Traveling can be both a joy and trial and the holidays are the busiest travel days of the year. But if you are like me, regular travel by air is a frequent occurrence 12 months of the year.
If we properly prepare for the trip, we can better experience the joy and endure the tribulations. Follow these important tips when you fly the friendly skies.
Bag of Tricks
Carry a small carry-on bag and fill it with the following:
•A good book to keep your mind active and pleasantly occupied.
•Topical anti-oxidants containing DMAE to prevent water retention and puffiness in face and eye area.
•A bottle of spring water (unfortunately, you will have to purchase this after going through security).
•Wholesome snacks such as unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, all natural sliced turkey or chicken, an omega 3 hard boiled egg and a small container of plain yogurt
Flying can take a serious toll on the body -- in fact, in some cases it can be deadly--and I am not talking about crashes, which fortunately are extremely rare. Know these important facts and ward off trouble before it starts
Plane Clothes and Travelin' Shoes
•Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
•Blood clots can form in the lower legs from sitting for long periods in cramped spaces -- such as coach or economy seating. Being pregnant, overweight or having varicose veins can increase the risk. Try to get up and walk around when possible. Avoid restrictive hose and tight fitting shoes.
•Don't cross your legs.
•Keep the area under your seat free so you stretch your legs and exercise your toes.
•Limit alcohol consumption on long flights. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
•Drink plenty of water.
•Avoid caffeinated beverages.
•Avoid salty foods.
•Take a high quality omega 3's essential fatty acid fish oil supplement. These natural anti-inflammatories will help prevent blood clots. Take 3 capsules twice a day, the day before the flight. Take 3 capsules twice a day the day of the flight and take 3 capsules twice a day the day following the flight.
Jettison the Jet Lag
To help ensure that your travel time is restful and not stressful, try a Pycnogenol® supplement. A new study reveals that Pycnogenol® reduces jetlag in passengers by nearly 50 percent. Jetlag, caused by the body's inability to immediately adjust to the time in a different zone while travelling, was practically cut in half for commuters taking seven to nine hour flights.
The two-part study, published in Minerva Cardioangiologica showed Pycnogenol® lowered symptoms of jetlag such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. Patients also experienced minimal lower leg edema, a common condition associated with long flights.
Pycnogenol® has been shown to be beneficial for flight travels in previous studies pertaining to edema, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood circulation improvement and is emerging as a natural, yet safe option for long distance travelers.
Try these tips to prevent fatigue and maintain hydration to keep skin from looking dull and tired.
Fatigue Fighters
•Take an anti-oxidant supplement such as Total Skin & Body, to prevent fatigue.
•Bring a bag of snacks as described above a quick pick me up.
•Avoid caffeine.
•Avoid pro-inflammatory starches and sugars. The worst meal you can eat is coffee and Danish, which is guaranteed to cause fatigue.
•Choose fish and fresh vegetables if offered.
•Pasta, bread, rice and other starchy foods will increase risk of jet lag and fatigue.
Maintain Hydration
•Drink plenty of bottled spring water to stay hydrated. I recommend at least 8 ounces every hour or two.
•Cantaloupe is excellent for helping keep skin hydrated from the inside out.
•Apply an anti-oxidant rich moisturizer to face and hands.
Try to use your air travel time to rest and regroup. If possible take a short nap. Most of all, sit back and enjoy the scenery. It's not every day that we have a legitimate excuse to have our head in the clouds.
As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.