Boosting Immunity Before Your Winter Holidays

Boosting immunity before travel:

To avoid getting sick when traveling, it's essential to start supporting your immune system ahead of time. Incorporating immune-boosting herbs like Echinacea, Elderberry, Liquorice or Medicinal mushrooms into your routine helps strengthen the body's natural defences. I have a herbal tincture at my clinic called Gamechanger, which contains anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal herbs and provides great protection from colds and flu, stomach bugs, UTIs and a broad spectrum of other infections. It’s available in travel size bottles and I always use it as my first aid when I travel.

In addition to these herbs, probiotics play a vital role in supporting the gut and immune system, especially when traveling. I also recommend adding Vitamin C and Zinc to your diet for an added immune boost. A strong immune system is your best friend when navigating seasonal changes and long flights.

Looking after your gut during travel:

If you want beautiful skin, first and foremost you need to look after your gut. Healthy balanced menus are not always an option when we travel and I like to take with me Terra Nova Intense Berries Super-Shake, which contains over 30 superfoods, probiotics and digestive enzymes. At home I add it into my smoothies, but when I travel I just mix it with water and take before my breakfast to make sure I get the necessary nutrients for my gut first thing in the morning.

Hydration during travel:

Hydration is key, especially when traveling during the winter months. Dry air in airports and planes can dehydrate the body, making it more susceptible to illness. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and consider herbal teas like Ginger or Lemon balm as these help with digestion, boost circulation, reduce stress and keep the body’s systems functioning optimally. Eat hydrating foods – cucumbers, watermelon, celery, broths and soups. Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake, as they dehydrate the body.

Maintaining energy during travel:

My favourite way to support my energy levels during travels is taking adaptogens and sticking to the Paleo diet. Herbs, such as Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus, and Rhodiola grow and survive in the harshest climates on the planet and this is what they do to our bodies, giving us more energy and vitality and making us more resilient to disease and stress. My Kickstarter Remedy is packed with adaptogens, such as Rhodiola, Astragalus and Siberian Ginseng, provides much-needed support during travel, especially during long, tiring journeys."

Stress management during travel:

Travel can be a lot of fun, but it also places physical and mental demands on your body. Be gentle to your body letting it slowly adapt to jet lag, different climate or different nutrition. Honor your body’s need for rest. Pushing your body into overdrive will ultimately reflect on your gut health, energy levels and your skin. 

To energize and invigorate the body in the morning or to recover from jet lag eat at breakfast with 30 minutes after awakening, make sure you hydrate sufficiently throughout the day (2L of mineral water). Our sleep-wake cycle is closely connected to our circadian rhythms. Your brain relies on sunshine during the day to recognize it’s time to be awake and alert. The more natural light you receive, the more your body stays in tune to the regular day-night rhythms, and your brain learns to associate the darkness that comes in the evening with falling asleep. That’s why it’s so important to limit your exposure to bright light late at night from electronics.

Find a mindful activity that supports your emotional, physical and mental balance, which you can do during your travels. There are many ways of increasing mindfulness, including Qigong, reiki, earthing, breathing exercises, yoga and meditation. It can be as simple as going for a walk, taking a relaxing bath or listening to singing bowls. 

Try to expose your body to reasonable amount of UV light every day. It has the most healing spectrum during sunrises and sunsets. Try to combine it with grounding (standing barefoot on the grass or sand, releasing excess electricity from your body and absorbing healing energy of the Earth).

If you can try to maintain healthy sleep hygiene while you travel, going to bed before 11pm to take advantage of your anti-aging hormone melatonin, avoid stimulants in the evening and consider using eye shades, ear plugs, "white noise" machines to insure restful sleep.

Protecting skin during travel:
Cold, dry air during winter travel can really take a toll on your skin. One of the best ways to protect it is through regular hydration and ensuring your skin’s natural barrier remains intact. I recommend starting your journey by nourishing your skin with gentle, hydrating treatments. We have a range of hydrating facials at Cloud Twelve from traditional Comfort Zone Hydrate Facial to high-tech High Impact Facial. But my favourite treatment before I travel is actually our most popular Ultimate Bespoke Head Spa Experience, I have designed it as 3-in-1 treatment that nourishes and boosts skin, scalp and hair health.

It’s also important to support your skin from the inside with good proteins and fats- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish, are excellent for supporting skin hydration and helping to maintain a healthy glow.

Finally, I always travel with my Guasha tools. I do a 5-minute self-massage with a face oil to depuff, recondition, lift and nourish my skin.

Stay well and healthy xx

Jenya Di Pierro

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Author: Jenya Di Pierro

Founder, Naturopath & Herbal Medicine Practitioner

BSc, MSc, DipCNM, AMH, ANP