HEALTHY AIR TRAVEL
Fighting Jet Lag with Melatonin
Travel puts a great deal of stress on our bodies, including on our circadian rhythm (our body’s natural sleep/wake patterns). This is especially problematic when travelling internationally or across time zones. In addition to poor sleep, this can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms, often referred to as “jet lag.” These symptoms can last up to a week and may include:
One way to combat these symptoms is to take a low dose Melatonin supplement. Science suggests that low dose Melatonin can help reset the body’s circadian rhythm. After this “reset,” your body is better able to regulate its own melatonin production, resulting in improved sleep.
For optimal results, beginning taking your Melatonin a few days prior to travel and continue throughout your travel.
- Disrupted sleep
- Short term digestive disturbance
- Constipation
- Sinus discomfort or congestion
- Loss of appetite
- Brain fog
- Mild headache
One way to combat these symptoms is to take a low dose Melatonin supplement. Science suggests that low dose Melatonin can help reset the body’s circadian rhythm. After this “reset,” your body is better able to regulate its own melatonin production, resulting in improved sleep.
For optimal results, beginning taking your Melatonin a few days prior to travel and continue throughout your travel.
A Breath of Fresh Air
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During air travel, hundreds of passengers breath the same air for hours on end. To make things worse, the air on airplanes is notoriously dry. While we can’t avoid breathing in this stagnant and stale air, we can take proactive measures to minimize the negative impacts.
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Boost Your Immunity with Food
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Keep the Nasal Passageways Moist
Dry air quickly dries out the mucous membranes, causing congestion and creating a breeding ground for pathogens and bacteria. Therefore, it’s critical to keep the sinus membranes moist. This can be done by using a saline spray or applying a few drops of an herb-infused oil into the nostrils before your flight and every-few-hours during your flight. The oil is soothing, cleansing, and prevents excessive dryness. This type of nasal treatment is similar to Ayurveda’s Nasya treatment, which you can learn more about under our Services page.
Dealing with Constipation
The last thing you want to be dealing with on vacation is constipation! Constipation can be combatted by softening and lubricating the gut. Try using slippery elm or licorice to promote this.
Support Your System!While traveling, consider taking an Ashwagandha supplement. This herb is praised in Ayurveda and has been shown to protect accident stress-induced oxidation, support healthy cortisol levels, and help regulate sleep cycles.
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