The dreaded international plane ride! So many people in such a small confined space circulating the same germ infested air for hours. How the heck can you stay healthy when you are stuck on a plane for 15 hours???

This is perfect timing for this subject as I am on way to Italy as I write this blog. Over the years of long travel days I have come up with a list of things that I use to keep me healthy while I travel.

Since I cannot get to my destination without having to deal with the flight I have learned to make the best of it with some simple tricks that I will share with you.

First and foremost is to stay hydrated! Dehydration happens fast at higher elevations so the longer you are in the air the more risk you have of becoming dehydrated. I take along individual powdered packets of electrolytes and buy the biggest bottle of water (sadly also super expensive) I can find at the airport before takeoff and add the electrolyte powder to the water bottle and drink during my flight. I also may add in some chia seeds to the bottle because chia seeds help the body stay hydrated with the side benefit of also curbing hunger.
Avoid the sugar and alcohol! Sugar and alcohol lower your immune system and make you more vulnerable to the germs around you. Instead opt for high protein and healthy fat snacks and meals
Eat healthy! Pack your own meals and snacks and avoid the airport and airplane foods. Pack foods high in vitamins, minerals, essential fats, and proteins like nuts and seeds, cut up veggies with hummus, nut butter packets, fruits in a peel such as bananas, apples, oranges, avocados, homemade granola, roasted seaweed snacks, etc.
Sleep on the plane! Bring your own pillow and blanket, headphones, and eyemask so that you can block out sound and light for a comfortable rest. Avoid caffeine so you can sleep. Make sure you stay warm while you are sleeping and bring your blanket up over your nose for added protection.
Bring along an herbal throat spray and nasal spray. Many germs enter your body through your nose and mouth so protect yourself by using these every half hour or so in the plane.
Energize your cells and alkalize your body by bringing along a good greens powder and vitamin c powder that you can add to your water to provide you with alkalizing nutrients to keep immune system up. I also bring a small travel size container of magnesium oil to rub on any muscles that stiffen up while on the flight.
Try to meditate. Meditating periodically throughout flight will help keep your stress levels at bay. Stress lower the immune system and can increase risk of sickness.
Get up and move around. Get your blood pumping every hour even if it means doing squats in the aisle or bathroom. Flying can increase inflammation in the body and impair circulation so ignore how silly you may look in the aisle and get some movement going in upper and lower body. Stretch, do a few standing yoga moves, run in place, do lunges and squats. You will feel 100times better when you finally reach your destination if you get your body moving rather than sitting for the whole flight. If you have to get up to go to the bathroom you might as well put a little extra movement into it since you are going there anyway.

I hope these travel tips help you as I know they help me!

As always....In good health and happiness,

Brandy Augustine PhD