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Healthy Airline Travel: Part II

TipsForHealthyAirlineTravelPartIIBy Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

Travel should be fun, exciting and enjoyable.  Planning ahead can help you cope with any worries or fears that can accompany your travel plans.  Here are some common problems associated with air travel and tips on how you can manage, overcome or prevent illness and discomfort: 

Jet Lag

Jet lag is a form of disorientation and fatigue caused by abruptly switching to a different sleep/wake schedule.  This occurs when the body’s circadian  (24 hour) clock struggles to adjust its normal rhythms to your new destination. Traveling across time zones creates confusion within the body as sleep patterns are interrupted.  Short term consequences of missed sleep can result in impaired memory and speech functions and an impaired ability to think and process information. 

  • An east-west flight of less than 4 hours may cause stiffness and irritability.  A longer flight may cause varied symptoms of digestive problems, dehydration, headache, disorientation, anxiety, nausea or constipation
  • To minimize jet lag, try shifting your sleep patterns by an hour or two for a few days before your flight and get a good night’s sleep before your trip. 
  • Try to sleep on the plane.  A window seat is a better choice for longer flights as you can prop yourself against the wall and can avoid being disturbed when your seat mates get up.  Here’s where your travel pillow, an eye mask and noise cancelling head phones come in handy. 
  • Once you arrive, exist solely on the local time to quickly realign your circadian clock and  have as normal a day as possible.  If you arrive in the morning, get some daylight and fresh air, try to push through to an early dinner and then get a good night’s sleep.
  • Changes in temperature and eating times can also contribute to travel fatigue. 

Anxiety

Even those without fear of flying can suffer from anxiety regarding travel.  Fatigue and anxiety can wreak havoc on the immune system. 

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as listening  to soothing music, enjoying a good book or watching an in-flight movie. 
  • Try creative visualization.  Imagine yourself at your destination and all the wonderful things you plan to do there. 
  • Cut back on caffeine.  Stay hydrated by drinking water and get plenty of rest before your flight. 
  • Hand over control.  Anxiety is often about needing control and the lack of the ability to have control in certain situations.  The Captain is a professional who wants to arrive as safely as you do and accepting that fact may reduce anxiety. 
  • Scheduling a minimum of 45 minutes for layovers between flights may also help reduce anxiety. 
  • Use the power of distraction.  Bring with you items that will distract from the flight such as crossword puzzles, a good book, or portable games.  Striking up a conversation with your seat partners can help pass the time and keep your mind occupied.
  • Take good care of your body and nutrition.  Physically fit, well-rested people are less likely to suffer bouts of anxiety. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life threatening disorder in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the body.  Senior adults, smokers, obese or pregnant persons and people with varicose veins or a history of blood clots are most at risk.  The following exercises can help relieve fatigue, stress and tension and will increase your blood circulation minimizing your health risks.

  • Once the seatbelt restriction is lifted, get up every hour and walk the aisle of the plane to stretch your legs. 
  • Perform in-seat exercises such as slow ankle rolls, gentle head and shoulder rolls, or foot pumps where you lift your heels high while keeping your toes on the floor and then reverse leaving heels on the floor and lifting your toes. 
  • Stretch your arms straight out in front of you, then lift them overhead and reach up into the air for an additional stretch.
  • Lifting one knee at a time and pulling it towards your chest for 15 seconds is another excellent stretch you can do while seated. 
  • In addition, you can do a forward flex by keeping your feet flat on the floor, bending forward from the waist and reaching your hands towards your ankles.

Food and water borne illness:

Experiencing new cuisines and local fare is a big part of traveling.  Use caution when you arrive at your destination.  Not all water and ice is safe to drink so stick with bottled water and other bottled beverages and bypass the ice.

  • Roadside stands and food kiosks may look temping but be cautious.  Raw foods, unrefrigerated foods, undercooked foods, unpeeled fruit, or unpasteurized dairy can all cause gastrointestinal problems.  Better to eat in restaurants that have a reputation for safe cooking. 
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before every meal or snack.  Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.  If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands but may not entirely eliminate them.  Soap, water and 20 seconds of rubbing is the best way to clean your hands. 
  • Take probiotics to keep your healthy intestinal flora flourishing and boost your immune system to defend against harmful bacteria.  
  • Digestive aids can help your body cope with new or unusual foods and can maintain stomach and intestinal comfort by supporting the digestive process. 

Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes.  A little planning ahead on your part can ensure your health and comfort.  Here’s hoping you have a safe, healthy and memorable summer! 

Supplemental aids for travelers:

Ortho Biotic by Ortho MolecularTo maintain and encourage the growth of good bacteria in your intestinal tract.  Stress, alcohol, pollutants and foods can all increase harmful bacteria and set the stage for digestive issues and illness.  Taking a probiotic before, during and after air travel can help boost your immune system and reduce your chances of digestive imbalances from foreign microbes.  This is a great probotic for travel as refrigeration is not necessary. 

Digest Gold by Enzymedica –  Formulated to assist with digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber.  Changes in your diet while traveling can upset your digestive system.  This product is designed to assist the body in the maximum digestion of nutrients, support energy production and provide immune support.  

End Fatigue Daily Energy B Complex by Integrative Therapeutics –  Ultimate strength B vitamin formula for all day energy.  End Fatigue Daily Energy B Complex features high levels of B12 and other B vitamins for healthy blood, brain and nerve cell function all essential for sustained energy.  This product helps maintain mental alertness when you are experiencing fatigue. 

Buffered Ascorbic Acid by Pure Encapsulations  –  Buffered ascorbic acid combines calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, and potassium ascorbate to create a neutral pH vitamin C.  Vitamin C supports the body’s defense system by enhancing white blood cell function and activity and increasing antibody response.  Vitamin C is a superior antioxidant that helps fight viral and bacterial infections while enhancing immunity. 

Rhodiola (SF755) by Thorne Research –  Rhodiola is an important stress-relieving botanical.   In addition to aiding sleep, Rhodiola can enhance mood and decrease occasional episodes of worry and nervousness, allowing for more efficient functioning under stressful conditions.

 

Enzymedica – The Enzyme Experts

EnzymedicaLogoBy Susan Brown

Enzymedica, the leading manufacturer of plant-based enzyme supplements is renowned for  superior formulations and insistence on quality.  Enzymedica produces cutting edge enzyme formulas that provide targeted support for digestive issues, food intolerances, cardiovascular issues, proper immune function and healthy inflammatory processes.  

Established in 1998, Enzymedica leads the enzyme category by offering products that contain the highest therapeutic activities available.  Enzymedica is dedicated to using only the highest quality plant and plant-based enzymes in their products. Their formulas never contain fillers or excipients, nor do they utilize flow agents in their production. This guarantees the purest products with immediate bioavailability, as well as products that inspire confidence in their safety and efficacy.

Enzymedica is dedicated to providing exceptional enzyme-focused supplements at the most therapeutic levels available in the natural foods industry and beyond.  Their exclusive Thera-blend™ process is used in the manufacturing of its protease, lipases, amylase and cellulase enzymes thereby achieving greater activity over a broader pH range.  This process increases potency by enabling each enzyme to break down more bonds throughout the entire digestive system.  When formulated for therapeutic purposes, Thera-blend enzymes are customized for optimal performance throughout the entire body.

GlutenEase  –  GlutenEase contains proteases high in DPP-IV activity that assist in normalizing inflammatory response to the gluten peptide for better digestion and utilization of gluten containing foods.  GlutenEase proactively supports the gut, allowing proteins to be properly broken down and absorbed in their digested state.  GlutenEase may also be used by those who wish to remain on a gluten-free, casein-free diet to ensure complete breakdown of proteins safely and effectively.

Digest Gold  –  Digest Gold represents the most potent digestive enzyme formula available.  Digest Gold is a good choice for individuals who are lipase deficient.  Lipase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats, lipids and triglycerides.  It is also ideal for anyone suffering with health issues not necessarily associated with digestion.  When stress is reduced to the system responsible for breaking down and assimilating the foods consumed, more energy and thus more metabolic enzymes are made available to the systems responsible for overall health including the immune system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and nervous system.

Lacto –  Lacto is a lactase enzyme supplement formulated for individuals who have difficulty digesting foods that contain lactose and dairy protein.  Lacto contains the highest amount of lactase along with eight additional enzymes.  Supplementation of lactase allows for lactose to be more readily digestible and absorbed.  By taking Lacto with meals that contain lactose, you are providing your body with the enzymes needed for proper digestion of not only dairy sugar (lactose) but dairy protein, fats, carbohydrates, meat protein and fiber.

Gastro –  Gastro™ reduces the gas and bloating often associated with the consumption of raw vegetables, grains and legumes.  Gastro is ideal for anyone exhibiting amylase deficiency and for those who consume a high carbohydrate or vegetarian diet.  Gastro contains four different types of enzymes that break down carbohydrates such as starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides, reducing stress on the gallbladder, liver and pancreas.  Moreover, Gastro has a very high amount of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase that is imperative in digesting the sugars from legumes and other foods that create gas and bloating.