The Healthy Way

Monday, February 25, 2008

Travels require planning

Q: I am going to Mexico for eight weeks and I will be in impoverished areas with not a lot of nutritious food and clean water. Are there any supplements that I can take with me to help me from becoming ill while I am there?

A: For travelers planning to explore life in Mexico off the beaten track, for example in the jungle regions, immunization is a planning requirement. Be aware of things such as Typhus, Hepatitis, Malaria and Rabies to name just a few. Generally, use the same precaution as if traveling in any remote region of the world.

I think it is a good idea to take some dry protein powder so that you can safely mix it on the spot and it doesn't need refrigeration. When traveling even in the developed areas, I always take digestive enzymes. If taken before meals, they sufficiently increase digestion to kill any invading organism before it gets to cause disease. Oil of Oregano in water daily will kill just about anything. It is a good "bring along tool." A broad base multivitamin with some acidophilus taken daily should do the trick for you. If you are in good health, eight weeks of poor nutrition will not really be that harmful. You should be able to withstand poor nutrition as long as you are healthy to begin with.

If you have any health concerns, then you should address them first before going.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here