Let’s face it; travelling has a lot of challenges. Sleep, digestion and intestinal function can all suffer. So many symptoms, from puffy ankles to headaches and constipation, can occur. But the good news is that there are ways to prevent these issues from occurring.

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[0:07] Let’s face; it traveling has a lot of challenges. Sleep, digestion, and intestinal function can all suffer. So many symptoms from puffy ankles to headaches and constipation can occur.
But, the good news is that there are ways to prevent these issues from occurring.

[0:28] Music.

[0:36] Hi my name is Biggi Fraley. I am The Arthritis Coach. Welcome to the show!

[0:43] Now, with the holidays just around the corner, I’m sure you have lots of travels planned, be it to see friends and family,
or simply escape the winter somewhere to a sunnier spot. So, I thought this would be a good time to share with you the keys to happy and healthy traveling.
You see, learning to support your digestion, your intestinal function, all the systems in your body does require some thought and planning,
but there are many things you can do to support your body. So first. let’s talk about the downside of travel.
It doesn’t matter if you’re driving or flying, both are hard on the body.
But, flying can cause many more issues because of the altitude, exposure to radiation, and the time changes, depending on where you fly. So, here’s what happens:
Your internal organs get out of balance.
This is especially true when flying as rapid changes in altitude throw off the internal pressure of the body. Now, this includes digestion and intestinal function.
Exposure to light at night can throw off both your circadian rhythm and your internal electrical systems.

[2:09] Also, dehydration can occur. Both, driving a long distance in a car and flying can cause the body to become dehydrated.
We tend to drink less to avoid having to use the restroom frequently. When flying the air is dryer at high levels of altitude.
Being in a car with closed windows and with the heater or air conditioner on also makes the air dryer.

[2:37] Circulation is compromised in both, the bloodstream and the lymphatic system.
Both, driving and flying, have you sitting for long periods of time. This also causes inflammation to go up. Is it surprising that you are stiff and sore when you arrive at your destination?

[2:57] Next, you’re exposed to more pathogens from being in close quarters with other people.
This is the case when you’re in a car and stopping at rest stations. It’s worse in the plane as people are all crammed together.
Different areas have different pathogens that your system may not be used to.
Did you know that cravings also go up? Since you are deprived of your usual health foods you have fewer nutrients to support your body.
Fewer nutrients in addition to dehydration can cause cravings for food and may lead to overeating.

[3:37] Now, the good news is that all of these issues can be counteracted.
Just follow these seven steps and you can enjoy a much better traveling experience:
Number one stay hydrated. Adding electrolytes to your water and drinking about 50% more water than you usually consume will help immensely.
If you don’t have an electrolyte supplement just use some Himalayan salt or other good quality sea salt.
One eighth of a teaspoon for half a liter or half a quart of water will suffice.

[4:16] Number two, avoid excessive eating while in transit.
When flying try to avoid eating for at least 2 hours before flying and during the flight.
The disruption to your digestive system because of the change in pressure and altitude can cause gas and bloating and leave you feeling sluggish.
If you need to eat on a flight then consume something light.
Buy raw food bars or take digestive enzymes and probiotics with whatever you eat to aid digestion. Carry healthy snacks with you,
If driving, eating is much easier.
Make sure you don’t eat in the car, though. Go to a rest stop and eat in a relaxed, comfortable environment.
When you drive you have total control over what you eat. So, take advantage of it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal
as they will also help with hydration and are easy to digest. Number three, boost your nutrient intake.

[5:23] This is where supplements can come in handy, especially when flying. Free radical damage is high
due to the extra radiation exposure when flying and the car exhaust when driving. So, take a good high quality antioxidant formula,
also a good quality multivitamin and mineral formula will provide all the essential nutrients you need.

[5:50] Number four,
eat for balance. When eating food, consume good quality protein and fats with whole-grain carbohydrates to help keep you satisfied longer and sustain your energy.
This will help limit cravings and prevent overheating.
When you arrive at your destination go grocery shopping. Most hotels these days have small refrigerators in the room.
Buy foods such as fruits, vegetables, hummus, and fermented foods like sauerkraut. You can add it to the hummus.
This will provide lots of enzymes to aid digestion and help intestinal function.
Now, try to consume as many of the same foods as you possibly can, that you would typically consume at home.

[6:43] Number five, improve circulation and lymphatic flow.
Sitting while driving or flying causes blood to pool and the lymphatic system to stagnate.
Try to get an aisle seat on an airplane so you can get up frequently and walk up and down the aisle. You can also stretch your legs, arms, and torso while sitting in your seat.