I’ve just come back from two weeks in Brazil (I know, I know, it’s a tough life) and gave little to no thought about what to take with me to keep me healthy. This resulted in weight gain and terrible, terrible mosquito bites. With my multiple faux pas in mind, I bring you three easy tips for staying happy and healthy on holiday. You’re welcome.
Vitamin B1 to ward off mosquitoes
Did you even know about this?! It could be revolutionary. Apparently one way to lower your risk of being bitten by these pesky insects is to take a vitamin B1 supplement. Also called Thiamine, this nutrient is absorbed from the upper and lower parts of the small intestine, and excess is excreted in your urine and through your skin when you sweat. Sweating out excess thiamine can offer protection against mosquitoes and other insects, as they dislike the taste
Nature’s Plus B-Complex has a combination of all the B vitamins to boost your energy levels and ward off mossies. Available from Wholefoods and Planet Organic.
Omega 3 to help burn fat
Omega 3 fats can also help burn body fat. How? Omega 3 helps your body respond better to a hormone called Leptin. Leptin tells your brain to suppress your appetite as well as increases your metabolism. Leptin also causes your body to burn fat for energy, however if your body isn’t responding to Leptin correctly then the reverse happens, you’ll be hungrier and you’ll store more fat.
Quest Vitamins’ Omega 3 is £5.99 from Quest Excellence
Probiotics to prevent Delhi Belly
Travel overseas combined with consumption of unfamiliar foods can sometimes lead to disturbance of the normal healthy balance of your digestive system.
Each capsule of Proven Probiotic’s Acidophilus & Bifidus for Travellers contains 12.5 billion of the extensively studied Lab4 group of friendly bacteria, together with calcium, ginger, glutamine and aloe vera and is designed to help maintain a balanced digestive system whilst travelling.
ProVen’s new Acidophilus & Bifidus for Travellersis £7.95 for two week’s supply, available from ProBiotics