Healthy Travel - Hydration, by Carol Little

India From a Womens Perspective Tour - tips on healthy travels. 
For tour details Click here.

In preparation for my upcoming trip to India I am working with a herbologist.  Carol Little from Studio Botanica is helping me to get healthy prior to my trip, keep healthy during the flight and while on tour.  She has written a great article about hydration and why it is so important during your travels. Read on for more information .......

Healthy Travel - Hydration

When traveling, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to be conscious of pure water intake. 

One’s appearance, energy level, immune system as well as brain function – are all negatively impacted by dehydration. Symptoms, which signal that more hydration is needed, usually start with dry or chapped lips. Other indications include, but are not limited to: headaches, dry skin, constipation or infrequent urination.  It has been estimated that more than 75% of North Americans are living with chronic dehydration.

Pure water is truly the best choice.  All other options, from coffee or tea (caffeine) to alcohol to sweetened sodas trigger chemical responses within the body, which in turn require extra (even more!) fluids to process & filter.

The dry atmosphere & lack of fresh air on board an aircraft combine to increase dehydration. One actually needs to drink more water than usual to keep hydrated. Although tempting to enjoy in flight amenities from the roaming “bar trolley”, on a lengthy flight, it may be advantageous to limit the mile high fiesta of drinkies & high fat salty snacks. 

Research & experience indicate that, that ol’ enemy of time-zone crossing globetrotters, “Jet Lag”, is adversely affected by our water intake before & during the flight.  Sufficient good quality water will make a huge difference in your first day at your destination.  If not a fan of simple H20, add some sliced lemons or limes from that bar cart or bring some electrolyte powder or crystals to ‘change it up’.

Bring herbal teabags along with you and ask for a cup of hot water – presto! You are prepared!  My favourites are Ginger, Peppermint & Chamomile.  No caffeine here and all offer the benefit of being digestive aids to facilitate better ‘movement’ of your in flight meal (important due to lack of physical movement after eating) Chamomile is a delightful relaxing herb which, as a bonus, promotes calm & can be used an hour before plans to sleep on an overnight flight.  What are your favourites?

The single most important, and ultimately simple thing that you can do to improve your health while traveling?  

INCREASE your water intake.  Your body will thank you.

Happy Travels!    Carol Little R.H.  www.studiobotanica.com    

  For more an overall look at hydration:   
  http://studiobotanica.com/hydration-vs-dehydration/

    For more healthy ideas, one at a time,
 Join me ~ Healthy alternatives for your LIFE – at home and away!
 

For more information on The Womens Travel Network please visit our website.

www.womenstravelnetwork.ca