We just came through the holiday season, which means many of us were traveling to spend time with friends and family, some of us for an extended period. And while we all wish to be in the best of health at all times. . . sometimes it feels like we’re just going to get sick at the worst possible moment! Or the kids do, and we’ve forgotten that perfect thing we use to help us feel better at home! Gah!! It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out!

So, what to do when you’re far from home and all of your usual wellness tools when you get sick? Here are some tips from our natural health specialist:
1. Don’t panic! Stay calm and do your best to think.
2. Keep drinking water. Do not add dehydration to your illness, this will make things worse. Water will help your body flush out those toxins, so keep drinking 1/2 your body weight in ounces each day.
3. Avoid sugar, especially in processed foods. Sugar actually puts your immune system to sleep, NOT what you want when it is fighting hard to make you healthy again.
4. Cut dairy, at least temporarily especially if you’re running a fever. Dairy can be hard to digest, especially processed dairy. Don’t make your body expend extra energy it doesn’t have at the moment.
5. Don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not hungry. Fasting for a day or so when you’re not feeling well is one of the ways your body has of conserving energy. It takes a lot of energy to fight off invaders. Make sure you’re drinking though, especially if you’re not eating.
6. Eat nutrition, not junk. Your body needs fuel, not empty calories. Stick with easy to digest fruits and veggies. I particularly like veggie soups when I’m not feeling well. Remember, citrus is high in Vitamin C, which helps fuel your immune system.
7. Use what you have on hand. For me, that usually means essential oils. I don’t travel without them and while I may not have packed the “perfect” one for whatever cropped up while we were traveling, I guarantee I packed something that will help. Use it.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Wishing you safe and healthy travels.

Jessica Meades