SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TRAVEL
SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TRAVEL
TRAVEL SICKNESS
Travel sickness affect all of us at one time or another,
however, very young children are usually not affected. Travel sickness among
older children is often the result of where the child is placed during travel.
Have you ever tried sitting in the back seat of the car during a trip on a long
and winding road? The results, even for the seasoned front seat traveler, are
all to often disastrous. The reason for this is the brain's inability to
understand just what is going on. The eyes and the middle ear are constantly
sending conflicting messages to the brain, an example being, when reading or
not looking out the window while travelling. To the eye all appears still, the
seat in front is not moving and the message to the brain confirms that there is
no motion. This is in direct conflict with the middle ear, which senses the
centrifugal force as the car negotiates the winding road. The message to the
brain here is, "I am moving". These differing and confusing messages
cause nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of malaise.
Prevention of the
condition is definitely the best way of experiencing a successful trip. Good
eating is a must, avoid fatty greasy foods, even the thought of these can cause
problems if you are tottering on the edge of nausea. Alcohol and spicy foods
can also cause problems and should be avoided by those prone to travel
sickness. It is important not to travel on an empty stomach. A wholesome meal
the night before travel with a light breakfast on the day of travel will help
prevent problems. Remember to keep the fluids up. Five litres per adult per day
is needed in hot climates. This also includes the fluid obtained from solid
foods such as fruit.
One of the treatments that I have found successful in
preventing travel sickness is the herb ginger. Ginger is often used as a
flavouring in cooking, but by taking the root or a tablet made from the root (
TRAVEL CALM GINGER) before and during travel can really make a difference in
the prevention of motion sickness. Ginger does not have the harsh side-effects
of some antihistamines and other travel-sickness medications. Ginger is gentle
to the stomach, helps reduce flatulence, and also helps the digestive system.
Delhi belly and the dreaded Montezuma’s revenge
(Traveller’s diarrhoea)
This fear of many travellers, having their trip spoilt by
diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps. Unfortunately, this is a common problem
that awaits many intrepid travellers. Bacteria called Escherichia coli usually
cause this complaint, and it is possible to fall victim to this bacteria by
drinking or eating contaminated food or water. It is safer when travelling not
to drink the local water if not certain that it is safe to do so. If in doubt,
boil and cool the water before drinking. Be careful not to use ice blocks from
the hotel fridge if the water in the area is not suitable for drinking. Empty
these out and re-freeze them with boiled water.
If you fall victim to traveller’s diarrhoea then go onto a
fluid only diet for 24 hours. An enteric-coated garlic tablet containing the
equivalent of 2,000mg of fresh garlic will help kill the invading bacteria in
the intestine. When the diarrhoea stops, the gut flora will need balancing.
This is best done by eating fresh natural yogurt or by taking an acidophilus
and bifidus tablet. JET LAG
This is a problem that the modern traveller suffers more
from than in the past. Longer non-stop flights and the availability of rich
foods and alcohol to all travellers are contributing factors. The symptoms of
jet lag include irritability, tiredness and the inability to adjust to the new
time zones and sleeping hours. These symptoms can have a devastating effect on
the first few days of your holiday or business trip. Again, prevention is the
best cure; during the flight refrain from drinking alcohol, only eat if you are
hungry, and then only eat light meals. It is easy on a long trip to just eat
the food as the result of boredom. Drink 6-8 glasses of water every 24 hours
and try to change your sleep pattern on the plane. That means instead of
watching that movie, try to rest and sleep at the times you will be sleeping
when you reach the new time zone. On waking, or every hour when awake take a
walk in the isle of the aircraft, and when sitting in your seat stretch all
your muscles from time to time. One important exercise is to move the head
slowly from side to side four times, then move your head forward and back four
times. Stretch your arms over your head once and then rotate your shoulders a
few times. This will relax your whole body and help maintain good circulation.
Remember that the amount of oxygen in the cabin of the aircraft is less than at
sea level and only around the same as on the top of Mt. Kosciusko. This
increases fatigue, rest is a must.
CAUTIONS DURING LONG AIR FLIGHTS
Flying in a plane is safer than driving on the roads,
however, because of the lower oxygen level, confined space and reduced air
pressure, some people should take extra care when flying. If you suffer from
any of the following, it is advisable to have your practitioner assess your
condition before flying; angina pectoris, heart failure, emphysema, chronic
bronchitis, or any chronic lung disease should all be assessed before flying.
People who have a predisposition to circulation disorders,
cramps and deep vein thrombosis should take special care. The exercises
mentioned in "jet lag" will be beneficial. Supplementing with ginkgo,
vitamin E and garlic will help improve the blood supply to the extremities.
Taking a magnesium supplement in combination with ginkgo and vitamin E will
help to prevent cramps. During long flights the reduced pressure will cause the
feet and extremities to swell slightly. This is normal; however, it could
propose problems for someone wearing a plaster cast. The swelling under the
cast can cause pain and discomfort. Discuss this with your practitioner before
flying.
POPPING EARS
Flying with a head
cold can not only be uncomfortable but can cause damage to the eardrum. If the
eustachian tube is blocked with mucus the difference in the pressure between
the air in the middle ear and the cabin pressure will be difficult to equalise,
causing pain, discomfort and, in some cases, damage to the eardrum. It is
important to keep our body's resistance up, vitamin C and the herb echinacea
will help. Vitamin C helps reduce the symptoms of the cold and the herb echinacea
helps stimulate the immune system to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. To
help clear the ears suck a eucalyptus and menthol lozenge during the flight and
take a horseradish and garlic tablet after meals three times daily.
PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is another condition that may require special
care, especially from the start of the second trimester. It is important to
keep the fluids up, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest before, during
and after the trip. Most airlines will not allow pregnant women to travel once
they have reached their 34th week. The decreased air pressure and low oxygen is
associated with premature labour.
Not only is the air rarefied in the airplane cabin, there is
also has very low humidity. This leads to dehydration of the skin as well,
another reason to avoid alcohol and increase the intake of water. Regularly
splash your face with water and apply a moisturising lotion to your face and
hands during the flight and in air-conditioned hotels. This will help prevent
your skin from becoming parched and dry.
Finally remember travel is fun and just observing a few
cautions and looking after yourself can enhance your enjoyment.
SUPPLEMENTS
Travel Calm Ginger
Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root powder 400mg 2 tablets
before travel
Multivitamin mineral formula
With enzymes and fruit and vegetable powders 1
tablet daily
LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI Protectis™
Lactobacillus reuteri 200 million organisms Adults
and children over 2 years - Chew
or crush 1 tablet once a day Fish oil 1000mg 3
daily
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