Please select from the following options for some general advice when travelling: -

Travelling and going on holiday has now become a regular occurrence for many of us. Indeed it is estimated that 907 million people will be travelling worldwide in 2007. By 2020 there are expected to over 1.2 billion people travelling worldwide. It is expected that Europe will be the most popular destination (717 million) followed by East Asia and the Pacific (397 million) and America (282 million).

Whether travelling for pleasure or business we will want to ensure that we can relax in the sun, scuba dive in the corals or successfully conclude that business deal. To ensure that this can happen, this website is aimed at raising your awareness to the potential health risks that are associated with all types of travel and possible prevention methods. By forward planning, taking preventive measures and careful precautions the risk of adverse health whilst travelling can be substantially reduced.

General Travel & Health Information

Whilst it is entirely appropriate for travellers to seek advice on vaccines for their trip, which are for very specific disease protection, and whilst it is more than sensible to take out medical insurance, there is very little information generally available on how to support the body’s home defence whilst abroad. It may well not be the hepatitis (OR OTHER) that strikes us down but rather a tummy bug that makes us feel awful, with diarrhoea and weakness, and results in the loss of two or three days of our much awaited, carefully planned, expensive, well-deserved holiday.

Whilst it is not possible to guarantee protection, there are definitely steps one can take to safeguard against suffering from that tummy bug.

How do we get ill?

It is estimated that as much as 96% of infections in humans occur through the mucosal surface which bathes all of our mucosal surfaces (ears, mouth, throat, intestines). Furthermore, about 70% of one’s entire collection of immune cells are located within or around the digestive tract. So it makes sense to target this area of health to shore our defences.

Within our digestive tract live billions of bacteria, with each one of us having multiple strains living in symbiosis to help support digestion and immunity. When the bacteria are out of healthy balance then they contribute to symptoms and digestive problems.

Immune Defence

By supporting the bacteria within us as well as supporting mucosal immunity, it is possible to reduce the risk of being adversely affected by ‘foreign’ bugs that are inevitably encountered when travelling abroad. Friendly bacteria, referred to as ‘probiotics’ can support immune digestive function, whilst herbal extracts with a traditional use as anti-microbials can inhibit unwelcome guests. Black walnut, goldenseal and sweet wormwood have hundreds of years of such use. Citrus seed extract has also been shown to support balanced intestinal microbiology.

The group of people to whom I have recommended these natural, immune supportive remedies to, have reported that there has been significantly less incidence of digestive problems abroad when compared to other travellers.

It is not simply a question of ensuring that you have the right care if you are ill abroad. There are steps you can take to minimise you risk of being ill on your holiday. Again, I ask the question, “what would it be worth to you to NOT become ill when abroad?”

Potential health risks

When travelling we subject our bodies to different cultures and conditions which can result in the increased chances of feeling unwell. By making you aware of some of the potential dangers that may arise when travelling you can prepare yourself to avoid the consequences.