Which supplements should I take on holiday?

Planning a holiday soon? What a delightful prospect! But once you're there, of course, you want to make your trip as successful as possible. This starts with good preparation and packing your suitcase. Naturally, you'll take suitable clothing, shoes, and accessories. But something you might not think of as quickly is supplements. Yet, these can be an essential part of your holiday! Read on.

Different Food

When on holiday, you often eat and drink differently than at home. Going to Asia? Your stomach might need time to adjust to the spicy food, or what about the rich tapas in Spain? Also, tap water isn't safe to drink in every country. Even if you drink bottled water, you might still ingest some contaminated water, for example, through ice cubes in drinks or vegetables and fruit washed with tap water.

Probiotics

Probiotics are often recommended for travel. When choosing probiotics, consider the following: Which bacterial strains are included, and are they scientifically substantiated? Opt for a form that's easy to take on the go, such as capsules. Experiencing any issues? Consult the treatment protocol for the recommended dosage per indication.

Multivitamins

On holiday, we tend to be a bit more lenient with ourselves and often eat less healthily. If you want to ensure you're still getting enough nutrients, consider bringing a multivitamin to supplement your diet.

Fibre

In the Netherlands, we consume a lot of brown and/or whole grain bread, which provides us with plenty of fibre. Abroad, white bread is often favoured. This contains much less fibre, possibly leading to irregular bowel movements. Want to ensure you're getting enough fibre? Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables on holiday, as they're also high in fibre. Prefer to play it safe? Psyllium husk supplements can be a solution! They support bowel function and contribute to regular bowel movements.

Enough Energy?

A different bed (read: less sleep!), many new impressions, and a busy schedule. This can be draining! Yet, you don't want to miss anything and want to enjoy all the beautiful moments and sights with full energy.

Magnesium and Vitamin B12

You can boost your energy levels with magnesium or vitamin B12! Both magnesium and B12 contribute to reducing fatigue.

Immunity

Building your immunity is always a good idea. But on holiday, it's especially nice if your immunity is up to par. After all, no one wants to fall ill during a trip, right? Therefore, we recommend starting with immunity-supporting supplements, such as vitamin C and D, well before you pack your bags.

We recommend starting with immunity-supporting supplements, such as vitamin C and D, well before you pack your bags.

Sun Holiday?

Heading to the sun soon? You're probably thinking of packing a (100% natural) sunscreen. UV radiation generates free radicals that damage structures such as lipids and DNA. Sunscreens block UV-B radiation, and if you have a good product, also UV-A rays. However, completely blocking the radiation isn't always possible. Free radical scavengers, also known as antioxidants, can neutralise free radicals. While sunscreen protects the skin externally, antioxidants, such as Astaxanthin and Resveratrol, protect healthy cells and tissues from within.

How to Take Supplements on Holiday?

You can often take supplements abroad without any issues. Within the EU, it's permitted to bring supplements for personal use. When travelling, take the supplements in their original packaging with the ingredients list. If asked about the contents, you can prove what's inside. And bring small quantities, so it can't be seen as trade.

Author: Nicole Langedijk