Nomad Essentials: The Best Supplements For Travelling

Whether it’s a gap year exploring Southeast Asia or a working adventure across the pond, travel delivers unforgettable moments and experiences. However, while exciting journeys await, your body has to keep up with new time zones, cuisines and environments. So, while navigating between different regions is vital for any traveller, navigating your health is just as challenging and important.

If you have an upcoming trip or are looking to book one, let us help you with the planning process by telling you exactly what supplements you need to add to your regimen. From probiotics for your immune system strong to vitamins and minerals that help you adapt to new time zones, we’ve got you covered on all fronts. Let’s waste not time and dive into what you need to squeeze into your rucksack. 

Immune Support

The Problem

When you travel, you might notice that your gut doesn’t always respond well. This is largely because it’s forced to adjust to new routines and sleep cycles.

Your circadian rhythm, or, to put it in simple terms, your internal body clock, takes a a bit of a hit when your environment changes. This rhythm deeply influences digestion, especially colonic motility, the process of moving waste through the colon. For those who already suffer from slow digestion or constipation, these disruptions can trigger bloating and discomfort as the gut works to adapt to the sudden changes.

If only that were the sole factor affecting our gut when we travel. Most of us try our best to indulge in foods we wouldn’t typically eat at home, whether it’s exotic local dishes, heavier meals, or even just food with different ingredients and preparation methods. 

These sudden dietary shifts can surprise the gut, which may not be accustomed to digesting unfamiliar foods efficiently. New or rich ingredients can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, or even digestive discomfort as the gut microbiome adjusts.

The Solution

So, what can you do to protect your gut? The answer lies in probiotics!

When the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is disrupted, by factors such as environmental and dietary changes, probiotics help replenish the good bacteria, supporting gut health and overall well-being.

This can help you avoid all of the unwanted results associated with a plethora of harmful bacteria being present in your gut.

With so many probiotic strains available, choosing the right one for your travels can be a challenge. Saccharomyces boulardii, however, stands out as particularly effective in preventing digestive issues while abroad. So, if you want to avoid being confined to the bathroom instead of exploring the wonders of the world, don’t forget to pack some!

Sleep Support

The Problem

As already mentioned, travel, especially across time zones, can disrupt your circadian rhythm. This misalignment occurs when your body’s natural rhythm doesn’t match the local time, and can lead to sleep disturbances like jet lag. 

There are two primary hormones involved in this process:

1. Cortisol, which helps you stay alert
2. Melatonin, which signals your body to sleep

When you travel, exposure to light at the wrong times can throw off the production of these hormones, making it harder to fall asleep or stay awake at the appropriate times.

These disruptions can lead to fragmented sleep cycles, leaving you feeling groggy and irritable. Instead of soaking in the sights and enjoying your travels, you’ll be battling jet lag, with your mood and well-being taking a hit. Not exactly the kind of memories you want to make!

The Solution

So, what can you do to sort your sleep out?

L-Tryptophan, vitamin B6 and magnesium are three supplements that can all play key roles in helping your body adjust to the travel-induced chaos of jet lag and sleep disruptions.

Here’s how…

Taking these supplements just before and at the beginning of your travel adventure should help your body get used to the new time zone as quickly as possible.

Energy Support

The Problem

Even if you’re not dealing with time zones or jet lag, travelling can often leave you feeling drained due to constant exposure to new stimuli. While the excitement of new experiences is energising, it can also leave you mentally and physically exhausted as time goes on. 

The Solution

Obviously everyone wants the end of their trip to be as special as the start. So, what do you do when you find yourself feeling more fatigued than you’d expect?

Caffeine, as you may have expected, can help you power through, boosting alertness and reducing mental fatigue. By stimulating the central nervous system and raising adrenaline levels, it enhances your endurance, keeping you going for longer. 

But the real magic happens when caffeine is paired with L-Theanine. Found in green tea, L-Theanine works in harmony with caffeine to balance its stimulating effects. It calms the jitters, promoting a smooth, focused energy that lasts longer without the crash. 

Finding a way to squeeze this potent combination into your bag will ensure you have the energy to enjoy every last second of your trip!