Heat, jet lag, fatigue, change in diet… vacations can also put a strain on the body. To avoid the small inconveniences that spoil a stay, the contents of the health kit should be adapted to the destination and the pace of the trip. Magnesium, electrolytes, probiotics or melatonin: here are the tips to know before closing your suitcase.
Prepare your summer health kit: the essentials according to your destination
The summer period is often synonymous with travel and discoveries, but also with upheavals for our body. The pharmacist, Léa Pateras-Pescara, enlightens us on the importance of a well-prepared health kit. Here are some essentials not to forget to leave with peace of mind.
The benefits of magnesium and electrolytes
Traveling can often rhyme with stress and fatigue. To cope with this, magnesium proves to be a great ally. “When the pace intensifies, between the journeys, the lack of sleep and the long days, it helps me cover my needs”explains the expert in her video. This element helps reduce fatigue and supports muscle functioning.
Electrolytes are just as essential, especially if your destination involves heat and physical activity. They play a crucial role in rehydrating the body, especially after episodes of excessive sweating or gastric disorders. Their intake is crucial to compensate for the loss of mineral salts, a detail often overlooked but essential for maintaining water balance and avoiding muscle cramps.
Maintain quality sleep and take care of your microbiota
Melatonin, often underestimated, can be a valuable aid in adjusting the sleep-wake cycle when moving across different time zones or adapting to a new environment. “As a spray, in case of jet lag or complicated nights in a strange bed”recommends Léa Pateras-Pescara. This helps reduce the impact of jet lag and improve the quality of sleep.
Concerning digestive health, probiotics are essential. Changing diet and water can disrupt the gut microbiota. She advises starting to take probiotics the day before departure and continuing during your stay. “Because when traveling, the microbiota is often the first to be disrupted: change of water, diet, different rhythm…”she says. This helps to strengthen the intestinal flora and prevent digestive discomfort.
The importance of vitamin D
Vitamin D is another component that may need to be adjusted depending on the destination. Increased exposure to the sun can increase the body’s needs. Léa, who plans to go to Corsica, adapts her supplementation during this period to take advantage of the sun while protecting her skin.
In short, adapting your summer health kit according to the destination and your own body can greatly contribute to a peaceful and full of vitality trip. It is advisable to personalize the contents of your kit according to your activities and the length of stay, and always to consult a health professional in case of doubts or specific treatments.
Don’t forget to save this valuable information before packing your suitcase and share your summer destinations in the comments. Have a good trip !
A well-designed health kit therefore does not consist of carrying a multitude of supplements “just in case”. Above all, it must respond to the constraints of travel: heat, physical activity, jet lag or change in diet. And while certain supplements may have their place, they do not replace good hydration, a varied diet, or the advice of a health professional when following treatment or having a particular need. Enough to leave better prepared, without transforming the vacation into a real health journey.