While traveling is fun, flying on an airplane for long hours takes a major toll on the body. I used to have issues with constipation, bloating and fatigue for days after a long flight. After years of trial and error, I have discovered some excellent ways to stay healthy while traveling.

5 Health Essentials to Bring on Vacation

Traveling has enriched my life in many ways. I have learned valuable life lessons, experienced new cultures, and I even met my husband while spending a year in Honduras.

But traveling isn’t always glamorous; the Instagram shots from backpackers and jetsetters might make it appear so, but the truth is, there’s a flip side. Jetlag, constipation, diarrhea and food poisoning many times accompany travel.

Travel Tips: How to Avoid MSG in Asia

I love traveling and I love trying new foods, but I do not love MSG. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly found in most Asian cuisines, and I’ve been dosed more than once while traveling in southeast Asia this year. I have an extreme allergy to MSG, resulting in migraines and flu-like body aches for a few days if I’m exposed to the stuff. But if you don’t have a severe allergy like me, you should still avoid MSG as it is extremely damaging to your health.