- Prioritize sleep by sticking to a consistent schedule and using sleep aids, if necessary.
- Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding touching your face/mouth.
- Get flu shots and specialized treatments like IV therapy for rehydration or adaptogens for stress control.
Traveling around the world is such an enriching experience, but it can also be draining for your immune system. Jetlag, unfamiliar environments, and exposure to new bacteria and viruses can weaken your defenses, leaving you susceptible to illness. Fortunately, you can take several steps to keep your immune system strong while traveling. Here are some of the top tips for staying healthy on the road.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital to keeping your immune system functioning correctly. Unfortunately, the changes in time zones associated with travel can disrupt our sleep schedules, leading to exhaustion and decreased immunity.
To combat this, try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible, even if it means taking a nap during the day to make up for lost hours. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, consider using a sleep aid like melatonin or investing in a comfortable eye mask and earplugs to block out noise and light.
Stay Hydrated
When traveling, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, but dehydration can lower your body’s immunity. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally. Avoid drinking tap water in areas where it may be contaminated, and consider carrying a refillable water bottle with you to ensure you always have access to clean drinking water.
Eat Well
Eating nutritious food is essential to maintaining a strong immune system. Try to stick to a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while on the road. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, which can weaken your defenses and leave you sluggish. If you’re visiting a country with unfamiliar cuisine, do some research beforehand to find out what local dishes are healthy and make a point to try them.
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness while traveling. This includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer when necessary, and avoiding touching your face and mouth. It’s also a good idea to carry disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces like airplane tray tables and hotel room doorknobs.
Get Specialized Treatments
Thanks to modern medicine’s rise, there are a few specialized treatments you can take advantage of to protect your health while traveling. Here are a few examples:
Get a Flu Shot
Getting a flu shot may be the most traditional form of boosting your immune system, but it is still incredibly effective. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can come on suddenly and lead to serious health complications, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
You can protect yourself and others around you by getting a flu shot. It’s essential this year during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the flu can present with similar symptoms, potentially overwhelming healthcare providers.
Consider IV Therapy
IV therapy is a treatment that delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream. This treatment’s quick delivery allows your body to absorb the nutrients much faster, making it a great way to supercharge your immune system.
As well as boosting immunity, IV therapy for rehydration can help you recover faster, detoxify your body, and improve overall energy levels. This therapy involves a skilled practitioner, so ensure you choose a reputable clinic to administer the treatment if you decide to pursue it.
Use Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a class of plants that help the body better adapt to stressors. Stress can negatively impact the immune system, and recent research has suggested adaptogens can help our bodies control stress, cortisol levels, and inflammation. Some well-known adaptogens include ginseng, ashwagandha, and Rhodiola Rosea.
Add Supplements to Your Diet
If you don’t get enough of the immune-boosting vitamins and nutrients in your daily diet, then supplementing your diet with these nutrients can be beneficial. For example, Vitamin C is crucial for immune health and is not naturally produced in the body, so supplementation is essential.
Final Thoughts
Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but taking care of yourself while exploring new places is important. By prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, eating well, practicing good hygiene, and considering supplements, you can keep your immune systems strong and enjoy all the world’s fantastic experiences. Safe and happy travels!
