Any travel can take its toll, but the availability of free-flowing drinks and long periods of inactivity can make flying a common ground for the following issues:
Dehydration – Lack of humidity in the cabin can cause dehydration in itself, and quenching this thirst with free booze available on many long haul flights doesn’t help.
Germs – The recycled and filtered air in flight is cleaner than most offices. It’s the surfaces including tray tables and toilet handles you need to be wary of.
Jet Lag – Mood changes, sleep deprivation, constipation and daytime fatigue – the symptoms of jet lag can leave you wondering whether the trip was worth it…
Deep vein thrombosis – There’s not far to walk when you’re on a plane, which can be a problem for your blood flow. Specifically sitting for long periods can increase the chances of a blot clot in your legs.
Bloating – While the plane is cruising at a much higher altitude, the cabin is pressurised to simulate an altitude that is still 5000 – 8000 feet above sea level. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and the greater volume of gasses.
So how to you deal with these in-flight health grumbles or even potentially life-threatening conditions?
Eat and drink right
The same rules apply as on the ground (almost). Avoid fizzy drinks, and to go one better than water try kombucha, a probiotic tea that’ll keep your digestive tract happy. Raw foods, lean proteins and yoghurts are a better option that burger and chips, although go easy on the beans and broccoli – for obvious reasons.
While alcohol may contribute to dehydration, small amounts can act as a blood thinner which helps the cause against DVT. It may even get you moving with more frequent trips to the toilet.
Go natural
No this isn’t a nod towards naturism, but rather the supplements and natural gems that could come to your aid during your flight and beyond. Cinnamon and cardamom help aid digestion, along with water to keep things moving, while fibre can help break down food.
Camomile tea is well known for its ability to soothe us to sleep, but if you need something a bit stronger in the face of jet lag, melatonin supplements can also help. If you want to give your immune system a leg up prior to your flight, Vitamin C and Echinacea can help.
If you’re struck down while away, you’re going to feel the effectiveness of your travel insurance most keenly. Start exploring your options by getting a quote here.
