Year-end has been a peak season for travelling for Malaysian due to the school holidays. The traveling rate has increased drastically after the pandemic, it has been called “post-Covid travel boom”. Travelling is a good way to release stress and explore different cultures, however, it also exposes us to various environments and potential source that could challenge our immune system. Strengthening your body’s defences is key to enjoying a healthy and vibrant journey. Here are some effective strategies to boost your immunity during travelling.

Eat a Balanced Diet: 

While traveling, trying good food is definitely one of the important parts of the journey. However, your diet may not always cover all nutritional needs. Therefore, while trying delicious food and snacks, you can also focus on nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These provide the building blocks for a robust immune system.

Stay Hydrated: 

If you are not getting enough water during your trip, you might experience dehydration which can weaken your immune response. Therefore, you should always drink 1500 to 2000ml water everyday, especially in dry or hot climates.

Prioritize Sleep Quality: 

Overpacking your itinerary could lead to lacking of sleep, on top of that, changing of time zones might lead to jetlag which can lead to insomnia. Some people might be overly excited which can also affect the quality of sleep. Quality sleep is essential for a strong immune system, adult should get 7 to 9 hours while kids should get 9 to 11 hours of sleep per day.

Practice Good Hygiene: 

Wash your hands frequently to remove gems and prevent infections. Carry hand sanitizer for times when handwashing isn’t feasible. Avoid touching your face to prevent the transfer of germs.

Adaptation to Environment

Be prepared for changes in weather. Dress in layers to accommodate temperature variations and protect yourself from extreme conditions to prevent cold or other health conditions.

Be Mindful of Food and Water: 

Consume safe and clean food and water to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Unhygienic food or beverage could contain bacteria which can lead to diarrhoea, and having diarrhoea during the trip could totally affect the overall experience. 

Consider Supplements: 

Having cold or other illness is very common during travelling as we are exposed to various environment, people and object which could contains bacteria and viruses. You can consider supplementing yourself with probiotics or antioxidants to support your immune and gut health. 

CHEVIN Nutritionist Ke Qi:

Prioritizing your health and immune system while traveling is an investment in a vibrant and fulfilling journey. By complying to the tips, you can fortify your immune system and fully embrace the wonders of your travel experiences. Traveling with a strong immune system not only enhances your enjoyment but also ensures a healthier and more enriching adventure.

Cow colostrum is the first milk produced by cow in the first few days following the birth of calf. With the growing interest in natural health and wellness, cow colostrum has been offering various health benefits to both children and adults. Cow colostrum is often referred as “King of Immunity in 21st Century” or “Nature’s First Superfood”. Let’s dive into cow colostrum now!

Nutrients of Cow Colostrum

Immunoglobulin

One of the main reason cow colostrum has been well known for the nutrients is due to the high level of immunoglobulin. Cow colostrum contains IgA and IgG, immunoglobulins are important for the immune system, bovine colostrum can have from 8% to above 25% IgG.

Vitamins & Minerals

Cow colostrum is rich in nutrients especially of various types of vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12 and etc.

Protein

Cow colostrum contains higher protein content than that of common milk due to the level of immunoglobulin and casein. Protein is an important macronutrient for children’s growth and development. 

Health Benefits of Cow Colostrum

Immunity 

The immunoglobulin that are naturally found in cow colostrum has strong immune-boosting ability. Cow colostrum is especially beneficial towards children as it could help in reducing risk of getting infections and reduce the rate of sickness.

Growth & Development

The growth factors, lactoferrin and antibodies in cow colostrum can promote tissue growth which can help in modulating healthy growth and development in children. 

Digestive Health

Cow colostrum has been clinically proven to promote gut health. It could help in reducing diarrhea and promote healthy digestion. 

CHEVIN Nutritionist KeQi:

Children are very susceptible to getting sick especially during the age gap between 6 months to 3 years old. This is mainly due to the weaning stage where the infant’s IgG antibodies started decline quickly after age of 6 months old which led to the increase in the rate of sickness and concerned a lot of parents. Thus, this period from 6 months to 3 years old has been called “immune gap period”, where the child’s immune system is weakened.  Before 8 years old, children’s immune system is not fully developed, therefore, children under 8 years old get sick easily. After 8 years old, even as the immune systems start to mature, is at risk from many pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Hence, taking care of children’s health is very important since young, With the rich nutrients presence in cow colostrum, not only it could replenish the IgG, it could also take care of children’s gut health, growth and most importantly their immunity.