My Glastonbury packing list used to feature the usual suspects – hand sanitiser, wellies, copious amounts of booze. But in the lead-up to this year’s festival, things are looking a little different. While those essentials are still very much on the list, I’m also prioritising the things that really matter – ie, my supplement regime.
Given my newfound (and perhaps mid-thirties-appropriate) concern about how I am going to feel after a weekend spent enjoying the world’s best festival – where an average day involves over 30,000 steps, a lot of partying and a lot of fast food – I am opting to look after Future Hannah with a line-up of science-backed supplements. And I’m not alone.
A quick chat with some friends and a browse of “Glasto packing list” videos on TikTok swiftly reveals a similar approach taking hold among many festival-goers. Beyond the usual festival-friendly bags and Salomon trainers – this year’s non-negotiable footwear – there are electrolyte powders, glutathione, magnesium and even creatine. (Don’t threaten us with a good time.)
But then, why would we overlook supplements at a time when our bodies need them most? When I ask Dr Federica Amati, Zoe’s head nutritionist and the author of Every Body Should Know This, whether she thinks it’s worth bothering, she gave me all the validation I needed.
“Glastonbury is a bit like a marathon,” she says. “You end up walking, moving, sweating, dancing and exerting much more energy than in normal life, so it makes sense that you should treat your body in a similar way, which is where supplements come in. For example, as a general rule, I don’t recommend electrolytes for day to day – you don’t need them – but at a festival, they’re a great idea, especially if it’s hot and you’re drinking a lot of alcohol.”
She notes that polyphenol-powered supplements, such as De-liver-ance (more on which later) are a good idea, as they can help ease oxidative stress, which can be triggered by any kind of toxin (processed food included), sun exposure, poor sleep and stress. Drinking a kombucha each day is also a good idea for its probiotic effect on the gut microbiome, plus, it’s easy to enjoy on the go.
Momo Kombucha – 6 Bottles
While I’m certainly not holier than thou, it’s easy to make these tweaks to my festival routine. The formulas support the liver with detoxification, improve energy levels and combat dehydration, and thus can help mitigate any diabolical hangovers. Therefore, they’re an absolute festival essential. Here’s exactly what I’m taking:
Electrolytes
Ancient + Brave True Hydration
Dehydration is really common at festivals, what with the drinking, sweating and long hours spent outside in the sun. Adding an electrolyte powder into your water is a quick and easy way to replenish lost sodium, potassium, magnesium and other minerals in order to help you feel more energised, clear-headed and healthy. I’ll be adding Ancient + Brave’s travel-friendly True Hydration Sachets into my water first thing and throughout the day.
Creatine
Not just for gym bros, creatine is naturally used in the body to power all manner of different energy-intensive processes, including exercise and organ function. I’m undoubtedly going to feel tired at points during the few days I’m in Somerset, so I’ll be taking Artah’s new Essential Creatine to rectify that.
Polyphenols
De-liver-ance is a high-polyphenol drink which is scientifically proven to reduce blood alcohol concentration and support the liver during what can be an horrendous time for the poor guy. A shot that you take each morning and follow with water, it blends roots and herbs to improve sleep, immune system function and mental clarity. It’s not cheap, but it is worth it.
Glutathione
Zooki 500mg Liposomal Glutathione Capsules
A powerful antioxidant that supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, glutathione is great for cellular health, reducing inflammation and fending off oxidative stress. I haven’t tried Zooki’s Liposomal Glutathione Capsules yet, but I’ll be giving them a road test when I get onsite.
Magnesium
Artah Essential Magnesium
While I don’t take magnesium every day, it feels like a no-brainer at Glastonbury, where my muscles will be aching and my sleep inhibited. Magnesium is also great for recovery, managing cortisol levels and easing a hangover. I love these capsules, also by Artah.
