For many of us summer means sand between our toes with an ice cream in hand, nobody wants their relaxation to be rudely interrupted by a burning sensation! 

Heart burn, sun burn and an intimate burn are not what we call holiday bliss! So, what can we do to beat the burn?

Sunburn

Even when we think we’re taking on board all the top tips out there for keeping safe in the sun, sometimes we can still get caught! Nobody wants to feel like their skin is burning, let alone resembling a lobster. 

Solution: Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera gel is a must-have for sun holidays, to soothe and calm any sunburn. ‘Due to its high vitamin content (A, B1, B2, B6, B12), Aloe Vera can rejuvenate and reach deep into the skin helping to heal micro-wounds, including sunburn and acne scars. Apply often, especially in the evening, after a day in the sun. Go for Soothing Skin Gel by What Skin Needs (www.whatskinneeds.co.uk, £14.99)’ suggests Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns. 

An intimate burn

Greater exposure to chlorine, dehydration and drinking alcohol can all increase the risk of getting cystitis on your travels. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, which is usually caused by a bladder infection. A common symptom of cystitis is as a frequent urge to urinate or a burning feeling on urination. But did you know that cranberries could be your saviour? 

Solution: Cranberry extract

Cranberries and cranberry juice are a traditional remedy for UTIs. How do they work? Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Women’s Health Expert (www.marilynglenville.com) and author of The Natural Health Handbook for Women explains, ‘However, avoid sweetened pre-packaged cranberry jellies and make your own cranberry sauce using minimal sugar or using low-GI sugars such as coconut sugar.”

Not a big fan of cranberries? Looking for a quicker fix? “Cranbiotix by Quest Vitamins (qnutrapharma.com, £10.45) provides not only a high amount of cranberry extract but also a blend of probiotics to support your natural flora and restore the ‘good’ bacteria,” says Sharon Morey, Nutritionist at Quest Vitamins. 

Heartburn

Holiday season can be a time of dread for those who suffer from acid reflux, also known as heartburn. Whilst laying on the sunbed you want to relax and unwind, not feel uncomfortable and agitated due to what feels like acid crawling up your chest.

Solution: Sodium Aliginate

Heartburn can be caused by our eating habits such as, eating too much or eating too much of certain types of foods. How can you deal with condition? “Stay away from foods that can trigger your heartburn. Think: fruit and fruit juices, fizzy drinks, coffee and chocolate, which on holiday you may be consuming more frequently. However, if you’re struggling to resist that extra pool side cocktail to help ease your symptoms of heartburntry Nature’s Plus NutraSec (£15.95, revital.co.uk)” explains Cassandra.

“Nature’s Plus NutraSec contains sodium aliginate, a very peculiar form of sodium which we find in algae. When in contact with water it becomes a gel and gently protects our stomach lining from getting irritated and inflamed, which can help prevent and soothe heartburn,” explains Martina Della Vedova, Nutritionist at Nature’s Plus UK.