Vitamins & Supplements
Which supplements should you take on holiday?
You've been looking forward to it for weeks: the holiday. Regardless of what your holiday looks like, you naturally want to make the most of it. This starts with good preparation and packing your suitcase. Of course, you take suitable clothing, shoes, and accessories with you. But what you might not immediately think of are supplements. Yet, they can be an essential part of a successful holiday! Read on to find out more.
Feeling Good
Enjoying your holiday without worries is best achieved when you feel fit and comfortable in your own skin. Naturally, you can't control everything, but you can support your body as best as possible. For instance, you can pay extra attention to your immunity and give your energy levels a boost.
Probiotics
Abroad, you encounter a wide variety of bacteria that are new to your body. Want to maintain a good gut feeling during your holiday? Probiotics are often recommended for travel. Probiotics are supplements containing live microorganisms. Our health is partly determined by the balance between the billions of 'good' and 'bad' microorganisms in our gut. Probiotics are therefore one of the most well-known holiday supplements for a reason! When purchasing probiotics, pay attention to the following points. Which bacterial strains are included and are they scientifically substantiated? Do the capsules survive the acidic stomach environment so that the bacteria can actually reach their destination? And does the supplement contain prebiotics in addition to probiotics?
Immunity
Building your immunity is always a good idea. But on holiday, it's particularly beneficial if your immunity is in good shape. After all, no one wants to feel unwell during a trip. Therefore, we recommend starting with immunity-supporting supplements, such as vitamin C, well before you pack your bags. You can, of course, also take them with you in your suitcase and continue taking them on holiday.
Energy
Moreover, you can boost your energy levels with magnesium, vitamin B12, and/or vitamin C. All three help reduce fatigue. After all, a different bed (read: less good sleep!), many new impressions, and perhaps a packed daily schedule can sap your energy!
Relaxation
During your holiday, you probably want to completely unwind. But this is sometimes easier said than done. Don't expect to be completely relaxed immediately upon arriving at your holiday destination after a hectic or busy period. It takes a little time! Starting the holiday with an activity can help; relaxation often comes more easily afterwards. Additionally, Maca or L-theanine can give you that extra push towards relaxation. Maca has a relaxing effect, contributes to normal stress resistance, supports energy levels, and helps combat fatigue. However, it takes a few weeks before Maca has a relaxing effect, so it's best to start a few weeks before your holiday. L-theanine, on the other hand, has an almost immediate effect.
Sleep
Not sleeping in your own familiar bed; it always takes some getting used to. Time differences, different sounds, air conditioning on or off, the sun rising very early, a bad mattress, or buzzing mosquitoes? These are usually not conducive to a good night's sleep. Fortunately, there are solutions available for many of these sleep-disrupting factors, such as earplugs, eye masks, mosquito spray, and sleep supplements. For the latter, you might consider melatonin tablets, but also a more complete formula that includes additional ingredients and herbs that influence sleep function and can contribute to relaxation.
Fibre
Because we eat a lot of brown or wholemeal bread in the Netherlands, we consume a lot of fibre. Abroad, they often favour white bread, which contains much less fibre. Do you still want to get enough fibre? Make sure to eat extra fruit and vegetables on holiday; these are also rich in fibre. Want to be extra sure? Supplements with psyllium husk can be a solution!
Multivitamins
On holiday, we often relax our dietary rules and eat slightly less healthily. Want to ensure you're still getting enough nutrients? Take a multivitamin as a supplement to your diet.
Can you take all supplements across the border?
Good news! In most cases, taking dietary supplements on holiday won't cause any problems. Within the European Union, it's permitted to bring supplements across the border, provided they're for personal use and are also allowed in the respective country. But what if you've booked a trip outside Europe? Most supplements, such as multivitamins, probiotics, melatonin, magnesium, vitamin C, and D, can almost always be taken without issues. If in doubt about certain supplements, it's best to contact the customs office of the respective country.
Packaging and Quantity
Generally, you can take supplements to your travel destination. To avoid any potential checks, it's wise to bring the supplements in their original packaging, including the ingredients list. If asked about the contents, you can easily show what's inside. If it's not possible to bring the original packaging, put the supplements in a clear bag and add an ingredients list. Additionally, it's advisable not to bring more than you'll actually use during the holiday. Large quantities might be seen as trade, which isn't allowed everywhere.
Author: Nicole Langedijk
