Getting Ready For Disney: Paleo “Nutritional First Aid Kit”

Yup, I am one of those people that “labels” things.  I almost broke out the label maker but I didn’t want to embarrass myself too badly!  I just wanted to show you my family’s emergency “Nutritional First Aid Kit” for our upcoming journey to Disney.  As my son has grown, his health needs have changed, and so has our travel kit.  Whether he was a baby traveling to Napa, a big six year old going over the pond to Ireland, or taking a quick trip to Oklahoma to see his great grandma we always pack some kind of bag with nutritional supplements and oils.  I like to think I would have been a good Boy Scout but I have forgotten my own makeup and socks on too many occasions to deserve that designation.  For now, I will settle with being “mostly” prepared for anything.  So what do I have packed for this trip? Well, we have your standard emergency kit with Angry Bird band-aids and antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer spray, a sewing kit (not that I know how to so or anything, notice it has never been opened), a nail kit with emory board and clippers, tissues, sunscreen, scissors (because don’t you ALWAYS need a pair while you are traveling?), some Aveda Blue Oil for headaches and some Benedryl Spray for bug bites.  The rest of the products I consider a vital part of my “Nutritional First Aid Kit”.  These are a few of my must haves when traveling:

1.  Digestive Health Supplements

 

Raise your hand if you have “tummy troubles” when you travel?  It seems to be a very common occurrence across the board so I like to be prepared as much as possible.  It could be the hours of sitting on the airplane, the change in your normal eating routine, or the inevitable “cheats” that domino into “What diet? I’m on vacation!” that might lead to a rumbly tummy or digestive distress.  Enter my digestion kit.  I believe that the trifecta for good gut health is

• A good Digestive Enzyme containing the following enzymes;  amylase (to digest carbohydrates), protease (to digest protein) , and lipase (to digest fat)
• A Probiotic to keep the healthy gut flora high, and
• Some form of Hydrochloric Acid to keep a majority of “good” stomach acid in the stomach.

There are many reasons to take a Digestive Enzyme, including the following:

•  Enzymes are vital to human survival because they are responsible for every chemical reaction that takes place in our bodies.  These reactions allow our cells to build up and bread down molecules quickly.  Vitamins, minerals, and hormones mean nothing without the labor force of enzymes.
• Our typical diet of processed and cooked foods drain our enzyme supply because processed foods with additives, preservatives, nitrates, etc., do not contain the digestive enzymes needed for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Some raw foods contain enzyme inhibitors.  This means that some foods actually neutralize the enzymes that your body creates.  These foods include peanuts, raw wheat germ, egg whites, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, potatoes, and lentils.
• Many factors cause our bodies to use up enzymes faster;  extreme hot and cold temperatures or strenuous exercise will use up enzymes at a faster rate.  This in turn effects the absorption of nutrients which then leads to sickness and disease.
• Enzyme levels drop significantly with age.  So pretty much every day you are making a little less than the day before, scary thought, huh?

Why you should probably take a Probiotic

Probiotics are products containing the helpful bacteria that normally inhabit the human digestive track.  In the intestinal tract, these beneficial microbes help complete the digestive process, and some actually produce vitamins.  There is even evidence that without them, the immune system can’t work properly, lessening resistance to infection.  (I also like to grab a couple of bottles of Kombucha to sip on through the day.  This is full of probiotics and is a tasty, bubbly alternative to soda.  If you have never had Kombucha, I don’t recommend drinking more than 2 oz. the first day and gradually increasing as your stomach flora balances.)

Why do we need MORE Hydrochloric Acid, I thought stomach acid was bad?

Hydrochloric acid is the good stomach acid that your body produces naturally.  It is produced to break down and digest our foods.  Most Americans have an abundance of bad stomach acid from drinking coffee, eating sugar and processed foods, and eating too many acid producing foods.  Acid reflux is normally a sign of too low of a level of hydrochloric acid or stomach acid.  Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are the two easiest ways to increase your hydrochloric acid levels.

I also included a sample size of Gluten Ease in case any of us accidentally get “glutened” at a restaurant.  This product works fast to digest gluten and hopefully reduce any digestive upset.

2.  Activated Charcoal Capsules

Activated Charcoal is a well known antidote as it adsorbs most organic toxins, chemicals and poisons before they can harm the body. Some Emergency Rooms administer large doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisoning.  I like to keep it handy for spider bites (mixed with baking soda to form a paste and applied to bite as well as taken internally), accidental ingestion of toxins, food poisoning, or for stomach bugs.  (You can also use it to whiten your teeth but that is another post.)

According to The Wellness Mama:

“Activated charcoal is considered to be the most effective single agent available. It is used after a person swallows or adsorbs almost any toxic drug or chemical.

• Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%.
• It works by adsorbing chemicals, thus reducing their toxicity (poisonous nature), through the entire length of the stomach and small and large intestines (GI tract).
• Activated charcoal itself is a fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.
• Activated charcoal is often given after the stomach is pumped (gastric lavage). Gastric lavage is only effective immediately after swallowing a toxic substance (within about one-half hour) and does not have effects that reach beyond the stomach as activated charcoal does.” For more information on how to use activated charcoal visit this site.

3.  Essential Oils

My two favorite essential oils to travel with are the Thieves Oil blend and the Peace and Calming Blend by Young Living Essential Oils.

•  Thieves Oil is a one-of-a-kind blend with a pleasant, spicy aroma and a combination of oils designed to support a healthy immune system. I want to make sure everyone’s immune system stays strong while we travel through the airport and on the plane.  You can dilute it in a carrier oil and apply to the soles of the feet, wrists, or rub through hair.
• Peace and Calming is a combination of oils that simultaneously sooth and uplift.  I figure the whole family can use this when the plane is delayed or we are waiting in long lines at the park.  Rubbing on the soles of your feet at night can also encourage a restful night’s sleep.

4. The Amino Acid L-Histadine for Allergies

My son and husband have seasonal allergies and this always test well for them both during the Spring months hear in Texas, when every known allergen to mankind seems to be blowing through the wind. (In addition to the L-Histidine I have also included a NET Remedy for environmental and food allergies.)

What is L-Histadine? Glad you asked!

“Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid that your body needs during periods of growth, stress, and recovery from illness and injury. This nutrient is an essential amino acid for children. Dietary sources include pork, poultry, cheese, and wheat germ.  Because taking too much histidine can cause a copper deficiency, you may need to supplement your diet with extra copper.  Although health practitioners use histidine less frequently than other amino acids, your body uses it to make histamine, which reduces your sensitivity to allergens. (Your body, however, can’t make all the histamine you need.) This amino acid can also enhance the uptake of some minerals like zinc and inhibit the absorption of copper.”

5.  Metagenics Ultracare for Kids

I know that several of my clients have purchased this supplement for their kiddos and had great success. I started giving it to my son years ago when he was first diagnosed with severe food allergies.  It is free of all allergens and provides all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients he needs for the day.  He likes to mix it in our Nutra Bullet with a banana, coconut milk, his probiotic, and an oil blend for a “pre-breakfast” in the morning (I like to think we have adopted a hobbit lifestyle around here; preferring a pre-breakfast, breakfast, maybe some “elevensies”, lunch time, tea time, supper, after-dinner-snack, etc.  There is never a bad time for healthy food.  Eat when you are hungry!)

6.  Vitamin C and Zinc

These are pretty crucial for our immune system as well as keeping our adrenals strong during times of stress.  I think that traveling is a good case for both of them!

• Healthy adrenal function requires Vitamin C, and some of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C in the whole body are found in the adrenal glands. If you`ve experienced symptoms like fatigue, depression, inability to cope with stress, or emotional instability and if you suspect adrenal fatigue is the underlying cause, Vitamin C can be a vital part of your recovery process.
• Zinc is a mineral that’s important to the body in many ways. Zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth.   It can also help to lessen the severity and duration of the common cold.

In conclusion, you can see that I like to be prepared, not because I am a worrier, but because I hate the thought of buying any of these products on the road when I know I have a cabinet full of them at home!  And it is really unlikely that they sell any of these at the local Wal-Mart.  As with any supplement, I like to utilize Muscle Response Testing to test which of these products are good for my clients.  Everyone’s body is different, but this is what works well for my family.  What are some of the common struggles you face while traveling? What do you always wish you had brought from home?

 

 

 

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