The build up to a holiday can be stressful at times, which may cause your immune system to weaken while you get ready to enjoy some downtime abroad
An expert has revealed how to avoid getting ill on holiday (stock) (Image: Counter via Getty Images)
The prospect of going on holiday can prove a nerve-wracking ordeal, with weeks or even months of planning culminating in just a few precious days to unwind and rejuvenate.
Yet it’s precisely this pre-holiday preparation that can sometimes backfire, with many people finding themselves struck down by illness mere days after activating their Out Of Office reply. As the phenomenon of holidaymakers developing coughs and colds is reportedly on the rise, specialists have been investigating the reasons behind why this happens.
One explanation centres on the pre-departure rush, with people becoming worn down whilst frantically completing work tasks and meticulously verifying their flights, transport arrangements, connections and other travel logistics ahead of their much-anticipated break.
Given this pattern, various experts have proposed strategies to help reduce the likelihood of falling unwell during holidays, including optimising vitamin intake
Dr Jenna Macciochi, a senior lecturer in immunology at the University of Sussex and author of Immune to Age, told the Times that increasing levels of certain crucial supplements could safeguard the immune system throughout the demanding pre-holiday period.
Getting stressed before a holiday is considered one of the risk factors for getting ill on holiday(Image: Getty)
Dr Macciochi explained: “I’d consider taking vitamin D; magnesium to support sleep and stress resilience, because many of us tend to have sub-optimal levels.”
Dr Macciochi also highlighted the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, noting their ability to reduce inflammation, support mood, and potentially enhance immune regulation during and after stressful periods.
Additionally, the expert advised taking certain vitamins on holiday to support the immune system as it unwinds from the pre-trip adrenaline rush.
She recommended: “Pack some vitamin C supplements and zinc lozenges as these can be useful to have on hand if symptoms strike if you take them at the first sign of illness they may reduce the duration of the symptoms.”
Taking medication in your suitcase is a good way to prepare (stock)(Image: Getty)
While Dr Macciochi has mentioned the temporary immune-boosting properties of vitamin D supplements, another doctor has discussed their potential anti-ageing benefits.
On BBC’s Morning Live, Dr Oscar Luke spoke about a recent study that suggested vitamin D could slow down the ageing process.
He explained to the hosts during the Health Headlines segment: “So this study is looking at the effects of vitamin D on ageing, and they’re looking at the chromosomes and how it affects our chromosomes.”
He continued: “On the ends of chromosomes, you have something called telomeres. They stop that chromosome from going off and binding with another chromosome and forming things that might cause problems, cancers, or bad effects of ageing. And so those telomeres are really important.
“They can shorten down, and that causes those ageing effects. When they took the vitamin D, they saw less shortening, less shrinkage of the protective caps of your chromosomes. So maybe the vitamin D is helpful.”