Have you ever found yourself carefully packing your suitcase for a long overdue vacation and wondering which supplements you should bring along? Every time I travel, whether my destination is across oceans or across state lines, I always bring certain essential items along to keep my family healthy. My handy travel supplement kit includes Tummy Tune-Up, Activated Charcoal, Chew C, Digestive Enzymes, and Lavender Essential Oil. Tummy Tuneup is always in my kit because my entire family can use this gentle yet effective probiotic. I take it when I feel those uncomfortable gas bubbles pop up, and within a matter of minutes I feel better. My two year old takes it on a daily basis as part of her immune support. In fact, we traveled to Playa Del Carmen this summer and of all the children in our group, she was the only one who didn’t experience any digestive upset! I also open the capsules and give it to my newborn for colic, gas, and thrush. (Who wants to be on vacation and have thrush creep in? Not me!)

Activated Charcoal is another favorite soldier of mine. We use it all the time. Heartburn? No problem, have some charcoal! Stomach bug symptoms? No problem, have some charcoal! And the list goes on. It neutralizes excess stomach acid and absorbs toxins, stopping heartburn and other stomach issues in their tracks. It acts like a sponge, absorbing everything in its path as it goes through the digestive system. Use capsules for a mess-free option, or if you have the powder form in your kit, simply stir it into your favorite beverage. (Accidentally got into some poison ivy, or something more exotic? Apply a paste of charcoal and water to the skin to draw out toxins there, too.)

The next thing you need to throw in your suitcase is Chew C. I start taking it a few days before I leave for my trip, whether driving or flying. Travel causes stress on the body, leaving us susceptible to bacteria and viruses that in a well-rested situation the immune system might have fought off. Adding extra Vitamin C is an excellent way to boost your immune system, and Chew C tastes great for the whole family.

When I eat unfamiliar foods, as I often do on vacation, they aren’t always easy for me to digest. That’s why I added Digestive Enzymes to my arsenal. The enzymes help my body to break down the food I am eating for better absorption and less digestive distress. The high quantities of Cellulase and Protease help to maximize yeast cell wall digestion as an added bonus, keeping yeast overgrowth in check.

Lavender is one of the most used and best loved essential oils in history. It smells great and can be applied neat (without a carrier oil). I take it on every trip because of its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. On top of that, it can be used to relieve the itch of bug bites, help with relaxation, and soothe tired muscles. There are endless ways to use Lavender, so just go ahead and drop it in the bag too.

When you include these travel-friendly supplements in your bag, you can relax even more on your vacation knowing you conquered the most common travel ailments before you even left home.

What are your “can’t leave home without them” items? Have you used supplements while away from home? We’d love to hear about your travels!