On every trip you want to be able to experience everything from the food and the culture to the people. There are a lot of things to be discovered out there. However, this discovery could also include diseases and illness. To help support your immune system here are some helpful tips to prepare your body before and during your travels.
Before You Travel
Get some sleep
A solid seven to eight hours of sleep before your flight will keep your immune system in good shape to fight off any potential diseases during your trip. Research by the University of Colorado Boulder pinpoints how insufficient sleep can increase your risk of catching a cold or flu. The key is to stay healthy before you take off.
Support your bodies natural defenses
Travel involves a change in time zones, lack of sleep, air travel, and other stressors that keeps your immune systems from functioning at its best. Take dietary supplements like Ginger Liquid Concentrate or vitamins rich in B6, which support the biochemical reaction in your immune system. This will give you an extra boost before you leave.
During Your Travels
Keep your hands clean
Purchase things like hand sanitizers, baby wipes, and other sanitary items you can use to wipe your hands with before you eat. You will be surprised at how many times you touched something, including your mouth. Something as simple as keeping your hands clean can eliminate most microorganisms that attack weakened immune systems.
Segregate your clothing
Never put your clean and dirty clothes in the same pile for the duration of your trip. Healthline outlines how plenty of bacteria and viruses stick to your clothes, especially when you plan to travel via public transportation or go to crowded areas. If you are traveling for an extended period, take a couple of hours to go to a laundry and wash them or split them up by using plastic bags.
Stay hydrated
Vacations are the perfect time to let loose and have a good time. That is fine, as long as you don’t forget to stay hydrated. If you are in a hot country you need to make sure you are regularly drinking water. Signs of dehydration include headaches, dry skin, dizziness, and decreased urine output. Even if you are getting enough water, adding the Turmeric & Ginger Liquid Concentrate to your beverage will give you a good mix of phytochemicals, which will help with your inflammatory response.
Know when to stop
Do not squeeze too many activities in during the day. Too much fun can sometimes overwork your body and immune system, making you more prone to getting ill. Give yourself a few hours to recuperate between activities.
These tips can help you no matter where you are. Even if you are traveling around the U.S. it pays to keep them in mind, especially as Morning Consult reports there is looming healthcare crisis in U.S. The healthcare industry is expecting a shortage of primary care physicians, with Maryville University pointing out how it could balloon up to more than 100,000 doctors by 2025. This means that if you do get ill, unless it is very serious you could find yourself spending a good portion of your travels waiting to be seen.
The best way to ready your immune system before and during traveling is to be prepared. Make sure you’re healthy before you go, and take care of yourself while you are on vacation. That way you can have a great time, without worrying about a stomach bug ruining your trip.
Article written by guest sports and health blogger: Heather James
Ross Harding
Author