Traveling can be a lot of fun provided that you stay healthy along the way. This isn’t always as simple as it seems. Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, you can pretty much count on being exposed to a wide assortment of germs and microscopic spoilsports that, under the wrong circumstances, could dampen your good time. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help fortify your immune system and keep you running strong. Whenever we hit the road, I use three specific supplements to shield myself from the unseen hazards of travel. About 10 years ago or so, echinacea was all the rage. If you mentioned the words, “I think I’m coming down with a cold”, it’s likely that some caring family member or friend would suggest an extract of “purple coneflower”. But over the past decade, inconsistent results in clinical trials have caused this herbal extract to lose some of its luster. I think the inconsistencies have to do with variations in the composition of the products being tested. Herbal remedies are not “cookie cutter” medicine. Plants simply don’t grow under the exact same conditions every time. What ultimately ends up in a capsule reflects many variables, including how an herb is grown, extracted and the quality control measures that are used to ensure its ultimate content. This understanding has allowed me to confidently continue to use a high quality, reliable echinacea based extract for years with good success. ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) The cornerstone of my travel supplement routine is a product by Natural Factors called Anti-V Formula . Its primary ingredient is a patented Echinacea purpea flower and root concentrate. Anti-V also features several other botanical extracts. Astragalus – This root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Proponents such as Dr. Andrew Weil often recommend it as an immune tonic that may be used for extended periods of time. Modern science has also documented its anti-viral activity and suggested that it may have a compounding/synergisitic affect when combined with other medicinal extracts such as echinacea, garlic and licorice. ( 4 , 5 , 6 ) Licorice – This fragrant root is extremely versatile. Recent evidence indicates that it can support immune function during periods of poor dietary intake and combat a variety of

viral invaders. ( 7 , 8 ) Lomatium – Is a root that has significant historical application in the Native American healing tradition. It is believed to have played a valuable role in combating the 1917 Spanish influenza in this community. Modern scientific inquiries are beginning to validate its therapeutic potential as well. ( 9 , 10 ) Reishi – Is one of the most widely used medicinal mushrooms in the far East. It contains a variety of phytochemicals that have demonstrated both immune boosting and virus fighting applications. ( 11 , 12 ) I also make sure to take a good garlic supplement prior to and during my time away from home. The scientific literature not only supports garlic’s role in combating infection, but it’s also widely known to promote healthy circulation. ( 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ) Long plane trips have occasionally been implicated in dangerous blood clotting episodes (pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis) in sensitive individuals. ( 18 ) Encouraging the healthy flow of blood may help to counter such unwanted side-effects. Based on my research, I’ve chosen to use an enterically coated garlic extract called GarlicFactors that is standardized to 6,150 mcg of allicin per tablet. My final travel-friendly supplement is a probiotic called Culturelle . The reason why I use this particular product is because it’s one of the most successful and extensively studied nutraceuticals of its kind. The medical literature is filled with examples of beneficial bacteria supporting the immune system, but they also keep the digestive process working as it should. ( 19 , 20 , 21 ) Issues relating to constipation, diarrhea and even protection against food borne micro-organisms can be addressed by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in your intestines. I make it a point to begin taking these supplements a few days prior to my trip. I then continue to use them consistently during my time away from home and for a few days after my return. This is a strategy that has served me very well over the years. My hope is that this information will afford these same benefits to any and all of my fellow road warriors. Be well! JP Related posts: Ginseng for Colds and Flu

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Travel Supplements