Love it or hate it, air travel has become a staple in many of our lives. It affords us opportunities that were never previously possible, but could it also have a negative impact on our health? Now, now- I’m not here to be the bearer of bad news. I love to get out of town as much as the next person. I’m just here to share my experience, some interesting statistics, and some tips and tricks to help you combat the negative effects frequent flying can have on your body!

Since all the way back in 1994, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has formally recognized that aircraft crews are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. As a result of these findings, they advised companies to inform employees of their radiation exposure and the health risks associated with it, so they could make informed decisions regarding their exposure levels. 

In a world of opportunity such as travel, the best way to support yourself is through a subtle daily detox. Giving your body mitochondrial support, drainage, and a binder every day will provide that. There are extra precautions you may want to take to provide support directly for your immune system, because the name of the game is raising your adaptability.

I’d never noticed how awfuI I can feel when traveling until I flew to Florida monthly (or more) for my advanced clinical training. Within a day of landing I would be so achy and tired, yet squirmy and uncomfortable, and sleep was a joke. At the time I began flying, I wasn’t pregnant. So, I’d get in line like everyone else to be x-rayed through security.

Once pregnant, I opted for the pat down because I was growing someone else’s nervous system. And I felt better every time I took the time to do it. After I had the baby and needed to travel with my pump and breastmilk, I continued to opt for the pat down by allowing myself the extra time needed to wait because I wanted my milk to be as clean as possible for my little guy.

Nichi’s Travel Hacks

Outside of creating individual travel protocols for my clients who travel, or for those who react poorly to travel, here are some of my go-to supplement and self-care travel recommendations.

Supplementation

• ViRadChem (Virus-Radiation-Chemical) Binder:
  • This can be helpful to take 2/day for three days (day before flight travel, day of flight travel, and day after flight travel). This binder will help pull radiation and move it out through your bowels.
• Bowel Mover:
  • Being able to move your bowels is key to any sort of detox or additional support. So if this isn’t happening, or you notice some stage fright upon travel (which is common), find a natural way to get your bowels to move. You’ll be more comfortable and better supported.
• KL Support and/or LymphActiv:
  • Considering how slow and sloggy we feel after getting off a plane, moving our lymph and keeping those pathways open will result in less puffiness and more energy. Knowing the chemicals we are binding have to be filtered through the liver and kidneys, open drainage through those organs is also key.

Self-Care

My favorite post travel routine is an epsom salt bath WITH an open ViRadChem Binder. 20 minutes spent with my eyes closed, replacing magnesium and detoxing out the junk is just what the doctor ordered. Typically, I’ll tap a few drops of a chosen essential oil into the water for a more relaxing, yet invigorating experience. Lavender and chamomile are a great option here.

If you need a boost in energy or have a meeting to attend soon after landing, the combination of Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon oil boost clarity, confidence, and keep your nervous system calm.

Hydration is key for travel, and a headache is a common first symptom in anyone who isn’t keeping up with water. I fill my quart sized water bottle from our distilled water tap before I leave for the airport, and make myself drink the whole thing before I get to the airport. Once through security, I buy TWO bottles of Smart Water (it’s distilled!), and pour one into my open water bottle, while saving the next one so I have a backup in case it takes me some time to find distilled water at my destination. If I can’t find SmartWater, my next best option is Fiji. If you travel with pink himalayan sea salt, you could add a pinch of salt to each of your water bottles. This will remind your body that it needs to USE the water you drink, so you don’t just pee it out.

Move your body. Many use travel as “down time”, meaning they set their exercise routine aside. At the least, you need to stretch or walk. If you can step outside to do this, even better. The sun on your face will naturally boost your immunity and your energy.

Disclaimer: This post is not to be taken as medical advice and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or prescribe. Please reach out to your physician or mental health provider for support.