1. Tummy Discomfort

I noticed tummy discomfort with air travel and the change in air pressure. The pressure change gave me a bloated feeling. I knew my digestion was the key to dealing with this.

Good digestion and assimilation are important for a happy tummy. I’ve heard of probiotics, then I learned about prebiotics. Turns out that probiotics need a food source, which are known as prebiotics. Prebiotic fibers nourish the good bacteria as they travel through the digestive system. This is how prebiotics support probiotics and help them multiply. More good bacteria in the gut means better digestive health and a good microbiome. A simple solution to good bacteria is the combination of prebiotics and probiotics. This powerful combo has been given the name of synbiotic nutrition. [1]

The word "synbiotic" refers to the combination of probiotics and prebiotics and how they work together, in synergy, to improve health. In other words, you should always be eating prebiotic fiber-rich foods along with your probiotics. [2] A good source is Optiflora Pro and Prebiotic Combo

2. Nausea and Inner Ear Pressure

If nausea and inner ear pressure are your travel nemesis, these Ginger Drops are very supportive for digestion as well as sucking on them during air cabin pressure changes.

3. Blood Sugar Balance

Keeping blood sugar balanced is another key factor to smooth travels. I found the key is to graze during the day. Eating too much at a time can lead to sleepiness, which is not wanted when driving. Between dashboard dining and running between flights, I like to have a Meal-In-A-Bar or two in my “Go Bag” for a healthy amount of protein along with supportive nutrition.

References:

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1 Pandey, Kavita R et al. “Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics- a review.” Journal of food science and technology vol. 52,12 (2015): 7577-87. doi:10.1007/s13197-015-1921-1

2 Jitendra K. Malik, Abul H. Ahmad, Starling Kalpana, Atul Prakash, Ramesh C. Gupta, Chapter 57 - Synbiotics: Safety and Toxicity Considerations, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 811-822, ISBN 9780128021477Travel Trio