Travel Health

Sitting for long periods of time or stuck in a car all day can have us break a normal routine of good hydration, balanced nutrition and regular movement. Movement stimulates the gut, so sitting for long periods of time can cause bowel movements to become irregular. In turn, this can lead to unwanted and uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, indigestion and gas.

Those who have headed abroad, having survived the airport queues, the plane, train and bus trips and questionable food options, can then be hit by roaring diarrhea or brutal constipation.

Time differences can pose a problem. Many people have a normal bowel movement routine, but when jetlag or a new time zone shifts that schedule it can mess up that routine. We often trade in our daily exercise, litres of water and fibre-fortified morning cereal for buffet feasts, afternoon drinks and hours lazing by the pool only to end up experiencing traveller's constipation. 

Because everyone’s microbiome is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all trick for preventing traveller’s constipation, but there are a few methods that typically prove helpful. Drinking plenty of water and eating high-fibre foods makes it easier for stool to pass through the intestines. Also it’s important to move around regularly, this helps overall circulation and your bowels will be happier for it.

Laxatives may come to mind when needing a quick fix for constipation. These can cause cramping with urgent, explosive movements and can lead to a lazy or dependent bowel. A gentle, natural option is Nature’s Sunshine Lower Bowel Support. It can be taken every day to support bowel regularity, elimination of toxins, comfortable digestion and healthy liver function. This is an ideal addition for any traveller or for those who are inactive or spend a lot of time sitting.

Diarrhoea and parasites are another traveller’s nightmare.  Drinking contaminated water, eating rich delicacies, exotic street food, contact with animals and questionable hygiene can leave even the seasoned traveller running for the nearest loo.

Nature’s Sunshine Activated Charcoal is your first aid must have. Charcoal is a well-known remedy for food poisoning, diarrhoea, intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting. This fast acting remedy absorbs and removes harmful toxins, cleansing and detoxifying irritants from the gastrointestinal system.

Parasites can also be picked up home or abroad, with many of us not even knowing we have them. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, bloating and gas, constipation, nausea, fever, fatigue, weight-loss, food allergies, hives, yeast infection, irritability and immune dysfunction.

This is where Nature’s Sunshine Para-Cleanse is a must for travellers. Broad spectrum ingredients help kill off and expel parasites and their eggs, whilst soothing the gastrointestinal tract and boosting the immunity.  Parasite cleansing is designed to rebalance disturbed intestinal bacteria, restore poor digestion, prevent allergic exposure, and repair the gut.