  

Also- there will be plenty of links with discounts if they are applicable here, so don’t be alarmed.  🙂

Let’s dive in.  

Note: At the end of this blog, I will have links to all of my favorite companies with places to order them from.  MOST of them can be found on my Fullscript (linked here) unless stated otherwise or linked throughout the post.

Can I Bring Supplements on the Plane?

Yes, you can!  Take it from the US Customs & Border Protection:

“Non-prescription medicines (also known as over-the-counter or OTC medicines), vitamins, herbs, and supplement products fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

This is a good resource to look over as well.

Generally speaking, the FDA won’t object to personal importation of herbal formulas or supplements, as long as…

When you get to a security checkpoint, you may need to remove your formulas from your bag to be screened separately.  If you’re using baggies or pill boxes, it’s worth taking the extra time to label them.

The TSA does not require doctor’s notes to travel with herbal formulas or supplements, but if you can get your hands on one, it can’t hurt!

Pills, Capsules, or Tablets

Generally speaking, these are going to be the easiest for travel.  No worries about a mess or anything breaking.  No worrying about measuring anything.  It just simplifies everything.  Under normal circumstances, I prefer tinctures or glycerine for most people in most circumstances.  I think they tend to work better and are better utilized in the body.

However, traveling is not one of those circumstances, especially if you’re getting on a plane.  Technically, you can put these in your checked luggage, but I recommend bringing them on your carry-on if possible, you never know when you might need something!

You can put tablets, pills, and capsules in containers to organize what you need if you’re extra diligent.  You may even consider one of those 7-day pill boxes.  There are larger ones available as well, or you can simply double up on the 7-day.  Either way, pills, capsules, and tablets are easiest and most practical for most people traveling.

Powders

I don’t think I’ve ever personally traveled with a powder.  I think it can potentially be a mess and mess and ultimately just not worth it in most cases.  If you’re absolutely dead-set on packing a powder, I’d recommend packing single-serving uses in containers for convenience.  I would not travel with whole bottles or jars for weight/packing concerns.  Nowadays though, there are just better alternatives.  Most powders can be found in capsule form, and even if it is a one-time purchase for traveling, I just find it easier.

If you absolutely HAVE to bring a powder, I like these containers.  They are easy to pack and reuse.

Liquids

Turns out liquid medications are NOT subject to the TSA’s 3.4oz weight limit.  HOWEVER- you do need to declare this ahead of time if you’re going through customs, so just be aware of it if you’re traveling with any liquids.  

Technically speaking, there are no limits to the amounts of supplements you can take on a trip, as long as it is considered a “reasonable amount” for personal use.  I think a good rule of thumb is to not bring more than a 90-day supply when traveling.  

If you plan on traveling for longer than 90 days, arrange to have additional formulas sent to you via courier or mail.   Or you can just order more online.  

Fasting

Fasting is a fantastic way to stimulate autophagy and apoptosis in the body, getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.  If you look in the wild, when animals are sick, what do they do?  They fast.  It’s that simple.  I think fasting is one of the most powerful tools in anyone’s disposal when done correctly.  Some folks who are not metabolically healthy may not do well with this in the beginning, but you can easily build up to it over time!

Depending on how often or how far you are traveling, I tend to plan a lot of my longer water fasts (24 hours minimum) around traveling days.

Just for context, I try to do at least one 24-hour water fast every 4-6 weeks.  If I go longer than 24 hours, I’d prefer to be home because when I break my fast I have more control over what I will eat.  But almost everyone can make it to 24 hours at one point or another.

Another reason why doing a 24-hour fast is easy for me on travel days?  I tend to be a morning traveler.  In other words, the last meal I eat will be dinner the day before.  I’ll go to sleep, wake up early, travel, and then by time we’re all set up in our place, we may go out for dinner.  Usually, that’s about 24 hours!  It’s that simple.

Generally speaking, you want to be taking it easy on fasting days.  Even if I’m flying, travel days tend to not be the most physically demanding as far as workouts are concerned, so for me it works out that way.

I think fasting is one of the most straightforward ways to make progress on your healthy journey if you can handle it from a metabolic standpoint.  There’s a reason I don’t start everyone on water fasting.  You have to build up to it.  I think travel days specifically are great days to incorporate it, so long as you’re staying hydrated!  

Quality Nutrition

“But what can I eat on vacation?!”

This is where most people I think just give up.  To some degree I get it, but there are plenty of things you can do when planning a trip to make healthy food choices.

Obviously, this is going to heavily depend on where you’re going, but I do think you can make some smart choices no matter where your adventures take you.

Planning Ahead

Yes, you might think this sounds like a “no, duh,” but how many people actually do it?  I will tell you- every single time my wife and I travel, we look at where we’re going and scope out both restaurants and markets before we leave for the trip.

Yes, it’s a little extra time, but it saves you A LOT of headaches and poor last-minute decisions.  You can even take the next step and make reservations at certain spots too.  I personally am a fan of hitting local markets, especially local farmers’ markets if they’re open, and loading up on whatever in season fruits are available at a minimum.  It’s easy for snacking or small meals if you have a big event planned later in the day.

Better yet, because AirBnBs have become so popular, more people have access to kitchens while they travel than ever before.  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS with easy simple meals when you have the opportunity!  

Most places, especially cities, will have decent options if you actually take the time to look and plan accordingly.  Will everything be perfect?  Probably not.  But it’s certainly better than winging it.

Baseline Nutrition Options

As I mentioned above, I am generally not a fan of traveling with baggies.  However, nowadays, there are nice travel containers that make it easier to travel with powders if you absolutely have to.  

If I want to shore up my nutrition when traveling, I want to make sure I’m getting the fruits and vegetables I need, ideally organic.  While I can do this at the store, sometimes it’s nice to have a little insurance, and this is where I personally like Purium’s products.  The nice thing about Purium is I know their foods are regeneratively grown, organic, wind-dried and dehydrated, meaning they are about as close as you can get to eating the real thing from a processing standpoint.

I do like their blends that can serve as pseudo meal replacements on trips, including:

I think all of these are fantastic options for travel.  At least you know you’ll be getting in some high-quality nutrition as a baseline.  I personally like blending these with fruits, but if you don’t have access to a blender, even adding these to water can work too.

As far as storage there are plenty of containers you can try containers like this if you want to avoid using plastic baggies.  I think these ones are great for trips!  You can opt to travel with glass containers, but of course, there’s a risk you run with that!

Binders

What Are Binders?

I’ll be open about this here- I am much more conservative with binder use than most people in this space.  And it isn’t because I don’t think they work.  They do.  In fact, many of them work really well.  So well that they will absorb the beneficial nutrients you consume as well, when taken at incorrect times.  Practically, I think they’re nice to have in a pinch, but am not a fan of using them long-term.  

Now, in a world that is inundated with more toxins than ever before with our water, air, soils, chemicals, pesticides, and many other toxins, it is important to be cognisant of how our detox pathways are working.  

This is partially why I think having your detox pathways not only online, but firing on all cylinders, is more important than nutrient density and nutrition in a vacuum.  Why? A clean digestive tract makes all those nutrients more available to the body to begin with!  No need to add more if the system isn’t working like it should.

Depending on when and where you’re traveling, sometimes binders can be an incredibly useful tool.

As the name suggests, binders are substances that “bind” toxins by either “trapping” them or attracting them to a negative charge, therefore neutralizing them.  Either way, they get eliminated via bowel movements.

Essentially, binders reduce the stress on the detoxification and elimination organs, and help prevent Herxheimer (or so-called “die-off”) reactions that may occur during a detox.

Most toxins are fat soluble.  Much of the liver’s job is to convert these fat-soluble toxins into water soluble ones for elimination.  If the liver is overloaded, these commonly end up stored in fat tissue until the liver has the capacity to deal with it.

Binders can help ease the load on the liver by binding to different chemicals, biotoxins, etc before getting to the liver, thus reducing the toxic load before they enter the body via the digestive tract.  

Important to note here that binders like activated charcoal DO NOT actually heal the gut or prevent damage from toxins.  They simply remove the toxins present.  That’s it.  This is why I like them only in emergency situations.

Here are some of the most popular ones you’ll see.

Activated Charcoal

As you might expect, activated charcoal is a black powder, and has been around in use for hundreds of years.  Activated charcoal is used today in cases of drug overdoses.  You may find it being used in poison control centers and some hospitals.

Activated charcoal is produced using a carbon source, like decomposed plants, wood, or coconut shells.  It is then “activated” through exposure to high heat and an activating agent- creating tiny pores and allowing for a larger surface area.  

Toxins can get caught in these pores and are ultimately eliminated via a bowel movement.  Usually, you can find activated charcoal in capsules, but it needs to be dissolved in a liquid for best results.  

Activated charcoal is great for pesticides, certain drugs, and even mold mycotoxins.  However, it is not a good choice for heavy metal binding.  

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay is another incredibly popular binder that has a storied history.  In fact, the name comes from Fort Benton, Wyoming, a town rich in this specific clay.  Bentonite clay is a natural clay derived from volcanic ashes.  

Bentonite can be useful for removing mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals from the body.  

Its effectiveness varies though.  Bentonite’s binding ability depends on the pH environment of the host.  While useful when needed, it can affect calcium uptake in the body and negatively impact thyroid hormones.  So again, not something you want to be consistently going back to, day after day.

Pectin

Apple pectin or modified citrus pectin are another popular choice for binding.  As the name might suggest, this comes from the apple skin or the inner white pulp of citrus- called the pith.

Pectin is a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls.  It is especially concentrated in the peel of fruit.  It is an insoluble fiber, meaning that we don’t directly absorb it, but our gut microbes use it for energy and in return produce short-chain fatty acids for us.

Pectin is most commonly used for heavy metal detoxes, but may also be useful for pesticides and mold as well.  

One of the issues with pectins in supplement form is that many…don’t work well.  Honestly, it’s probably better to blend up citrus or apples (or eat them whole) if you want to get the benefits.

Chlorella

If you’ve been around my content for a while, you know that I LOVE chlorella and spirulina.  Chlorella is a blue-green algae that is abundant in minerals, vitamins, fibers, and amino acids.  

Interestingly, chlorella can bind to dioxins, which are environmental contaminants emitted during manufacturing (like paper bleaching) and garbage incineration.

Chlorella is especially effective for removing heavy metals from the body.  I regularly recommend chlorella for those with mercury amalgam fillings and titanium implants, especially if they are getting them replaced for cleaner versions.  Easy to take with you and easy to travel with, I think these are great for travel too.

I personally love Purium’s Cracked Cell Chlorella as well as Medi-Chlorella-FX (Premier Research Labs).

Zeolites

Zeolites are probably the most popular new binders I see on the market- at least on social media.  For those who don’t know, zeolites are a naturally formed volcanic mineral, originating from ancient volcanic eruptions that occurred millennia ago.  The volcanic eruptions led to chemical interactions between volcanic ash, sea water, and lava, which resulted in a crystalline structure with distinctive, porous, and honeycomb-like structure containing aluminum, silica, and oxygen, with a negative charge.

There are about 40 naturally occurring zeolites forming in both volcanic and sedimentary rock formations.  The most frequently extracted varieties include chabazite, clinoptilolite, and mordenite.

Its negative charge is what makes it special.  Zeolite’s potent negative charge allows it to draw in positively charged toxins.  Its cage-like configuration securely entraps these toxins, preparing them for elimination from the body.

Zeolites have many uses, including NASA experimenting with them for storing hydrogen in fuel cells.  

The natural cage-like structure is what makes zeolites special.  Zeolites can be effective for removing radioactive particles from nuclear wastes and cleaning up soils contaminated with heavy metals.  Believe it or not, there are some farmers in Japan, following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, that were using zeolites in an attempt to trap lingering radioactive elements.  

The natural zeolite clinoptilolite is considered safe for human consumption.  In general, they are great anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antioxidant agents.  They are especially helpful for mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, ammonia, radioactive materials and support a healthy gut-brain barrier, microbiome, and inflammatory response.

My favorite zeolite is Cell Defender, and it is the one that I use personally. 

My Favorite Products for Binding

I think the best all-rounder is GI Detox from Biocidin Botanicals.  This is a favorite of mine because it combines the zeolite clay, activated charcoal, and apple pectin with humic acid and gut supports like silica and aloe vera.  The combination of ingredients makes for a fantastic all-around product, which would be my go-to in a pinch while traveling (either this or Cell Defender).  

I like that it has an herbal component and no fillers- and Biocidin Botanicals in general is one of my favorite companies for that reason.  GI Detox is a straightforward solution for both external and internally generated detoxification.  It facilitates healthy detox processes and comprehensive cleansing throughout the body, reducing issues like bloating and gas, aiding in the removal of mold metabolites, enhancing mental clarity, and making the detox experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Cellcore has some good products as well.  I personally like the Cellcore Binders- with Carboxy generally being the best.  However, Carboxy is unfortunately in a powder, which isn’t ideal for traveling.  So here are some other options for you- all of which are in capsule form.  All of which have slightly different applications.

If you want to check these out, you can use my code (UKsTZJGS – it is case sensitive so copy exactly as is here).

Sleep Aid

We’ve spent weeks talking about melatonin and its importance both inside cells and inside the brain.  Needless to say, if you’re not getting enough sleep or quality sleep, it can ruin your trip.

Syncing Your Body Clock

Grounding and finding sunlight as soon as you can should be a priority while traveling.  This is actually one of the best ways to minimize jet lag.  The more you can get in sync with the local environment, the easier it will be for your body clock to sync up with the local “clocks.”  Not only will grounding provide electrons and antioxidants, but it also syncs your body clocks with the Schumann Resonance, the heartbeat of the Earth, to whatever part of the planet you just might be on.  So as soon as you settle in, get those shoes off and find some grass or sand ASAP!

Getting in rhythm with the sun will be just as, if not more, beneficial.  The sooner you can get naked eyes on the sunrise and sunset, the easier it will be to get your sleep rhythm back on track in your new local environment. 

Lighting and Nighttime Activities

As you might imagine, the lighting in most hotel environments is not ideal for your sleep.  Lots of LEDs and CFLs.  I have seen some people go as far as to travel with red light bulbs and swap out a bulb or two during their trips.  Honestly, not the worst idea if you can save the bulbs from breaking during travel.

I know it’s tempting to wind down with the big screen in your hotel room, but it’s much better to do something more calming like reading a book or treating yourself to a bath.  


I also think traveling with blue blockers is a no-brainer at this point.  They are the simplest way to start blocking blue lights at night, and are easy to travel with.   If you haven’t tried them out yet, I highly recommend it.  I personally use Ra Optics, and you can check them out here.  You can use the code DRVINCENT to get 15% off your order.  

Herbal Formulas

As you already know, I am not a fan of melatonin supplementation.  After taking it for a few weeks, it will negatively impact your body’s ability to generate it on its own.  That’s not good for you long-term. There are better options out there.

Bach Rescue Remedy is a classic that is still the go-to for general stress and nervousness.  You simply need a couple of drops in your water bottle or under the tongue will do the trick when travel is getting the best of you.

Lavender Essential Oil can serve a few purposes while traveling.  You can rub some onto your ear lobe to calm the senses and to help you get a good night’s sleep.   You can add lavender to your lotion or aloe to soothe a sunburn, or apply directly to small scrapes (not bleeding, open wounds) for soothing and anti-bacterial properties.

Valerian Complex (Mediherb) is one of my go-tos for sleep support while traveling.  It is the one I personally take with me on trips.  As you know, traveling can be stressful, and one of the best ways to re-regulate that nervous system is to get your sleep back on track.  As long as you’re practicing good sleep hygiene, I personally love this blend to help me wind down and get a great night’s rest.

Dr. Morse’s Valerian or Hops tinctures can be great options as well.

You can even check out our Herbal Infusions’ Sleepy Time Tea!

Other herbal formulas that contain the following herbs can be helpful for sleep.

Other options include

Adaptogen Support

If you’re looking for more general adrenal and stress support, then you have quite a few options on your hands.  Your adaptogens will be your best friends here.  These include astragalus, ashwagandha, reishi, goji berry, lion’s mane, maca, cordyceps, ginseng, etc.  Some of my favorite options include…

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is essentially a miscommunication between the eyes and brain.  The brain is expecting a certain outcome, but the eyes relay a different image because of the movement.  Motion sickness can occur from any movement, like bumps in the road, waves in the ocean, swaying on a train, or turbulence on a plane.

Ginger has a long history being used as a natural remedy for alleviating motion sickness and addressing common stomach issues.  It is great for relieving sporadic bouts of nausea, easing an upset stomach, particularly after indulging in excessive eating.

Ginger & Turmeric Pro (Gaia Herbs) is great to bring for this specifically.  So is peppermint oil.

Acupressure bands are also a really nice option for motion sickness.  The bands work on the pressure points in the wrist to stop the feelings of nausea without feeling drowsy and without the use of medications.  There are studies that support the use of acupressure bands to lessen motion sickness for travelers.  

If you don’t want to buy a band, that’s OK!  For nausea, you can stimulate the P6 acupuncture point yourself.  P6 is located three finger-widths proximal to the wrist crease in the center of the forearm on the palmar-side of the hand.  You can find it between two tendons (see picture below).

To activate this point, simply press down with your thumb, making circular movements for 2-3 minutes.  You can repeat this process as many times as you need to. 

Dehydration can also be a major contributor to motion sickness and nausea.  Make sure to avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeinated coffees/teas/sports drinks/energy drinks, sodas, and other highly acidic drinks.  

Diaphragmatic breathing can also be a useful tool for nausea and motion sickness.  One study found that diaphragmatic breathing alone was effective at reducing the sensation of motion sickness during a virtual reality experience (VR can sometimes induce more motion sickness than real-life trips for many).   

Fresh air is also great for nausea.  Stuffy environments are simply not helpful when it comes to motion sickness.  This can be as simple as cracking a car window or going outside if on a boat.

Finally, where you’re looking is important.  Because of the way the brain perceives motion, it is helpful to avoid reading or watching anything on a screen while in motion.  This includes texting and watching movies.  If you absolutely have to, read or watch something for a few minutes at a time.  

Then take a break to stare at a fixed point (like the horizon), or try listening to music or an audiobook instead.  Focusing on the horizon, you are fixing on a stable point in the distance, which helps synchronize the information between the eyes and the vestibular system of the brain.  If you’re traveling by plane, try to get a window seat.  

Nausea & Vomiting

Peppermint, chamomile, fennel, and ginger are all incredibly useful to help soothe the stomach and relieve nausea.  

GINGER OIL —Aids in healthy digestion when used internally. Useful for the pancreas, for circulation, arthritis, cramps, tooth-aches, as a laxative, and for hangovers. Eases occasional indigestion and nausea when used as an internal-use digestive aid.  Provides a soothing and calming aroma.

PEPPERMINT OIL — Ideal for respiratory congestion; for use as an antispasmodic. When ingested, Peppermint essential oil promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing.  Peppermint oil promotes digestive health when taken internally. Use for skin conditions; for inflammation; for urinary tract support; and mental clarity. Helps relieve morning sickness, shock, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Use for gallstones, and for toothache.

THYME OIL —  Experimental research suggests that Thyme essential oil may have antioxidant qualities when consumed internally.   Anti-parasitic for all types of parasites: fungal, bacterial, viral, or worms. Use in cases of lung congestion, stress, anxiety and tension (when adrenal glands need support), skin disorders, thyroid-related problems (like depression or skin conditions), lymphatic/congestive conditions, tumors, nausea, gout, cardiac problems, circulation, and throat congestion.  Take internally to support a healthy immune system.  Naturally repels insects. 

Microbiome Balancers

Maintaining a balanced and healthy gut microbiota is essential for digestive well-being, but being in a new environment can upset your microbial balance.  When traveling to less-developed regions, be extra cautious of the quality of the water you consume and any produce that might have been washed with tap water.

If you still happen to be having some discomfort, then it’s worth it to have a formula on hand to help bring balance back to your gut.

My absolute favorite for travel is the Biocidin LSF Throat Spray.  The throat spray is nice for travel because the uptake is a bit faster than the tincture, which is great for acute situations that arise while traveling.  It has many of my favorite herbs to restore balance, including bilberry (helps with irritation, soreness, inflammation), noni (potent antioxidant), milk thistle, echinacea, goldenseal, white willow bark, garlic, black walnut, oregano, tea tree, grape seed, and more.  It’s just a fantastic all-around product and is one of my go-tos for many acute situations.  I tend to prefer the standard tincture for longer term use, but for travel, this is best.

Gut Support

Perhaps the most common complaint when traveling is digestive issues.  Depending on where you are going, part of this can be food quality, part of this can be water quality, but I think the biggest part is adapting to your new environment.  This is why (as an American) we experience so-called Montezuma’s Revenge when going to Mexico.  However, Mexicans deal with the same issue coming to the states.  

It takes a while for that internal ecosystem to adjust.  

Constipation

Maybe TMI, but this is the one I tend to struggle with the most when traveling.  Traveling is stressful, one way or another, and the bowels are one of the first places to take a hit.  That being said, having some sort of formula that will help to get the bowels moving I think is paramount.  For me, this and the sleep aid are probably the two most important ones for me while traveling.

I personally LOVE Dr Morse’s GI Formulas, specially for this case, GI Moderate Mover, GI Super Mover, or GI Broom.  The other formulas are great too, but they are a little bit more reliant on knowing each person’s individual situation.  You can use this link and code DRVINCENT to save.  I think Dr. Morse’s Herbs are some of the herbs on the planet.

Digestive Enzymes?

While I personally don’t take digestive enzymes when at home and consuming whole-food, plant-based meals, it is something I consider when I travel.  Now where are most of your digestive enzymes coming from?  Your pancreas!

Digestive enzymes help break down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in our food.  Once broken down into the simplest substances (simple sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, the body can then absorb and utilize them.  

Obviously, your body should be creating all of the digestive enzymes you need, but the norm (hopefully) isn’t heavy foods, bottomless brunches, and boozy nights out that tend to be more common when traveling.  No judgment!  Just saying!

I wouldn’t recommend digestive enzymes indefinitely.  Ideally, your pancreas should be able to do its job.  But if you know you’re going to indulge on a short trip, they are worth considering.   

I really like Dr. Morse’s Pancreas Support Capsules.  Some people like papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple), but if you know anything about me, I prefer whole foods and herbs that support the body moreso than isolates.  You can use this link and code DRVINCENT to save. 

Also, I find the doTERRA essential oil blend DigestZen to be incredibly useful here.  You only need 1-2 drops in 8oz of water prior to a meal (or after) for it to work its magic.  

If I absolutely had to pick a digestive enzyme, again, I’d prefer it to come from plants, which is why I prefer Break It Down from Ora Organics.

Probiotics

Similar to my feelings on digestive enzymes, I generally am not a huge fan of probiotic supplements.  Over time, your microbiome will shift given your environmental inputs (ie. what you eat, drink, think, breathe, put on your skin, and how you interact with Nature).

There are exceptions to this.  For example, consistent antibiotic use can and will wipe out certain bacteria indefinitely, as far as we know.  This is not good because microbiome diversity IS one of the strongest correlations we have for good health.  In other words, the more diverse your microbiome, the more robust health you tend to have.  Antibiotics kill…well, everything.  This might save your life in an absolute emergency, but it wreaks havoc on the back end whether you’re aware of it or not.  

“So doc, why not just take probiotics?  Wouldn’t they just repopulate?”  Not exactly how it works.  In fact, I have clinically seen more transient effects of probiotics.  What I mean by that is this: you may experience benefits while taking Probiotic Supplement X, but as soon as you stop taking it, the symptoms come back.  This is not healing.  This is symptom management.  You need to find the root cause and fix it.

Obviously, travel isn’t the norm most of the time for most people.  I do think probiotics can be used in a pinch, but I prefer other gut supports mentioned already. 

My favorite general probiotic is Megaspore.  If I ever feel like a probiotic is necessary (which is VERY rare), this is the one I go with.  I do think this can help when changing countries and getting accustomed to a new water supply, for example.  For that reason, it is worth considering.  

Pain Relief or Muscle Soreness

Movement

Long periods of inactivity never really do the body any good.  We are meant to move!  This is why you feel sore even after just sitting for a long flight or drive.  

Doing anything you can to get moving would be the best thing to do here.

No matter where you travel, make sure to bring shoes and clothes for exercise.  The easiest way to skip out is to say “oh well I didn’t pack what I needed.”  Don’t be that person. 

Especially during or after traveling, mobility work is super important.  Yes, walking is great, but you want to also make sure you are getting full range of motion in all of your joints.  Yoga, light calisthenics, and mobility routines are your friends.  Make use of them.  The more you move the better you will feel.  Twist, bend, turn, move things with your body, play a sport, make sure you are doing something after traveling for a long period!

Herbal Supports

That being said, if you have aches or soreness during/while traveling, it’s nice to have some support if aches and pains are something that are present during your travels.

Natural pain relief remedies can include arnica (Arnicare Cream from Boiron Homeopathics is great) or calendula creams applied topically.  Anti-inflammatory herbs like white willow, turmeric, cinnamon, boswellia, cloves, and others can be invaluable as well.  You may also want to try warm or cold compresses.

Arnica gel is one of the staples worth packing, depending on the type of trip you’re going on.  Ski trip? Hiking? Surfing?  Any kind of sporting event you’re partaking in?  Having arnica gel handy is great.

Other anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, clove, frankincense, and white willow are all fantastic options to help manage this in a pinch.  

Turmeric specifically can be nice because of its wide range of benefits.  Even the best vacations bring along some stressors.  Anti-inflammatory herbs can take some of the stress off and give your body the boost it needs after air travel.  

Some of my favorites:

My Favorite All-Purpose: Colloidal Silver

Colloidal Silver particles have a unique electrical and chemical signature.  They are able to neutralize viral material within the cellular structure itself.  Silver ion works via the mechanism of attempting to re-balance itself by sourcing electrons from electron donors.  This is important because pathogenic stressors (virus/fungus/bacteria) have one thing in common: they tend to be electron donors.

Upon contact with a pathogen, their thin cellular wall explodes as a rapid exchange of electrons takes place.  When this happens, bacteria, virus or mold in question can no longer function, and degrades quickly and is thus rendered harmless.

Healthy tissue within the body has cells composed of thicker cell walls, also having a balanced charge.  Spares the beneficial bacteria within the gut.

The nano silver also emits a resonant frequency through the water in a process called epitaxy. This frequency vibrates at the same wavelength as ultraviolet light, between 890-910 terahertz.  This is the same frequency as germicidal UV light.  Therefore, it has many uses.  

My favorite is AVINI Nano Silver

Where to Find Herbal Formulas

Ideally, if you can find an herbalist near you that is familiar with these herbs and their purpose, that is great!  You would want to make sure their herbs are organic and/or wildcrafted.  I personally use formulas from a variety of companies that are third party tested for safety and potency.  Many of which can be found on my dispensary through Fullscript, linked here.  Again- I tend to gravitate towards whole-herb products, not ones with individual nutrients as I believe that whole plant constituents are much greater than the individual components.  If you join my dispensary, you get a 10% discount on everything you order through it!

There are certain companies I will link in the order of the ones I tend to gravitate towards the most:

Traveling Safely

I hope you enjoyed this slight detour! I hope this is helpful for your next trip, and I may come back to make edits to this as things change!

If you’re going to travel, you should be enjoying your trip, right?

We’ll be back with more fun stuff next week!

Enjoy your next vacation!  

Dr. Vincent Esposito

Want More?

Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you:

  1. Start transforming your health with the best foods & herbs Nature already provides. Detox, lose weight, and boost energy- today!  There is information on over 150 other herbs and superfoods in my book Nature’s Kitchen & Cabinet! 
  2. I have a BRAND NEW 10-minute video to show you how to Transform Your Life and Overcome Insulin Resistance… FOR FREE!  You can check it out here!  I hope to see you there!
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