Flying off to somewhere fun? You want to be well when you get to where you’re going.
That enclosed space in the plane is just one reason people get sick when they fly.
But one main thing that can get overlooked is plane travel is very dehydrating. When we get above the clouds we lose some of the hydrating filter in the air – which means we get more of the sun’s radiation. And that radiation is drying.
For the duration of the flight we breath this drier air and that is tough on our throats, nasal passages and lungs. We are more vulnerable to an infection taking hold with less of our natural mucus membrane protection.
What you can do: drink water. We mean it. As you stand in security, drink until it’s gone. And refill your water bottle from their handy dandy water fountains, bring a full water bottle (or two) onto the plane. (And you can ask kindly for the flight attendant to refill your bottle as well.)
The idea here is to get in 10 oz. of water every hour. Yes, this means you will be using the restroom - but that also allows you to stretch a bit.
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Another good trick – flights can be a bit chilly. Bring along a few ginger chews, ask for some hot water and make ginger tea. Ginger has many benefits – it’s warming, it opens the nasal passages, and it has great antiviral benefits.
Note: ginger chews are very sticky, so much so that when chewed there is potential for them to pull out fillings. So, if you are just unwrapping and eating, suck on versus chew.
Now, enjoy your trip!
