Top Tips To Protect Your Health When Traveling
This article will explore strategies for maintaining your health while traveling on airplanes, through airports, and during your journeys in general. But why is this important?
Air travel can be one of the most stressful and physically taxing experiences when disconnected from the Earth. Considering that most people take to the skies at least twice a year, taking intelligent steps to prevent potential health issues is prudent.
"Let’s be clear – There is nothing healthy or optimal about air travel. It is a net negative. Our intention is not to dissuade you from flying but to empower you with the knowledge to make choices that protect your well-being.
I've previously shared numerous tips and strategies on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, which I use myself and recommend to my clients when they find themselves inside a metal tube 30,000 feet above the Earth's surface.
Have you ever wondered how frequently you've picked up a cold or flu, experienced digestive discomfort, struggled with jetlag, suffered from sleep disturbances, experienced brain fog muscle aches, or pondered the potential health risks flight attendants and pilots face due to their extensive time in the air?
This article is designed with a focus on health optimization and disease prevention. Travel has been integral to human evolution from time immemorial; the only variations are in the modes of transport and timeframes. It has enabled our species to adapt, migrate, mix genes and mitochondria haplotypes and, in the process, potentially enhance our immune systems and neuromuscular performance. In simple terms, travel can be both a heavenly venture and a potential health challenge, opening doors to new opportunities and enriching the human experience.
The Risks of Travelling on a Plane and nothing to do with crashing
Health issues resulting from flying are not well known, and most concerns with plane travel are the idea of the plane crashing instead of destroying your health.
Have you ever seen a disclaimer or side effect leaflet or card in the front seat pocket of your plane seat relating to pseudo hypoxia, the inhalation of toxic petrol chemicals when leaving the gate or when boarding passengers at the gate, the nnEMF exposure from WIFI, Bluetooth and the electrical system wired all over the plane in your seat and floor? Or the fact that you’re disconnected from Earth and now exposing yourself to the altered spectrum of electromagnetic radiation such as cosmic radiation, gamma rays, or more intense ultraviolet radiation and more of a concern when flying close to the North or South poles?
The plane can also be a dangerous place close to people - some people dribbling on you or breathing unintentionally in your face and personal space while snoring and then the coughs, confined conditions like a sardine in a can, and questionable hygienic cleanliness in toilets. Yuck.
“About 28% of the U.S. population flies at least once a year. For the vast majority of airline passengers, the additional equivalent radiation dose from flying is less than 3 mrems/year.
Both the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommend that exposure of the fetus during the entire gestation period from occupational exposures of the expectant mother not exceed 0.5 rem. 1”
With changes to plane technology, flight paths, and other variables, keeping up to date with health risks and having an informed scientific understanding is incredibly challenging.
“The Wallace and Sondhaus calculations of cosmic radiation exposure of 160 mrems/yr for flight and cabin crew members were inappropriate for 1986. Crew and passengers flying more hours at higher latitudes and altitudes can receive substantially more radiation than 160 and 3 mrems/yr, respectively. 1”
Additionally, pregnant women are subjecting themselves to a potential above limits of the safety of doses of radiation from cosmic radiation and also microwave and x-ray from the start to finish of plane travel. I would try to avoid the need to travel if I were a woman and pregnant. Additionally, I would not allow them to travel by plane until 5 years old if I had a young baby or child.
Health concerns the moment you enter a plane.
One of the most violent inhalations and smelling toxic exposures you face is while waiting for the plane to take off and push back off its stand from the gate.
“While waiting for a plane to depart or arrive and while sitting in a taxiing plane, passengers can be exposed to substances emitted by aircraft engines and the engines of maintenance vehicles. ”1
What you’re inhaling is the airflow system, and the aircraft jet engines emit a variety of potentially toxic substances that backflow into the airflow system; this includes carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, aldehydes (especially formaldehyde), particles, and polynuclear aromatic compounds, and wash that all down with some complimentary champagne or Coca-Cola and a pack of peanuts with that - no thanks.
“Many epidemiological studies showed that occupational and frequent flyers may be susceptible to ocular, cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, sensory, immunological, physiological, and even developmental disorders. In addition, the incidences of cancer and food poisoning are expected to be higher in such individuals.” 2
This article aims to help you reduce the risk of adverse health risks, risk factors such as radiation, metabolism disturbances, air, light, and noise pollution infection, stress, temperature, pressure, and circadian rhythm.
I have listed what I have found to be the best fundamentals to protect your health on all levels. You can add on top of your own personal stuff or favorites or try something new each time. There are no rules here. The goal is to make the flight as stress-free as possible without getting stressed about what you must do, which is pointless.
Travel Tips before your flight
Before any of the hacks, the simplistic one I learned years ago was setting your clocks for the time at the destination. If it is a long-haul flight, you can do this a few days before. You can think in the future by altering when you sleep, wake, or eat. Doing so will adjust your thinking. This is planning, which might make the difference in experiencing jetlag for 2 days instead of 4 days. Shift your body clock before take-off based on the time zone you’re heading to. For example, if I am flying from Mexico City to Dubai, which is an 18-hour trip (I have done this four times, and it is brutal). I set my phone clock upon boarding in Mexico, and it’s around 10 hours ahead - I do my best to stick to this - if it might be 9 pm Dubai time, so I will make an effort to sleep, or it might be 9 am instead - I will do my best in staying up a little longer than usual. Like I said, for long-haul flights, you can do this gradually a few days out. For short trips, this is not much of a concern.
Other small wins:
Go to bed early and sleep well the night before.
Load up with seafood meals before flying. The most nutrient density to mitigate radiation, pseudo hypoxia, and toxic light environment (selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, taurine).
Try a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.
Cryotherapy or ice bath.
Spend considerable time in nature downloading and grounding.
Float tank.
Toxic Blue Light at the Airport and Plane
Personally speaking, blue light-blocking glasses (yellow for the day and red for the night) are crucial and should be used daily if you live in the modern world behind windows and walls.. There is no healthy light from the moment you walk through the airport doors until you leave the departures and have your suitcase waiting for your ride to the hotel or home.
The blue light above your head, the TV screen, the light through the plane window, maybe your telephone, and the light in the cabin toilets are all white (artificially blue and flickering). Your brain is wired to be responsive and increase cortisol release and suppress the release of melatonin to coordinate circadian - daily or nightly processes such as metabolism or alterations in body temperature or cellular transporters, etc.
Putting on your blue light-blocking glasses saves your brain and eye health, relieving stress. You can’t control the plane lights, so bringing either or both pairs to influence your metabolism is critical.
If you want to be genuinely protective, opt for the blue light-blocking glasses. They block all interfering frequencies, which should ideally be paired with fasting, as discussed next. You can opt for red for total health protection or yellow to protect your eyes from the intense spectrum by leveling out the spectrum more favorable to natural light.
If you want a pair of the best glasses that truly block blue light and are made with quality materials, use my discount links and codes to Ra optics (using LIVEVITAE10 to save 10% off). There are other brands, such as Bon Charge, but I currently use Ra Optics for their higher-quality lenses that don’t scratch and last long.
Avoiding Airport and Airplane Food
If you are honest - when have you been impressed with airplane and airport food? It is costly and is usually garbage.
Sometimes, you can find oysters from the champagne bar or maybe a banana or beef jerky, but why bother? Why not just use this experience - flying as a challenge to fast?
I have seen some ridiculous videos online with MDs bringing on coconuts to have coconut water and then glass Tupperware containers to have their beef burger for a short flight from Costa Rica to Texas. That is laughable, and just the prepping and carrying is an effort. You should be okay without anything for a few hours, and even then, bring something more logical with you.
Ideally, have a decent-sized meal the evening before and - before you leave home if it’s a day / early flight. And you should be good to go for 8-10 hours. I honestly do think if you can’t maintain your blood glucose levels or have the ability to burn fat for 4-12+ hours, then that’s a red flag for metabolic health problems to investigate.
Use it as a test - fasting with water or coffee.
It is an excellent way to upregulate protective antioxidants and transcription factors such as AMPK and Sirtuins and relieve the pressure and stress on your gut to work to digest in an unfavorable environment, aka pseudo hypoxia. Digesting does not work well when your brain perceives it is running away from a tiger, aka STRESS, or when your circulation with blood flow and oxygen tension is altered due to not moving on a plane and with elevations in carbon dioxide or from the radiation influencing the permeability of the cell membrane (opening the enterocyte (gut cell) to permeability and the potential assault of endotoxins) is a wise move to further stress it with a sandwich or a bag of crisps.
If you need to balance your glucose or don’t do well with the stress of flying, opt for something easy to digest - an apple/dark chocolate/beef jerky that would make an ideal meal.
Hydration Tips For Travel
When it comes to air travel, hydration is vital. On medium to long-haul flights, I make a point of drinking plenty of water. I prefer it ice-cold and often ask for lemon or lime slices for that extra boost of vitamin C, potassium, and flavonoids.
My top pick is sparkling mineral water in a glass, or I might grab a bottle before boarding. Instead of downing it in big gulps, I sip it slowly throughout the flight. Why? Chugging large quantities only leads to more frequent visits to the airplane's restroom, one of the riskiest places for catching infections or common colds and flu. Alternatively, other water options and, If available, Icelandic mineral water or Evian, which both have been shown to have lower deuterium content.
Those who want more than just plain water consider hydration solutions like electrolytes. Isotonic solutions, like Quinton, are an excellent choice. Alternatively, use Natural Stacks Mag Tech electrolyte lemonade sachets (code LIVEVITAE20 for a 20% discount) for magnesium-inhibiting calcium activation and then the downstream effects, such as mast cell responses and increased eicosanoids and prostaglandins synthesis.
Green tea, matcha, black coffee, and espresso (without the added milk, creams, and syrups) are suitable in-flight beverages. Most airports have coffee shops where you can buy your coffee ahead of time and bring it on board in your takeaway cup, which also limits your exposure to microplastics. Remember that airplane coffee is often not a premium blend but an instant version stored for an extended period. I steer clear of this type of coffee due to concerns about its potential pesticide content and the fact that I find its taste less appealing.
That said, not everyone should indulge in coffee, as it has downsides. Consider the time zone of your destination and your sleep schedule when deciding. Coffee can increase your excretion of calcium and potassium, especially if you skip dairy/milk.
What to wear on a Plane?
Think about the role of artificial light and how our skin, like our eyes, absorbs light. While the skin doesn't directly regulate the brain (it does indirectly via the nervous system and hormones) like our eyes do, it's not immune to the effects of light. To counter the potential adverse effects of blue light and its impact on metabolism, opt for a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt and loose-fitting trousers. This clothing choice can help shield your skin from blue light exposure and its possible consequences.
“Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes that develop on exposure to blue light.” 3
When you see me traveling, I always wear a baseball hat to shield my face and scalp. Just as a baseball cap can shield you from the sun, it can also protect you from the barrage of artificial blue light. This small change can make a big difference in preserving your hair's health. Blue light exposure on the scalp may lead to unexpected changes in your hair.
There's a case for protective clothing, particularly on long-haul flights or routes near the poles, where increased cosmic radiation can pose more health risks. This can also be a wise choice for individuals with specific health concerns, such as heart arrhythmias, those who have or are recovering from testicular or breast cancer, or even pregnant women.
One option for protective clothing is offered by Get Lambs, a brand I trust. I've used their boxers, shirts, and baseball caps while traveling, and my clients have benefited from their products. Get Lambs' clothing is clinically tested, blocking 98% radiation, and crafted from high-quality materials. It's essential to note that these considerations apply more to those with specific health concerns and sensitivities.
Comfort Is Key, Even Down to Your Underwear
Another noteworthy tip is to choose loose-fitting underwear. Tight underwear can have a detrimental impact on sperm health, affecting sperm count and concentration. Opt for organic cotton or other natural materials for optimal comfort and health, ensuring they are not too snug. Proper underwear choice can make a difference.
Where is the healthiest place to sit on a plane?
From my experience using a Trifield reader to measure nnEMFs (non-native electromagnetic fields) on various planes, it's clear that not all aircraft or cabins are equal in this regard.
Ideally, avoid window seats. They put you closer to the distorted visible spectrum light from the window and the cosmic radiation. Furthermore, wires and tubing often run down the sides of the plane, which can increase your nnEMF exposure.
For reduced nnEMF exposure, choose middle aisle or aisle seats. This is consistent across various flight classes, from business cabins to premium economy to economy, regardless of the airline.
Try your best to avoid the kitchen or toilet areas of the aircraft as these areas are the busiest with people passing through and likely knocking your seat or hearing noises and smelling nasty smells.
Seat selection can be more challenging, but choosing your seat ahead of time can make a difference. Opt for a seat with no one sitting behind you, which means you won't have a television mounted on the back of your seat headrest. In-flight TVs involve wiring located right by your head and nearby Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections for operation. Avoiding this setup can help minimize your exposure to these electronic fields.
Methylene blue pseudohypoxia hack
One of the most valuable air travel hacks is the use of methylene blue. This compound is crucial in donating and transferring electrons within our mitochondria, supercharging their oxygen-use ability.
Why is this important for air travel? When we're up in the air, disconnected from the Earth, our electron absorption slows down. The plane's altered air composition, higher carbon dioxide levels, and additional nnEMF exposure create a pseudo-hypoxia state. This isn't critical-care hypoxia but rather pseudo-hypoxia, where our mitochondria struggle to use oxygen effectively. This leads to disruptions linked to the crucial transcription factor called HIF1-a.
Additionally, other hypoxic alterations can kick in, such as:
Anemic hypoxia occurs when the blood’s oxygen-carrying capability is reduced; this may be due to reduced hemoglobin content caused by poor nutrition or by carbon monoxide, nitrates, sulfa drugs, etc., that react with hemoglobin and reduce the amount available to carry oxygen. 4
This would leave subclinical people more under threat and exposed to this issue induced by air travel.Stagnant or hypokinetic hypoxia is caused by circulatory system problems such as heart failure or, in aviation, by blood pooling in the lower limbs under high G maneuvers. 4
Air travel further complicates these conditions with changes in pressure and limited movement. This can affect our lymphatic system, impair neuromuscular function, and worsen the situation for those with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications.
Troscriptions provide an in-depth explanation of the benefits of methylene blue in addressing jetlag. Using my code LIVEVITAE10, you can avail of a 10% discount at checkout. I recommend Troscriptions for air travel due to their user-friendly delivery system, surpassing traditional liquid drops.
“Oxygen is the second most abundant gas at about 21%. When flying, pressurized oxygen concentrations range between 15.2% (8,000 ft) and 17.6% (6,000 ft) in the airplane cabin. This doesn’t mean that there is less oxygen per se, however, since the overall cabin pressure is lower (approximately 564-609 mmHg), the partial pressure of oxygen is lower too (118-128 mmHg vs. 760 mmHg at sea level), thus decreasing the effective amount of oxygen getting into the body”. 5
The impact on oxygen saturation is considerable during cruising in an aircraft, with a noticeable difference in saturation levels. While you typically experience 97% saturation on the ground, it drops to 93% during flight. You can easily monitor this effect by acquiring a pulse oximeter via Amazon to see for yourself. This shift is observable across all age groups, including children.
A decrease in oxygen saturation indicates the likelihood of pseudohypoxia, which impairs oxygen consumption in the mitochondria and can impact cellular functions.
Air circulation within the cabin can be subpar, with recycled air laden with petrochemicals coupled with notably low humidity levels. These conditions can lead to dry throat, nasal cavity, and mouth. Consequently, protective mucosal membranes in these areas become more susceptible to pathogens and toxins that may enter your respiratory system unchecked.
This is one of the primary reasons I recommend refraining from eating on a plane. Hypoxia signaling can impact energy production and utilization within your cells. Moreover, pseudo-hypoxia affects adipose tissue and liver functions differently, potentially leading to increased glucose response and insulin activity resistance, which can contribute to weight gain.
The microbiome in your gut is also subject to the time-zone changes associated with jetlag, affecting its metabolism and production of short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids promote overall health by enhancing insulin sensitivity and supporting colonocyte metabolism. Disruption in this process might result in increased endotoxins entering your body, potentially causing insulin resistance, stress responses, and hormonal imbalances.
Methylene blue supports energy production by counteracting the challenges posed by the low-oxygen environment in air travel. It's worth noting that a temporary side effect of using methylene blue is a distinctive blue appearance for a few hours. For a more comprehensive understanding of methylene blue, you can read our detailed article HERE.
Furthermore, methylene blue offers added protection to your brain by maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and enhancing your ability to utilize hemoglobin, optimizing mitochondrial performance in this unique setting. 7
MB (methylene blue) treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis and improved BBB integrity. In TBI animals, treatment with MB not only improved cognitive and motor function caused by TBI but also significantly improved overall neurological function.” 6
It's crucial to emphasize that methylene blue should not be taken as an everyday supplement without discretion, as can sometimes be observed in the alternative health community. Instead, it should be employed selectively and with care. When considering methylene blue, purchasing it from reputable sources that guarantee pharmaceutical-grade quality and adhere to third-party testing standards is advisable. I am a big fan of Troscriptions (Use LIVEVITAE10 - for a 10% discount), which provides the safest and highest pharmaceutical-grade quality methylene blue and its unique travel-friendly design. If you’re based in the UK or overseas where Troscriptions don’t ship, use Life Blud (labeled as ? MB - use LIVEVITAE10 for 10% off. You can get the magnesium bicarbonate powder simultaneously).
Relax On A Plane
When you're on a plane, the options for healthy activities are pretty limited. So, what can you do to make the most of your time in the air? Well, you have a few choices: catch up on some much-needed sleep, bury your nose in a good book on your iPad or Kindle (don't forget to use the red light filter or glasses), or watch a movie with the help of blue light-blocking glasses.
Sleeping is arguably the most effective way to rejuvenate your body and let melatonin work magic. However, it's easier said than done. To make your in-flight slumber is successful, consider reducing coffee and other stimulants and investing in a high-quality sleep mask.
Try NOT to use alcohol at the airport lounge or on the plane to induce relaxation. It will likely have more consequences on a plane with brain fog or grogginess than your standard setting back on Earth.
Get Zen with Headphones
Airplanes can be a cacophony of sounds, from chatty neighbors and phone conversations to the hum of engines, flushing toilets, snoring passengers, and wailing children. These noises can derail your plans for a peaceful flight and your overall Zen.
Instead of subjecting yourself to this symphony of triggers, it's a good idea to pack a pair of headphones and create your own auditory oasis. You can listen to soothing sounds like a gong bath or the gentle rhythms of nature, such as whale songs, raindrops, or ocean waves. Alternatively, you can opt for some mellow tunes from artists like Coldplay or enlightening talks by the likes of Alan Watts.
Just remember to download your chosen playlists or songs before your flight, and don't forget a reliable pair of WIRED headphones. Oh, and keep the volume at a level that won't cause any harm to your precious ears. If you crave silence, a pair of trusty silicone earplugs will do the trick to a certain extent.
The best supplements to protect against radiation
As mentioned above, methylene blue should be a fundamental supplement to leverage on top of fasting and staying hydrated to put your health in a better place.
In addition to fasting and staying well-hydrated, you might want to consider adding specific supplements to your in-flight routine to protect yourself from the potential effects of radiation. The exact regimen might vary depending on the duration of your flight, but here's a solid foundation:
Vitamin C - You can choose liposomal or wholefood-based vitamin C. Take one capsule before you board the plane, then another every three hours during the flight, and a final one an hour after you land. Vitamin C is crucial in recycling electrons and plays a key role in your body's stress response and immune system defense. My preferred form of vitamin C is Paleo Valley team with their entire food vitamin C complex.
Vitamin E: Opt for a natural-based version, like North American Herb and Spice Purely E. Have one serving (160mg) of vitamin E before takeoff, then another every 3-4 hours during the flight, and one more after you touch down. Vitamin E pairs well with CoQ10 and vitamin C as they are antioxidant cycling complexes.
Long-term exposure to 900 MHz RFW radiofrequency waves impaired PAL and memory, and pretreatment of vitamin (E or E + C) prevented these effects, which may be a new potential mechanism against side effects of RFW. 9
Selenium: You can incorporate selenium into your diet by enjoying seafood or munching on 2-3 Brazil nuts before and after your meals. Selenium has shown promise in protecting against the potential adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation.
This study showed that electromagnetic radiation may have detrimental impacts on the male reproductive system, which can be prevented by use of selenium. 12
These results indicate that BBIC, L-SeM (selenium) and the selected antioxidant combinations may serve as countermeasures for space radiation-induced adverse biological effects. 10
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): Go for the reduced version, ubiquinol, as it's considered a wise choice. Brands such as Jarrow, Life Extension, or Quicksilver are reliable options. Take 200mg before your flight, then repeat every 3-4 hours during the flight and once after landing.
Magnesium bicarbonate or Mag Tech: (a tri-blend of magnesium threonate, glycinate, and taurate) Take before, during, and after your flight; make sure to have a serving of magnesium. This essential mineral is pivotal in energy production and counteracting your body's stress response.
If you're fasting, it's wise to consider including a binder, though be cautious; this can sometimes backfire and lead to constipation.
Additionally, there are other supplements you can consider, such as NAC, Shilajit, taurine, vitamin K2, vitamin B1, spirulina, and chlorella.
Security scans at the airport - the door to heaven or hell?
Airport security utilizes two main types of scanners: millimeter wave machines and X-ray scanners. Millimeter wave machines employ non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats, emitting far less energy than a typical cell phone.
“Millimeter wave machines use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats. The machine bounces the waves off the body and back to the machine. Millimeter wave scanners emit far less energy than a cell phone.”
If you have reservations about these scanners, you do have options. You can request a physical pat-down and a scan with a metal detector. In my experience, this request is typically met without any significant issues, although it might elicit some annoyed expressions from security personnel. However, the potential health impact is likely negligible when compared to the constant exposure you get from mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. In the grand scheme of things, the airport scanner is probably nothing to worry about. If you'd like to delve deeper, there's more to read on this subject, and you can check out the helpful summary HERE and the image below.
Millimetre wave body scanners operate at outputs well below those required to produce tissue heating. Passive systems detect the very low levels of non-ionising radiation that are naturally emitted from the human body or objects concealed on the body. These systems produce no radiation, either ionising or non-ionising and hence present no radiation hazard. 8
This article additionally breaks down the science of the different types of airport scanners and their health concerns. HERE
Differences in flight journeys cause different effects.
Flying eastward can really take a toll on your body, almost like turning back the clock. If you find yourself battling severe brain fog and experiencing shifts in your digestion and energy levels, these could be clear indicators that your mitochondria aren't functioning at their best and there's insufficient autophagy capacity linked to melatonin regulation.
It's wise to try and get all your flying done in one uninterrupted journey. I'm not a fan of taking off, stopping, and repeating the process 2-3 times with indirect flights. While it might save a bit of money, it also adds extra stress to your system.
In the grand scheme of things, flying less might be the best solution. Consider alternatives like train travel; it can be a unique and enjoyable experience. Recently, I traveled by train from London, through Paris, and then onwards to Italy and Rome. The travel time was comparable when you factor in check-in times and collecting luggage, but the train offered more space and a different kind of adventure.
What to do after your flight?
Depending on when you arrive at your destination, you can tweak the recommendations I've shared. Here are some simple travel tips for the post-flight phase:
If you arrive during daylight, step outside to soak in some sun and help your brain adjust to the new time zone. While you're out, look for a place to ground yourself.
For evening arrivals, avoiding eating anything is often a good idea. Instead, reset your body by exposing yourself to morning light and enjoying a hearty breakfast the next day.
Arriving in the morning or midday? Opt for a meal rich in protein and healthy fats, with fewer carbohydrates. This can help counteract the pseudo-hypoxia event associated with flying.
Without a doubt, physical activity is critical. Whether it's a brisk walk to retrieve your luggage or a short workout at your hotel or home, moving your body helps circulate lymphatics and oxygenate your body. It's not about an intense workout; focus on something mild and more pump-based for the day.
If you have access to a sauna or infrared sauna, consider taking advantage of it or try cold therapy with a cold shower. Another option is cryotherapy.
Extra health hacks and health tips for flying
Additional information to consider.
Pre-flight Body "Charging": Consider preparing your body in advance. This could involve getting more sun exposure the day before your flight, enjoying a swim in the sea, undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, using red light therapy before your flight, or indulging in a meal rich in DHA seafood.
Aisle Seat Advantage: Opt for an aisle seat to allow you to move and stretch your legs more during the flight.
Noise Control: Block out the in-flight noise using earplugs or wired headphones while enjoying background music.
Blue Light Protection: Wear blue light-blocking glasses, a baseball cap, and a long-sleeved shirt to minimize exposure to blue light.
Clothing Comfort: Avoid tight clothing, including tight boxers and bras, for a more comfortable journey.
Tech Savvy: Put your phone and laptop in airplane mode when you're using them to reduce electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Screen Brightness: If you're not using the in-flight TV, turn it off and dim the background light to minimize disruption and disturbance.
Food Requests: Politely ask the flight attendant not to disturb you with food if you prefer an uninterrupted journey.
Seat Belt Loosening: If you plan to sleep during the flight, fasten your seatbelt loosely to avoid being disturbed by a nudge during turbulence.
Mouth Breathing Solution: Bring some mouth tape to ensure comfortable breathing if you're a mouth breather.
Post-Flight Recovery: Consider getting a massage after your flight to alleviate the effects of increased cortisol on your connective and fascia tissue. Float tanks or sea swims (even better) before and after flying can enhance your overall well-being.
Grounding: While grounding directly to the plane may not be feasible due to airplane construction, you can achieve a placebo effect by removing your shoes and touching a metal part of your seat for grounding benefits.
Shoe-Free Travel: It's a good practice to take off your shoes while on the plane to improve circulation.
Regular Movement: Avoid sitting in one position for extended periods; aim to move every 1-2 hours. You can perform simple exercises like calf raises in the aisle or toilet area or engage in squats and other drills to stimulate your muscles and promote healthy blood circulation.
Alcohol Avoidance: Refrain from consuming alcohol leading up to your flight and during the flight to maintain optimal health.
Calming Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender and bergamot can be relaxing, making them a helpful addition to your travel routine.
Personal Hygiene: Carry your own toothpaste and toothbrush, or keep them in your bag, especially on longer flights.
Hygiene Awareness: Avoid touching the handles of the bathroom door and the toilet, as these areas may not be as clean as you'd like. It's been noted from experience that some individuals don't follow proper hand hygiene.
In closing:
By incorporating these additional travel tips into your flying routine, you can enhance your overall well-being and minimize the impact of air travel on your health, reduce colds, and catching the flu. Also, it reduces the effects of jetlag from traveling. These suggestions are especially beneficial for frequent flyers and those more vulnerable, such as children and pregnant women, but generally, ALL can benefit.
Remember, you don't have to follow all of them; choose the ones that align with your preferences and can be easily integrated into your travel routine. Feel free to share any personal travel hacks or ask questions in the comments section. Your insights and inquiries are highly appreciated!
REFERENCES:
‘The airliner cabin environment’ (1986) The Airliner Cabin Environment: Air Quality and Safety. [Preprint]. doi:10.17226/913.
Kim, J.N. and Lee, B.M. (2007) ‘Risk factors, health risks, and risk management for aircraft personnel and frequent flyers’, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 10(3), pp. 223–234. doi:10.1080/10937400600882103.
Das, A. et al. (2023) ‘Blue Light and skin: What is the intriguing link?’, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 48(9), pp. 968–977. doi:10.1093/ced/llad150.
Hypoxia SKYbrary Aviation Safety. Available at: https://skybrary.aero/articles/hypoxia
Methylene blue for jet lag (no date) Troscriptions. Available at: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/main/methylene-blue-for-jet-lag
Shen, J. et al. (2019) ‘Methylene blue reduces neuronal apoptosis and improves blood-brain barrier integrity after traumatic brain injury’, Frontiers in Neurology, 10. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.01133.
]Radiation and airport security scanning | US EPA. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/radiation-and-airport-security-scanning
Security scanners (no date) 3. What are the technologies used in the proposed security scanners? - European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/security-scanners/en/l-3/3-technology.htm
Azimzadeh, M. and Jelodar, G. (2020) ‘The protective effect of vitamin supplementation (E and E + C) on passive avoidance learning and memory during exposure to 900 mhz RFW emitted from BTS’, Toxicology and Industrial Health, 36(2), pp. 93–98. doi:10.1177/0748233720912058.
Guan, J. et al. (2006) ‘Effects of dietary supplements on the space radiation-induced reduction in total antioxidant status in CBA mice’, Radiation Research, 165(4), pp. 373–378. doi:10.1667/rr3523.1.
Lledó, I. et al. (2023) ‘Vitamins and Radioprotective Effect: A Review’, Antioxidants, 12(3), p. 611. doi:10.3390/antiox12030611.
Khoshbakht, S. (2021) ‘Protective effects of selenium on electromagnetic field-induced apoptosis, aromatase P450 activity, and leptin receptor expression in rat testis’, Iran J Basic Med Sci, v.24(3). doi:10.22038/ijbms.2021.45358.10554.
Mínguez-Alarcón, L. et al. (2018) ‘Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center’, Human Reproduction, 33(9), pp. 1749–1756. doi:10.1093/humrep/dey259.