Flying is meant to be a great experience where you relax thousands of feet up in the air and are taken quickly to your destination. Unfortunately, flying isn't always as relaxing as it may sound. There are a few situations that can turn any trip from a pleasant trip to an absolute nightmare. It all starts from the moment you book that flight.
When you've decided to go with air travel, you have agreed to many conditions set out by the airport. You must be there early, you have to go through security, and you must sit very closely beside the person that has the assigned seat. Depending on the time and day, you may experience no traffic getting to the airport or any issues finding a parking spot once there. The plane could be on time and no other travelers are at the security gate. Things are going well and stress is at an all time low. For most others, traffic to the airport is awful, parking is terrible, and the line in security is always long. Stress if the first thing many travelers experience. Have you ever heard someone say that they need a vacation after their vacation? That's because traveling is stressful. Hundreds of people crammed together for an extended period all sharing the same air. When you board a plane, you are sharing with everyone and whatever germs they have brought on with them.
How many people fly in and out of airports every day? In September 2017, Vancouver International Airport catered to 2 109 095 people. That's roughly 70 000 people every day. That's a lot of people sharing their germs. Are you ready to fly? Even though flying can be stressful and it can expose you to germs and colds, there are things that you can do before you fly to control the stress and boost your immune system to fight off any unwanted passengers.
What To Do Before And On A Flight
We can't be afraid to fly and even though you can't stop other people from coming on the plane who are sick, you can boost up your own immunity so you can escape unscathed. Boosting up your body's stores of vitamins and minerals helps boost your natural immune system getting it in high gear to defend against all pathogens. Here are a few supplements that boost the body's natural defenses and help you cope with the stresses of traveling.
Glutathione
One of the most power anti-oxidants in the human body. It boosts the immune system by scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage. It is found throughout the body with the highest levels being in the liver helping with detoxification and oxidative stress
Vitamin C
This particular vitamin is well known for its immune boosting benefits. It also helps with the absorption of iron, collagen production and wound healing
Vitamin A
Antioxidant rich vitamin that reduces the effects of germs and bugs
Vitamin E
Antioxidant rich vitamin
Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that is needed for the proper function of the thyroid which controls metabolism and temperature regulation. It also helps cells increase their antioxidant functions
Zinc
Helps to improve immunity. It helps by reducing symptoms of mucus production produced by bacteria in the sinuses. Also helps to sooth sore throat symptoms
Andrographis
A medicinal herb that boosts the immune system and is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common flu
N-acetyl-cysteine
NAC breaks down biofilms that build up around bacteria and protect the germs so the body can get rid of them. It also is a precursor to glutathione
Garlic
One of nature's immune boosting foods. Adding garlic to the diet helps the bodies natural immune function.
L-Theanine
Not only does L-theanine help the immune system, but it also helps to calm and relax the nervous system. L-theanine is converted to GABA in the brain which is a relaxing neurotransmitter
Withania somnifera
This herb is known as an adaptogen. It helps the body to adapt and cope with stress and stressful situations.
What Do I Do With This Information?
There are many options and combinations when it comes to immune support. You can choose to get travel vaccines to pre-expose your body to dead bacteria to boost memory T cells, you can take any of the items listed above in supplement forms or you can choose to get all those vitamins and minerals through an IV. All these choices will help keep you healthy and it really comes down to personal preference. Benefits of supplements are that they can be taken daily at home at your convenience. IV's need to be done at a medical clinic, but all the nutrients and minerals in the bag skip the initial pass through the liver and therefore can go straight to tissue that need it.
Before flying, getting a few IV's will help to reduce stress and sickness. Taking these steps before a flight are well worth it especially if you are seated next to the sick guy. The best way to stay healthy is to keep your stress levels low, boosting your immune system before going to the airport and getting good quality sleep before you travel.
If you are planning on flying or are curious to learn more about ways to boost your immune system, book a free consultation with Dr. Hatton.
As always, this post is not designed to diagnose or treat you, but instead to give you something to think about. Please book a consult with a naturopathic physician prior to changing, starting, or stopping medications or protocols.