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Dr. Williams'
Travel Guide
Every year now for longer than I care to remember, I
pack up my bags and venture overseas to do research.
Although they can be tiring, I love these annual expeditions.
Not only do they teach me about ancient medical practices
or the healing properties of an exotic plant that I can write
about in ALTERNATIVES, they always provide new insights into
myself and other cultures.
I've also learned some basic lessons about international travel
(sometimes the hard way) that might benefit you if you're
planning a trip abroad.
"Globetrotting" Can Take a Toll on Your
Health
First, if you regularly travel around the globe, the chances
are higher that you'll experience more psychological and medical
problems than nontravelers do (ALTERNATIVES August 1998, Vol.
7, No. 14, click here for
ordering information).
A recent study has also found that frequent jet lag may even
cause brain shrinkage and memory loss.
This doesn't mean you should cancel your travel reservations,
however. It just means that you need to make sure you're prepared
to handle what can at times be a physically demanding journey.
If you lead a generally healthy lifestyle (exercise, get plenty
of sleep, etc.), eat nutritious food regularly, and take daily
multivitamin supplements, you've already done a lot to protect
yourself against many ailments associated with foreign travel.
Of course, it's always a good idea to discuss your plans with
your doctor at least 6 weeks in advance of your departure
date. Also, if immunizations are needed, be sure to learn
about their possible side-effects.
Some Things You Should
Never Leave Home Without
Here are a few things you should pack along with your toothbrush
if you're planning to travel abroad.
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Melatonin
for Jet Lag. For long overseas flights, I've found the
following routine to be a lifesaver in treating jet lag. The
method of using melatonin will differ depending on which way
you're flying. |
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--When flying West: Take one 3 to 5 milligram tablet
on the day of your flight at the local time that corresponds
to 2:00 A.M. at your destination. When you arrive at your
destination, take another tablet at bedtime (around 10:00
or 11:00 P.M. at the new destination) for the next four nights
or as needed. |
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--When flying
East: After arriving at your new destination, take one
tablet at bedtime (10:00 or 11:00 P.M.). Do this for the next
three or four nights or longer if needed. If you wake up in
the middle of the night; the first night of your arrival,
take an additional tablet at that time. |
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Natural
Remedies for "Traveler's Diarrhea." As many as 50%
of U.S. citizens traveling to developing countries develop
the dreaded "tourista," also known as "traveler's diarrhea"
or, more graphically, "the squirts".
Most cases of tourista are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli)
bacteria. The problem is most common for those traveling to
Latin America, Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle
East.
Although many physicians recommend antibiotics to help prevent
tourista, an effective natural alternative is grapefruit
seed extract. The extract kills a wide range of microorganisms,
including Escherichia coli.
Either one drop daily of liquid grapefruit seed extract mixed
in at least 5 ounces of water or one capsule of the powdered
form can effectively prevent tourista. Other natural alternatives
include using products like garlic, lactic acid yeast, digestive
enzymes and acidophilus. |
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Bottled Carbonated
Water. Taking your own water bottle along on a long flight
replenishes the water you lose in the dry, low-humidity environment
created in pressurized aircraft cabins. Bring enough to drink
after you arrive, because the carbonating process in this
form of bottled water is lethal to many forms of bacteria. |
By using your common sense and
doing a little careful planning, your trip abroad can be an
exciting, fun, and maybe even life-changing experience. Best
of luck to you on your travels, be safe and enjoy yourself!
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