"I'll be home for the Holidays." The holidays are behind us, but these familiar words still run through our minds as many of us pack our bags to head out of town. It’s no secret that the Christmas and New Years seasons keep airports buzzing and keep people near one another. Guess what thrives with people in close proximity? Microscopic germs! Tiny, mischievous airborne germs that wreak havoc at the most inopportune times.
While we cherish time together with loved ones, no one wants their holiday ruined as a result of that adorable four-year old niece smothering you in kisses BEFORE you noticed something resembling Nickelodeon Green Slime coming from her nose. Just as surely, none of us want tummy rumblings after eating Aunt Sally’s special casserole, or to gift our families with the respiratory virus we caught from the gentleman sitting next to us on the plane.
Have you ever wondered what your doctor packs in his bag to promote wellness and handle physical discomforts when he/she travels? In preparation for travels, I sat down with Dr. Matalone and asked to have a peek into his personal travel bag. Below are his must-have favorites for preventative and immune- boosting benefits while away from home. Most of these items provide multi-purpose support, so a powerful prevention/immune boosting kit can be kept to a minimum.
BIO-ACTIVE SILVER HYDROSOL
Silver hydrosol packs a powerful punch when it comes to supporting immune health while not disrupting the gut microbiome, according to studies. Silver has an interesting history as referenced in JW Alexander’s book, History of the Medical Use of Silver, Surgical Infections, 2009. 10 (3): p. 289-292. It has been used by ancient civilizations for many health purposes. Hippocrates believed silver had antimicrobial benefits noting its “anti-disease properties.” On battlefields in the 1800s, silver was used and believed to help heal wounds. Early American settlers dropped silver coins into barrels of liquids to avoid spoilage. NASA has used silver on space shuttles to preserve the purity of the water. Dr. Matalone particularly likes silver hydrosol as its uniquely tiny particles are formulated with 99.999% pure silver and pharmaceutical-grade purified water making it a highly effective, consistent and safe form of silver. Silver is versatile and can be taken orally, sprayed up your nose, applied topically, dropped into your ear, used in a neti-pot, and is even safe to nebulize into the lungs. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for your travel bag. Dr. Matalone even sprays his face with it while on an airplane to provide an immune system boost while in tight quarters with others.
ACUTE IMMUNE
Acute Immune is a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and herbals. The individual ingredients are known to either modulate or stimulate your immune system. Imagine trying to lead an army into war with soldiers who are not primed and prepared to fight. This is the same for your immune system. Your fighting immune cells become prepared and more aware of unwanted pathogens when there is an abundance of beta glucan, which is an immunomodulator. Ingredients such as oregano and echinacea are known to be immune stimulants pushing those same cells toward fight mode. By combining an immune modulator with immune stimulators, we get a nice, synergistic effect resulting in an army of battle-ready immune cells.
Beta Glucan has been studied thousands of times in schools such as Tulane University, Harvard and University of Louisville showing promising results in many areas of health. Beta glucan binds to the CR3 receptors on the surface of all immune cells. As one author explained, “This binding enhances the readiness of these immune cells to attack any foreign body perceived as non-self (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer and parasites).
VITAMIN D3 (50,000 IU CAPSULES)
A simple search on the National Institute of Health website will produce a plethora of articles on vitamin D and its multiple roles in the body, but let’s focus on vitamin D and immunity. Multiple well-documented studies have shown lower levels of vitamin D are associated with increased infection. A study several years ago noted “vitamin D administration resulted in a statistically significant (42%) decrease in the incidence of influenza infection.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406) There is no doubt vitamin D plays a big role in modulating our immune system. Dr. Matalone’s store offers several options of vitamin D3. His preferred travel formulation is a high dose non-synthetic Vitamin D3 (50,000 IU), which can be conveniently taken once a week or at any time you want to give your vitamin D status a significant boost.
GI DETOX
Activated charcoal is the main ingredient in this supplement along with clay and aloe vera. If your food or water is ever compromised, you will definitely want this product nearby. Activated charcoal is known to bind to toxins in the body and quickly pull them out, making this supplement a jewel of a travel companion if you find your stomach rumbling a little like Mount Vesuvius.
HEVERT TRAUMA
This convenient, Arnica rich roll-on can give relief from muscle aches and pains or from bruising or swelling. It is used topically on unbroken skin.
FRANKINCENSE OIL
Dr. Matalone believes pure, organic Frankincense oil is another versatile choice and has been used for centuries to promote wellness. As Dr. Matalone will frequently say, “If it was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.” One can rub a few drops on areas of concern or reflex points. The soles of your feet are always a good option for oil absorption.
If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: The only thing that heals us is our own intact immune system. Its job is to fight, fix, or repair. Our job is to keep it in optimal shape. We often can’t control our exposure to infections, but we can give the microscopic soldiers of our immune system what they need to fight when germs invade. An intact, battle-ready immune system must be armed with what it needs. Call, order online, or drop into Dr. Matalone’s store to update your personal travel kit. We are available to offer suggestions and information to help guide you in your selections.
