More than a third of us suffer from some sort of holiday health problem. One theory is that during our daily grind, our body is constantly producing stress hormones, which can help to
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infection. But once we relax, these levels drop and make us susceptible to illness. Philip Calder, a from Southampton University, says, "On top of this, when you visit foreign countries, your body encounters a whole new set of bacteria and viruses, starting with those of the passengers you sit with on the plane.
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a sunburn, drinking too much alcohol, and eating unhealthy food, and you have a recipe for getting sick". But there is plenty you can do to prevent it. |
TUMMY TROUBLE
Why? "Most of our immune system is located in the
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, explains professor Glen Gibson, of Reading University. "We change our diet and lifestyle on holiday, which has an effect on our digestion and immunity" We are also forced with an onslaught of foreign
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. Local street food and tap water can be a problem, but hotel food is not always safer. In fact, tourists staying in all-inclusive resorts, where food and drink are provided, were found by research to be twice as likely to be found as sick as those with "room only". This is largely down to buffet meals,- food left standing around in the heat can quickly attract a host of bugs.
Beat it. Professor Gibson recommends trying foods such as probiotics, to prevent and
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stomach problems. These encourage levels of good bacteria so they can't take hold and unlike diarrhoea medication, they have no side-effects.
COLD AND FLU
Why? Colds are more than 100 times more likely to be transmitted on a plane than in normal life, according to the Journal of Environmental Health Research. Air-conditioning on planes and in hotels
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moisture from the air, causing it to dry out, along with the lining of the nose, which is coated with a layer of mucus to protect against infection. Cooler air may help viruses establish themselves.
Beat it "Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly while travelling", advises GP Dr Sarah Brewer, "I'd also take a good multi-vitamin and mineral and Omega-3 fish oils to
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your immune system before you go".
TRAVEL SICKNESS
Why? Travel or motion sickness often happens on holiday, when people use modes of transport they don't take in their daily life, such as planes, boats or coaches. Sickness
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when the brain receives conflicting signals about the body's movement and balance. The brain finds it hard to track the body's position, and this creates symptoms of nausea and dizziness.
Beat it. "Ask to sit in the middle of the plane or boat, or in the front seat of a coach or bus, as these areas tend to experience the least motion", suggests pharmacist Angela Chalmers. "Help your body to manage symptoms by closing your eyes or fixing them on the horizon and
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yourself by listening to music".
INSECT BITES
Why? A mosquito bite can be quiet nasty and causes the skin to redden and swell very quickly. And in some countries, mosquitoes can also carry some very serious diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever, which can be
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. Other insects, such as ants, bees, hornets, and wasps can also give nasty bites and stings that cause swelling, redness, and itching. Factors that make mozzies more likely to bite include being hot and
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, drinking alcohol, and being pregnant.
Beat it. Your bet is to invest in a good insect repellent. Angela Charmers says, 2The repellent disorientates the insect, preventing it from landing on you an causing it to fly away, keeping you bite-free." It is also
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to wear clothing to cover legs, ankles and arms.
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