Airplanes are cylindrical cesspools that cause many travelers to become sick. From dirty toilets to the guy who is clipping his fingernails, to the baby puking, and of course, the person sitting next to you who is actually sick, there are loads of elements you’re exposed to while traveling that will cause you to be susceptible to sickness. A lot of you guys ask us what we do to strengthen our immune systems and ensure that we don’t get sick while traveling? Here are 10 tips to avoid travel sickness.
Sleep is one of the most instrumental variables in the equation of mental health and immune system strength. Sleeping on an airport is challenging. Sleeping with jet lag is more challenging. Try to force yourself to adjust to local time as quickly as possible, but more importantly, make sure you get enough sleep. You can oversleep and naturally adjust to the time zone after a few days. Don’t cuz your sleep to 4 hours simply to adjust to the time zone.
Your diet will almost certainly change while you’re traveling, so, ensure that you’re consuming the necessary vitamins, minerals, and supplements. We have had days where we have eaten nothing but protein bars and fruit and days where we have had salads and fish and loads of veggies. Most days, we consume healthy meals. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have days where we eat meals that are less dense with macronutrients. Thus, it is important to take vitamins and supplements. We take turmeric, zinc, multi-vitamins, and sometimes Emergen-c.
At home, we have a juicer and we often make wellness shots. Our recipe comes from our favorite wellness shot at a local juice shop here in LA called Sunlife. We use ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Wellness shots aren’t a “silver bullet,” but they are a great way to consume vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you otherwise might miss in your regular diet.
Are you noticing a trend yet? Health and a strong immune system stem from a healthy diet and lifestyle. Yes, we get sick – but rarely. Be sure to consume meals that are dense with vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients (protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats).
Well. Don’t hate us. Sure, alcohol is part of traveling. You can’t FULLY experience Italy without experiencing the wine. That doesn’t’ mean you need to go to the Irish Pub in Firenze’s Piazza del Duomo and take down 12 Irish car bombs. Be smart. Alcohol impacts your immune system, fucks with REM and sleep patterns, and causes your next day to suck.
Oddly enough, a hangover is essentially just dehydration of your cells. Airplanes and alcohol are 2 of the most dehydrating culprits in the world. Combine them and you’re asking for a cold. I (Michael) drink 2 gallons of water a day and Alex shoots for somewhere around 3 or 4 liters.
Not only will exercise help you combat jet lag but it will also ensure you combat vacation weight while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.
Plain and simple here ladies and gentlemen. Your luggage is filthy. The plane is filthy. Your phone is filthy. Wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat.
In many places we travel like Asia, Mexico, etc. it is imperative to drink bottled water. Sure, you might have a strong stomach, but the odds are that you’re going to shit your brains out or spend the day curled over a toilet.
There is always the one guy or gal that is sneezing and coughing up a lung on the plane, in the hostel bunk below you, or next to you in the museum. AVOID this person like the plague. IF you’re sick, be considerate and don’t show up to public places where you’re likely to get other people sick. Stay at home and rest.