As a matter of fact, flying can be very tiring, especially on intercontinental routes: as well as with the infamous jetlag, our body must grapple with swelling, cold, dryness, and other health ailments lurking on a plane.
The site Compare Travel Insurance made a list and has compiled a few simple (but very effective) tips to travel limiting the problems.
1. Compromised hearing and taste
What happens to our body during a flight: 1/3 of the taste buds are numb when flying high. The changes in humidity and the air pressure inside the cabin can affect hearing, smell, and sense of taste.
2. Less oxygen
The aircraft cabins are pressurized to 75% of normal atmospheric pressure (basically the same as Mexico City which is located 2,250 m above sea level). Less oxygen reaches the blood can cause hypoxia, a condition that causes dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
3. Germs that circulate freely
The probability of catching a cold is over 100 times greater when we fly. Half the air in the cabin comes from circulation and thus contributes to the spread of germs and viruses.
4. Exposure to cosmic radiation
During a 7-hour flight from New York to London, we are exposed to the same dose of radiation that we would be exposed to by doing medical radiography (x-rays).
5. Dehydration
A 3-hour flight can help to expel from the body up to 1.5 liters of water. Humidity levels of the aircraft that are around 4% can dry mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat.
6. Water unhealthy
In the past, the water stored in airplanes has been found traces of the bacterium E. coli and other similarly harmful bacteria.
7. Swelling
Just like a bag of peanuts, in mid-flight, the air pressure will swell. An accumulation of gas can lead to pain, bloating, constipation, and stomach trouble.
8. The circulation of the blood
The lack of movement leads to the accumulation of fluid, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
How to limit the damages of plane travel: simple but effective tips
Any advice is helpful to be able to make a comfortable trip.
First of all, avoid alcohol: it slows down the metabolism making it more difficult for your absorb oxygen.
You also need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (it is advisable to drink minimum a glass of water per hour flown) and avoid caffeinated beverages.
Use eye drops and keep a tube of moisturizer on hand.
Keep moving and do the exercises recommended that reduce swelling in the legs.
Drink bottled beverages and avoid stored water. Check the status of juice and bottled drinks.
Wash your hands using disinfectants and wear a mask to fight the spread of germs.
Eating, chewing gums, and generally work with the jaw prevents ear pain for pressure changes. Also, decongestants and nasal drops may help.
Did you know about these problems? Do you have problems when traveling? Do you exercise during the flight? Share your experience with a comment below!
