There is nothing I love more than going on holiday. Just like most people I know, we lead busy lives that are a constant juggling act. As my kids get older, I am starting to feel less like a parent and more like a PA/Taxi Driver/Chef (a really bad chef whose food is constantly rejected) – and when i’m not organising how they’re going to get to the third cricket match of the week (which are at opposite ends of Hampshire), I am doing a work call, putting a brand proposal together or writing an article. My husband on the other hand has seemed to work out how to solely focus on work during the week and golf during the weekend. And don’t even get me started on the dog’s needs (suffice to say there are some days when the walk doesn’t happen and she looks at me sadly all day until I feel so guilty I feed her some ham). Anyway, so you can see why holidays are important to me. The dog goes to the dog sitter, the husband (for the most part) isn’t playing golf or working and the kids don’t need driving anywhere unless it’s via golf buggy to the hotel pool (I love a fly and flop – no adventure safari camps here thank you very much). Holidays provide the perfect rest bite for us – and a total reset for me. They’re not just a nice-to-have, they’ve become an integral part of my wellness routine that allows me to have the stamina to keep going all year round as I know I will get the break I so long for eventually. And because of the great importance that I now place on holidays – they can turn into utter hell when one of us gets sick. Which is why, I take a selection of potent and powerful supplements that protect us and the kids through the week to give us the best odds of feeling great right till our last sunset. And because we all know what happens when we stop and let our bodies rest (we tend to get sick) I simply won’t travel without them. They are as important to me as the passports, SPF and a novel I’ll never read. Here is my tried and tested edit of what you need to stay healthy on holiday…
We all know now that looking after our guts is one of the most important things we can do to stay healthy – but Symprove goes beyond that. In fact, I once met with the founder who told me that although he can’t make any scientific claim, Symprove has in fact been known to stop vomiting bugs in its tracks. And although this is entirely anecdotal, we were once away in Spain and just as we were coming home my friend called me to tell me that her whole family who we spent the previous night with sharing food, had just come down with a pretty horrid sick bug. I got out the symprove instantly and my husband, my eldest son and myself all took a shot of it. My youngest son however refused. And about six hours later as we walked in the door of our home, he proceeded to vomit all over his bedroom, whilst the three of us remained totally happy and healthy. I rest my case.
I have become a tad obsessed with AG1 Greens powder. It is the perfect way to get a good dose of vitamins and minerals in first thing, plus it tastes delicious. Especially if your diet tends to be a lot less healthy when travelling which is often the case with me and my family. AG1 allows you to start your day off in the best possible way – I also think it has absolutely contributed to my energy levels. The daily health drink comprises of over 70 vitamins, minerals and other health benefitting ingredients, including gut-friendly bacteria, high quality mushrooms and fibre. And the researchers and developers behind the product are so set on creating the best possible product out there that there have in fact been 53 different iterations of the formula which keeps getting better and better. Make sure to pack the travel sachets and take them to breakfast with you.
London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffee
My latest discovery of adaptogenic coffee has been a fairly mega wellness ritual enhancer – not only is it truly delicious, but it takes about 10 seconds to make and the selection of mushrooms in it means that there are no crazy jitters or anxiety feelings after I drink it. I’m not even sure how that works but it does. I add a tiny splash of oat or almond milk. My favourite flavour is Mush Love which comes with Hifas da Terra’s Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga mushroom extracts. Hifas da Terra are the gold standard in mushroom supplements so you know that it’s got to be great. The reviews speak for themselves (five stars all round) but I urge you to try it, as you’ll never go back. Plus, how many times have you been away when the coffee is just not up to your standards? Well, now you needn’t worry about that.
Collagen has become a part of my daily wellness routine – I just add two spoons to my coffee every morning without fail. So naturally I take it on holiday with me too. But beyond the warding of wrinkles and benefits to hair and nails – collagen has another amazing benefit that I have discovered – it has also helped heal and make my gut lining stronger allowing me to enjoy foods that would otherwise have bloated me in the past (not something you want on holiday when you spend 80% of the time in a bikini.) This is because Collagen, which is rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, helps repair the gut barrier, which can get damaged from stress, poor diet, or intolerances. It also supports the production of stomach acid and enzymes, which are crucial for breaking down food properly – making it the perfect antidote to a (nearly) flat tummy whilst on holiday (I can’t promise washboard though – I am 40 after all!). Use code HH15 for a 15% discount.
Higher Nature High Strength Turmeric
Harnessing the powerful anti-inflammatory benefits of one of nature’s most revered roots, Higher Nature’s High Strength Turmeric delivers a potent 200mg of active curcuminoids in every daily dose. Unlike many turmeric supplements, this formulation uses Meriva® curcumin phytosome, a clinically researched form that is up to 40 times more absorbable than standard turmeric. Ideal for anyone navigating inflammation, active lifestyles, or simply wanting a daily dose of proven plant-based support, this high-quality supplement combines science with nature in its most effective form.
Phizz’s Daily 3-in-One Electrolytes
If it’s not a virus or burnout that gets us on holiday, then the other thing I constantly worry about is dehydration. My husband and eldest son have particularly pale skin and are both prone to dehydration (plus they sweat an awful lot!). So taking electrolytes with me has been key to keeping them healthy and hydrated for the duration of the holiday no matter how hot it is. Phizz is a hypotonic formula that helps hydrate 3x faster than water alone, plus it also contains B vitamins to help promote energy release by the body and unlock its natural energy, reducing tiredness and fatigue as well as a high dose of Vitamin C.
If there was one thing on this planet that I can attribute to me warding off viruses (whether that be COVID or the common cold) I would have to put it down to these fairly revolting tasting tablets that pack a serious punch when it comes to immunity. Our whole family swear by them. Even my sceptical step-father has been known to knock them back after even just a hint of a sore throat. Echinacea, elderberry, Vitamin D – they’re all in there. So brilliant are they that I often take two tablets daily in the winter. My advice – take them before you get a plane ride to give your body some extra immune support.
words by Sadie Reid
SHARE THIS STORY
