Drinking your vitamins isn’t just a daily reminder. It can also be helpful in a variety of novel activities such as traveling. Perhaps your bags are packed and you have a passport in hand, but you are not sure about what supplements to get before flying. Read further to find out more about the best supplements for your travel.
Traveling isn’t for the faint of heart–it takes endurance, constant supply of energy, and the ability to stay sane despite changing time zones. Whether you are used to flying or not, you are most likely to agree that the whole process can be just so exhausting–physically, mentally, and even emotionally.
Although an exciting experience for some, flying can be a source of anxiety and stress. According to recent studies, 25% of Americans experience some nervousness associated to riding an airplane. In extreme cases, 6.5% of the population suffer from aviophobia, or the fear of flying. Stress can be a good thing, as it helps your mind become alert of actual dangers in travel. However, when these anxieties stop you from functioning properly, it can be a source of problem during travel.
Why is traveling stressful to some?
Frequent flyers can attest to the travel related stress that others experience. There are several reasons why flying can be a source of exhaustion:
Changing time zones.
Otherwise known as jet lag, this phenomenon wreaks havoc in your body’s circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is responsible for your body’s ability to determine times of wakeful energy and rest. If you fly to a place where time zones vary greatly, you may be forced to stay awake at a time you’re usually asleep. This usually takes a while to be corrected, some days, or even weeks to fully adjust.
Uncomfortable experience.
Whether you’re a First Class flyer or a part of the Economy crowd, it is inevitable thought that riding an airplane can still be a relatively uncomfortable experience. Aside from staying in your seat for hours, you may find yourself cringing at the thought of using a public restroom, eating not-so-spectacular foods, and not sleeping at your comfy bed. This can heighten your flying anxieties which makes the experience less enjoyable.
Physical exhaustion.
Traveling involves many transfers of location–from the cab to the airport, the airport to the gate, the gate to the plane, the plane to the next airport, and so on and so forth. This whole task of transferring from one place to another may also involve you carrying heavy luggage (if they are part of your hand carry), talking to personnel, and getting through lines and lines of security.
All these, couples with the nervousness that comes with flying, can send any person’s stress levels shooting up the roof. Thankfully, there are supplements that you can take, not only to reduce anxieties, but also to provide energy for the grueling flights.
What are the best supplements to take before a flight?
Aside from getting proper rest, planning your trip accordingly, and packing the things you need before a flight, you can also take in supplements to protect your body from potential stress during travel. Taking in additional supplements during travel is known to have these main benefits:
- Provide energy – travel-friendly supplements boost your energy levels by helping in muscular and bone repair.
- Reduce stress – these supplements are also known to lower the body’s cortisol levels which can be induced when flying. Stress-lowering supplements are recommended for those with aviophobia or flight nervousness.
- Strengthen immunity – going to another country or a place means there will be changes in the weather, air quality, and even the people you interact with. Supplements are known to boost your immunity despite these new changes.
1. Ashwagandha
The name may seem overwhelming to pronounce, but don’t be fooled–this ancient Ayurvedic supplement has many wonderful benefits for traveling! Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for almost 2500 years. Adaptogenic herbs are plants that help restore the balance of hormones in the body.
When you are feeling symptoms of anxiety, cortisol levels in your body start to rise. This sends your mind to a fight-or-flight response, which results to physiological effects such as exhaustion or nervousness. Ashwagandha helps lower levels of cortisol in the body, as it works as a natural stress-reliever. This supplement is also used in many luxury rehab centers for holistic healing.
2. Magnesium
Finding it hard to sleep? Magnesium supplements can help. Considered as one of the most abundant minerals, Magnesium is known to be involved in 300 bodily chemical reactions. Your body constantly utilizes magnesium for several functions, including sleep stability.
Most people find it hard to sleep during a flight because of time zone differences and uncomfortable environment. Magnesium aids the body to relax by helping reduce symptoms of insomnia. Additionally, it helps ease the tension in the muscles, making it easier for you to feel drowsy at the right time. If supplements are not accessible, it is recommended to take magnesium in powered form after dissolving it in water so it can easily be digested.
3. Elderberry
Berries aren’t just made for snacks, they can be good disease-fighters too! Elderberry is known as a natural supplement that helps the body adjust to different environmental profiles. If you are from dry areas and are planning to take a trip to tropical weathered-countries, the Elderberry is a great supplement for flying.
There’s a 2016 Australian study that showed the positive effects of Elderberries for international flyers. Reports showed that these passengers experienced lesser symptoms of colds, flu, coughs, and other viral forms of diseases that are usually acquired from traveling.
4. Activated Charcoal
Did you know that activated charcoal is not only edible, but very beneficial for your health? Some skeptics would be hesitant to try it for its pitch-black powdery appearance similar to squid inks and regular charcoal, but it actually does more good than what it looks like.
Activated charcoal is known as a toxin-absorber–it accumulates bacteria, viruses, and other forms of impurities before passing towards your large intestine. This is why it is also popular as a facial cleanser and teeth whitener, as it is an all-around remover of anything you don’t need in your body. Taking them before a flight helps reduce digestive problems, bowel discomfort, and help fight hangovers from alcohol.
5. Vitamin D
When flying, you may need more help other than getting it from Mr. Sun. Vitamin D is responsible for many biological functions such as bone health, improving muscle function and preventing tissue inflammation. Vitamin D deficiencies can pose serious effects–people who lack Vitamin D in their diet may suffer from cardiovascular problems, severe asthma, and poor brain functioning.
Vitamin D also helps your body fight foreign bacteria and viruses by promoting a healthy immune system. It can be taken as a solo supplement, or as a part of a multivitamin with a dosage of at least 400 – 800 IUL a day.
Supplement your travel
If you have traveling woes that can’t be remediated by “Keep Calm” quotes, it is better to be protected with these top supplements for flying. Do your research and see what is best for your body profile and travel destination.
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About The Author
Charles L. Watson is a freelance health and addiction writer currently working with https://www.eliterehabplacement.com. He can be reached directly on Twitter with the handle @charleswatson00.
