Supplements you should take on Holiday

, Features

The arrival of August signals the great exodus, as many of us go away on holiday. Whether you’re “staycationing” in the UK, or heading off somewhere exotic, it’s important to continue supporting your body with effective nutrition. It’s always the way that as soon as the first day of holiday hits, so does a cold or a stomach bug?!

Here are our recommendations for keeping healthy this Summer:

Vitamins and minerals

Ensure you are consuming a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in supporting your immune system, energy levels, and overall health. In fact, including a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products in your meals will help obtain a diverse array of essential nutrients – a vital part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

A comprehensive multivitamin formula is a great tool to maintain and optimise your health on a daily basis. In addition, when you’re away on holiday, it’s handy to have all the essential nutrients in one or two capsules. Multivitamins also contain B vitamins and other minerals which are crucial for energy support and nervous system health.

Here are two of our nutritionists favourite multivitamins:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to heart and eye health, brain function and reducing inflammation in the body. The omega-3/omega-6 ratio in your body is important. If this gets out of balance, your body becomes more susceptible to inflammation. Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, anchovies), flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

On holiday, most of us tend to eat less healthy, fattier food, which is often rich in omega-6. To compensate, it is important to make sure you consume omega-3.

We recommend making sure either (or both) of these products find their way into your suitcase:

Fibre

Including sources of dietary fibre in your meals helps to support digestion, manage weight and maintain stable blood sugar levels. High-fibre foods include whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread), legumes (beans, lentils), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

For those prone to constipation, we recommend taking the following fibre supplement with you on holiday. This will naturally help move your bowels regularly and support a healthy digestive tract. It can also help occasional constipation and support your overall digestive health.

Probiotics

Taking probiotics on holiday can be a crucial preventive measure against stomach bugs and diarrhoea, which are common travel-related health issues. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that promote a healthy balance of gut flora, aiding in digestion and supporting the immune system.

When travelling, exposure to unfamiliar foods, water and environmental/climate changes can disrupt the natural balance of your gut bacteria, leading to digestive discomfort and diarrhoea. Taking probiotics with you on your summer getaway can help strengthen your gut’s defence mechanisms and increase the presence of beneficial bacteria, helping to fend off harmful pathogens and reducing the risk of a gastrointestinal interruption to your break.

These are our favourite belly buddies:

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are our reliable ‘soldiers’. They are vital for keeping free radical damage at minimum levels in our bodies. They play a huge role in all bodily systems. Antioxidants help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to various health issues.

Antioxidants help enhance our skin’s environmental protection and self-repair, protect against skin damage and reduce visible signs of aging. They are vital for Summer skin health. Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

This is a great value antioxidant complex, which will fit snugly in your beach bag:

Hydration

And finally, don’t forget water! Remember to stay hydrated during the holidays by drinking plenty of water. Water is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption and overall bodily functions.

Enjoy your holiday, indulge in moderation and make conscious choices to prioritise your health and wellbeing.

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