4 Supplements to Make Summer Travel Easier

Traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs, not to mention that we are still fighting a pandemic, and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. And, eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one. Here are some supplements that can make your life a little better while you travel.

1. Melatonin

Plane travel may interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. This might explain why airplane travel disrupts our sleeping patterns and why it takes a while for us to adjust to a new time zone. Studies suggest that melatonin doubles the speed at which your body adjusts to a new time zone. For that reason, take melatonin for half the number of days as time zones you crossed, plus one. For example, if you travel six time zones, take melatonin for 3+1=4 days, with maybe just a half dose on the last day. Start taking melatonin the day you arrive at your destination.

How much should you take? A Cochrane review of melatonin for jet lag found that doses between 0.5 mg and 5 mg worked about equally well. People fell asleep a little faster on the 5 mg dose. It's usually taken close to bedtime at your destination. Be sure to check with your healthcare practitioner for the correct dosage, especially if you take other medications.

2. Probiotics

"Friendly" bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract can be destroyed or depleted by stress, dietary changes, or from coming in contact with foreign bacteria while traveling. Therefore, it is very important to take probiotics to help maintain optimal intestinal health and immunity. Probiotics such as Pathway Supreme-Dophilus may be helpful for diarrhea caused by bad bacteria or from taking antibiotics. Supreme-Dophilus is a probiotic formula designed to support digestive health. It's also shelf stable, so there is no need for refrigeration when traveling.

3. Relaxation Formula

Traveling can be very stressful, so a calming formula is one of the best wellness supplements for travel to add to your bag. To help calm your nerves during anxious travel moments, try Pathway Relaxation Support. This formula is a blend of relaxing herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that work to gently quiet the mind and body, allowing for rest and relaxation. Pathway Relaxation Support has two unique patented ingredients, Relora® and SunTheanine®, to help calm, focus and relax you without making you drowsy.

4. Zinc

At the first sign of a scratchy throat, get soothing relief while also strengthening your immune system by sucking on a zinc lozenge. Pathway Zinc Lozenges contain zinc, vitamin C, slippery elm and bee propolis for maximum immune protection. These vitamins, minerals and herbs help keep viruses from penetrating deep into the body. Pathway Zinc Lozenges are among the most convenient immune support supplements for travel, and they're great tasting, too.

Zinc: Don’t exceed 40 mg daily, recommends the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, and that’s across all sources (so include the multivitamin). Prolonged use of high doses can deplete copper. Check the label for the amount in each lozenge and use them only as needed.

Packing Supplements for Air Travel

A bit of forethought will keep you steady from the airport to the hotel. Pills and capsules go over fine in most cases, but a supplements travel organizer that has a slot for every day will remind you to take your travel vitamins even if you’ve crossed several time zones. Just follow these tips: - Pack an extra day or two’s worth of everything in case your plans change. - Take anything you’ll need on the plane, such as melatonin or zinc lozenges, in your carry-on bag. - Use the original labeled bottle or take a picture of the label just in case. - Use shelf-stable formulas like Pathway Supreme-Dophilus so you won’t have to find a refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to travel with powder supplements?

While powders are permitted, they will be subject to additional inspection. The TSA notes that more than 12 oz (350 mL) of powder in a carry-on may need to be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening, which is why it is recommended to place large tubs in checked luggage. On shorter trips, consider portioning out single-use amounts into small, labeled containers and bring the label along with you.

To pack supplements for air travel, a supplements travel organizer with a slot for every day can remind you to take them, even across several time zones. Pack an extra day or two's worth, keep anything you'll need on the plane, such as melatonin or zinc lozenges, in your carry-on, and bring the original labeled bottle or a picture of the label.

Can you travel with vitamins and supplements?

That’s right. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows vitamins and supplements in pill or other solid form in your carry-on bag and/or checked bags. Liquid supplements in your carry-on bag must adhere to the normal liquid restrictions. If you’re traveling internationally, you should ensure that your vitamin and supplement products are in their original packaging with the label intact. Customs regulations differ from country to country.

Is there a way to build immunity to foreign bacteria while traveling?

Stress, new foods and contact with foreign bacteria while traveling can deplete the "friendly" bacteria that normally live in your intestinal tract. Taking a probiotic can help maintain intestinal health and immunity while you are away. Pathway Supreme-Dophilus may be helpful for diarrhea caused by bad bacteria. It is shelf stable, so you won't need a refrigerator on the road. Be sure to check with your healthcare practitioner before starting a new supplement.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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PATHWAY Melatonin 3 Mg

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Regulate Sleep Naturally Melatonin is an important hormone normally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It is found in every cell of the body and is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep. Melatonin is also used when traveling to help with jet lag. Suggested Use: 1-2 capsules before bedtime or as directed

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PATHWAY Suprema Dophilus

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$20.99 $29.99

5 Billion Viable Cells Per Capsule Suprema Dophilus is an advanced combination of eight strains of beneficial bacteria to give you a complete probiotic formula. The bacteria in Suprema Dophilus are bioenhanced, acid-resistant strains that are formulated to survive stomach acid without the need for an enteric coating. Suprema Dophilus is also shelf stable, so there is no need for refrigeration. Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily with a meal

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PATHWAY Relaxation Support

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$22.39 $31.99

Supports Healthy Relaxation Pathway Relaxation Support combines a soothing blend of relaxing herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Relaxation Support contains Relora®, a patented blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellondendron amurense studied for its calming and focusing effect as well as stress induced weight management problems. SunTheanine® is also incorporated in the formula to aid relaxation. We also include calming herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, skullcap, hops and passionflower. Suggested Use: 2 capsules as needed and 2 capsules at bedtime

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PATHWAY Zinc Lozenges

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Soothes Your Sore Throat Soothe your sore throat and support your immune system with Pathway Zinc Lozenges. Each lozenge contains zinc, vitamin C, slippery elm and bee propolis. Convenient to use and great tasting too!Suggested Use: 1 lozenge in mouth 2-4 times daily

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