Holiday health problems are often forgotten about when planning a holiday until someone comes down with something and then we rush to the local pharmacy trying to explain the symptoms and finding the right remedy. Some forward planning on identifying some common holiday health problems can make this unnecessary since most common holiday health problems are easily preventable or treatable. I have put together some of the most common holiday health problems that our customers contact me about, giving brief explanations and possible ways to prevent or treat them.

How to fend off travellers diarrhoea

When people travel abroad, especially to developing countries, their risk of getting travellers tummy, travellers bug or travellers' diarrhoea is increased. This is a big holiday health problem because your holiday can be ruined by unsafe or contaminated food. Many places outside of Europe do not have the investment and regulation for water supply, refuse disposal and sewerage that we take for granted in the UK. Food poisoning on holiday is often cause by contaminated or tainted water, poor hygiene by food handlers, contamination of food by insects such as flies and wasps and numerous other possible causal factors.

The normal treatment for food poisoning and travellers diarrhoea treatment is prescribed antibiotics and whilst they perform their role of destroying the harmful bacteria, they are not without side effects and can disrupt the balance of the good bacteria in our gut. This does not mean that you should not take antibiotics when you have food poisoning, but you may be able to prevent this concern or certainly replace the good bacteria lost through antibiotic usage by using a good probiotic.

I normally tend to recommend the use of a good probiotic supplement such as Mega Probio, usually taken seven days before your holiday, whilst on holiday and for another week upon your return. Probiotics are live bacteria that confer a wide array of positive benefits to our bodies. Specifically from the food poisoning point, maintaining a healthy microbiome may help to fight of disease-causing bacteria which commonly cause food poisoning.

If you do get diarrhoea, then Enterosgel Sachets should help to quickly normalise bowel movement. Enterosgel Sachets contain a specific type of silica that helps shorten or stop diarrhoea, and adsorb toxins and inflammatory chemicals that cause inflammation of the bowels leading to diarrhoea. 

How to treat prickly heat

Prickly Heat, also known as miliaria or heat rash, is a skin condition that occurs in hot, humid weather conditions when small particles of sweat block the sweat glands causing a rash to appear on the body. The rash can develop anywhere on the body, but it most commonly occurs on the face, neck, back, chest and thighs. It is composed of tiny spots or bumps that are surrounded by an area of red inflamed and itchy skin. The trapped sweat causes localised irritation and the characteristic heat rash.

Whilst prickly heat can also occur during the winter months in those that sweat excessively, there is a theory that it is the exposure of the skin to the sun, that in some, causes a photochemical reaction which releases compounds that can cause excessive sweating resulting in the blockage of the sweat glands and the characteristic rash.

I have had positive feedback from the use of a stinging nettle supplement such as Stinging Nettle Urtica Drops by A. Vogels for both the prevention and treatment of prickly heat. Stinging Nettle supplements are commonly used to provide relief of hay fever and other allergies because of their ability to inhibit the release of histamine which is responsible for the rash. A. Vogels Stinging Nettle supplement also display powerful diuretic properties helping to eliminate the compounds that are responsible for the inflammation of the sweat glands.

Another useful product, which instantly cools, comforts and helps provide relief from itching is Thyme Out. This thyme spray displays a multitude of benefits aside from alleviating the itching associated with prickly heat. This water-based tincture of thyme works for numerous concerns including cuts, grazes and all types of skin rashes.

Since prickly heat is a photochemical reaction, I would recommend the use of a topical sun protection product with a high UVA/UVB protection such as Extreme Protect SPF 40 which not only provides high protection but is also free from oils and perfumes that may aggravate skin.

Preventing & treating insect bites

One of the most common holiday health problems, and an annoying one, are insect bites; there is no doubt that some people are more prone to insect bites than others but we do not fully understand why.

Multiple studies indicate that taking vitamin B1 is a proven way to make you less prone to insect bites. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a very safe, non-toxic vitamin. This vitamin, when taken in large doses, apparently produces a skin odour that is not detectable by humans but is disagreeable by flying insects. It seems to be especially suitable for those with hypersensitive allergic individuals, and usually takes about two weeks to fully saturate the skin. I recommend taking Vitamin B1 500mg by Solgar Vitamins, take one tablet daily two weeks before your holidays and also during your holiday.

There are many topical insect repellent sprays on the market but please ensure that you do not use one containing DEET. The chemical DEET (N,N diethyl –toluamide) is a highly effective insect repellent however there are some downsides to using products that contain it. Firstly, it smells bad. Secondly, it leaves an unpleasant oily residue on skin. Finally, it is certainly toxic if ingested but numerous studies suggest that it has a serious effect on our nervous system.

When it comes to topical insect repellents, I prefer DEET-free mosquito repellent sprays and always recommend either Acqua D’Alfresco Anti-Bug Bite Spray or Mrs White’s Unstung Hero.  For babies and children, use Acqua D’Alfresco Anti-Bug Bite Moisturizer.

For mosquito bites as well as other insect bites, Moskinto patches are a great drug-free, chemical-free insect bites treatment patches suitable for the whole family. These insect bite patches have a unique grid-shaped invention that has a subtle lifting effect allowing the itch-causing residue left behind to drain into the lymphatic system and hence provide immediate itch relief.

Electrolytes for hydration

During the warmer summer months, whether you are on holiday or otherwise, it is important to ensure that the body is hydrated to maintain overall health. Electrolytes are minerals that help with cell communication and to help maintain balance in the body.

Each electrolyte mineral has a specific function. Sodium regulates water balance and blood pressure, potassium helps the function of muscles and nerves, chloride works to maintain cell fluid balance and pH, whilst magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body including muscle and nerve function, protein manufacture, and the health of our bones.

Maintaining electrolyte balance is important especially during hot weather because:

Electrolytes ensure that all cells are hydrated. This balance helps normal cell function, nutrient transport, waste disposal, and signalling within the cells.

By ensuring the body stays hydrated, electrolytes may help to prevent dehydration. Not drinking enough fluids, sweating profusely and traveller’s diarrhoea can all cause dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes may play a role in heat related illnesses such as when the body’s cooling mechanism is overloaded. Sweating leads to the loss of water and electrolytes. If these electrolytes are not replenished in time, the electrolyte imbalance may contribute to heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Maintaining electrolyte levels throughout the summer or during your holidays may help reduce these risks.

Viridian Electrolyte Fix Liquid is an electrolyte supplement that helps you stay hydrated during the summer months and achieve electrolyte balance in the body.

How to try & prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deeper veins in the body. The condition often affects the legs with swelling and leg pain being the most common features, however many people with DVT may not have any symptoms. The biggest concern with the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins is the risk that this clot may dislodge and shoot to the lungs. If the clot is big enough then this can be fatal. DVT’s form as a result on inactivity, whether on a long plane journey or even a long ride in the car. Whilst the probabilities of DVT’s forming on plane journeys are low, there are many other risk factors which include being overweight, smoking, high blood pressure and of course long periods of inactivity.

It is for this reason that I always recommend moving around the cabin on a plane as soon as possible and as insurance to take a specific circulatory supplement called Diosmin Plus by VH. Traditionally used for improving the symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins, Diosmin Plus contains a very specific combination herbal extract, called Diosmin 95 together with Red Vine Leaf which has been shown to also help improve circulation in the lower limbs effectively. Diosmin Plus is not suitable for those on blood thinning medications and is not a treatment for DVT. 

In addition, or perhaps for those who do not wish to take a supplement, there is a clever little gadget called Airogym Exerciser. Invented by an ex-British Airways long-haul captain, the Airogym Exerciser is a low cost, pocket-sized inflatable cushion which is very easy to use whilst being seated on a plane that has been shown to increase blood flow quickly and effectively.

How to avoid jet lag

One of the most common holiday health problems faced by air travellers crossing different time zones is jet lag. It is characterised by a number of symptoms which can be severe or mild depending upon the length of the journey and include nausea, diarrhoea, depression, loss of appetite, fatigue and headaches. Most people find it difficult to sleep because their bodies are not synchronised to the current time zone.

A  jet lag treatment remedy that I normally recommend is DoSe Sleep Tight Plus capsules. There are many sleep remedies on the market but this herbal remedy for sleep contains Magnolia bark which works to physically relax the body and reduce levels of stress hormones. Sleep Tight supplement for sleep also contains herbs such as Valerian, Passionflower, Hops, and Oat straw that work with sleep induction and sleep quality so that they contribute to a reduction in tiredness when waking up. 

Regulating your sleep cycle to the timetable in your destination is always a good idea because it will then allow your body to adjust quickly to both sleeping and waking up at the correct time in your destination.

Summer cold sores

Cold sores in the summer are often triggered by sunlight. Summer cold sores may be caused by a number of factors such as increased exposure to sunlight, increased humidity and lack of sleep. If you get cold sores in the summer, it is important to wear a sunblock with an SPF 30 or higher, avoid excessive sun exposure, and do not share personal items such as lip balms, utensils or towels.

If you get recurrent summer cold sores, take some Lysine tablets by Lamberts a couple of weeks before your holiday and during your holiday. Apply Lysine Lip Balm by Good Health Naturally is a moisturising lip balm that contains monolaurin and l-lysine which can speed up the recovery from summer cold sores. This lip balm also contains zinc oxide which provides some natural protection against the sun.

How to ease travel sickness

Believe it or not, travel sickness affects between 60% and 70% of the world’s population at one time or another whether it is on a plane, in a car, on a boat or ship. It is an awful feeling and symptoms include nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Travel sickness is thought to be induced as a result of conflicting messages sent to a very specific region in the brain from the visual, gastrointestinal and inner ear nerves with the resulting side effects.

Avoid eating high fat or highly acidic foods before travelling, particularly if you are prone to travel sickness. Eat neutral foods such as yoghurt, crackers, breads and cereals a few hours before flying. Strong smells such as perfumes have an impact on travel sickness making it worse. Avoid reading whilst travelling because this takes your vision away from your location and can interfere with your balance and possibly cause nausea.

Ginger is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used as a travel sickness remedy and has recently passed scientific scrutiny. Experiments have shown that ginger capsules were more effective than an over-the-counter medicine in preventing travel sickness. The researchers concluded that ginger absorbs acids and blocks nausea in the gastrointestinal tract. The supplement I recommend is Ginger Capsules by Lamberts and take one capsule daily three or four days before your journey.

How to alleviate plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a broad ligament-like structure that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes, acting like a thick rubber band on the bottom arch of the foot. It plays an important part in the way the foot is designed to operate whilst walking or running.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia when the ligament suffers from microscopic tears due either to poor biomechanics, over utilization or being overweight. For the more adventurous ones who like to go on long walks or mountain climbing, plantar fasciitis is a real problem and the pain can be very excruciating. The pain of plantar fasciitis can also be triggered by excessive barefoot walking or walking without proper protection for the arch especially during the summer months due to excessive wearing of flip-flops. Old or worn-out sneakers are the biggest wrongdoers for this concern.

For the alleviation of the pain of Plantar Fasciitis, or for that matter any joint or muscle pain, I would recommend the use of Pure Magnesium Oil Original Spray by Life-Flo. Magnesium helps to relax muscles and nerves and when applied topically works to almost instantly relieve pain. The magnesium from the spray is also absorbed transdermally through the skin into the bloodstream where it also works from within the body.

There is one product which I would recommend packing into the suitcase or handbag even if all the above concerns do not affect you – Sheald Recovery Balm. This powerful reparative cream helps to heal, protect, soothe and nourish skin. It can be used to heal cuts, grazes, wounds, calm inflamed skin concerns such as prickly heat and rosacea, as well as helping to reduce itching and general dryness.

So pre-empt holiday health problems so that you can enjoy your summer vacation and don’t forget to drink enough water and eat the right foods to meet your body’s summer-time needs.

 

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