How to Stay Hydrated While Flying
We always turn to our CMO Dr. Sarah for the latest research on how to stay healthy while travelling frequently. While scientists are constantly uncovering new travel-related bio-hacks, nutrients and supplements, our resident wellness pro doesn’t let us forget the basics and is always on our case about hydrating before, during & after a flight. Strategically consuming extra water & herbal tea while travelling helps to counteract the arid conditions on airplanes that can dehydrate you which is why Dr. Sarah recommends drinking way more than you’d typically need.
Research shows that water losses from flying on a plane can increase from the typical 160 mL/hour to 360 mL/hour (due to low humidity & high altitude), which is why you need 3x more water than usual to prevent dehydration. Unfortunately, one study showed that one in eight airplanes fail to meet safety standards with their tap water so you’ll need to come to the airport prepared for optimal hydration while flying. This means starting your journey hydrated; drink a minimum 750ml water even before your airport taxi arrives to pick you up.
Well wandering tip: healthy travellers are not only concerned for their own health while away from home, they’re also conscious of the health of the planet. Well wanderers travel with reusable glass / stainless steel bottles & collapsable coffee cups (coming soon to the shop!).
So, how do we follow doctor’s orders while flying? We’re sharing our well-wandering approved, tried & true hydration tips:
Add sugar-free electrolyte powders or tabs (nuun are our favourite) to help your body absorb and effectively utilize all that extra water.
Bring a 2oz mini bottle of freshly squeezed lemon juice to add to hot teas and water while on the plane. Not only does this keep things more interesting, lemon also contains high levels of limonene to give your liver some love & can enhance the health effects from a cup of green tea as it increases the antioxidant levels in your cuppa.
BYO herbal teas & powders. Flying favourites include ginger (helps reduce nausea), chamomile (relaxing for in-flight jitters), green tea (rich in antioxidants to offset the increased radiation exposure from flying at high altitudes).
Set an alarm to remind you to drink something every 45 minutes - you may also want to think ahead and book that aisle seat since you’ll likely be making a lot of trips to the toilet.
Mix a package of reishi cocao powder with hot water on overnight flights to promote restful sleep & support immune health. Studies show that this mushroom positively influences white blood cells; your immune system's active defence cells to temporarily boost immunity while flying. It gets it's calming properties from a high triterpene content to help alleviate anxiety and support a restful, hydrated, relaxing flight.
Arrive at the airport a little early enjoy a lemon water, or hot herbal beverage (or 2) before takeoff, instead of a cup of coffee or cocktail. Caffeine & alcohol are both diuretics, which will further dehydrate you on the plane.
While hydrating from the inside out is most important, you don’t want to neglect your skin while travelling. We pack our favourite sheet masks to use in-flight (honestly, who cares what your seat mates think) & re-apply hydrating toner + all natural moisturizer every few hours en route.