Prevent Dehydration From Air Travel

Follow simple rules of thumb to stay well hydrated, which will make the flight a more pleasant part of your trip

Dubai, UAE, June 22 2017: With schools breaking for summer holidays, chances are you’ve planned your upcoming vacation. You've spent hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars planning your vacation, but at most times long haul flights can be like a drain, sucking all the moisture out of your skin and leaving you feeling tired and dry. This is the last thing you want to experience, particularly when you arrive at your destination. In order to beat the jet lag and stay fresh and active, it’s important to stay hydrated on the flight and before boarding one!

“Make sure that while on the flight, you stay well hydrated. Dehydration becomes a common and sometimes serious issue while travelling by air. You are suggested to have a few sips of liquid, and if possible, it is good to carry electrolytes,” said Arsalan Karim, Director, Research and Development, Clinova Ltd.

Research suggests that the air-conditioned cabins on all planes cools down a room or area by decreasing humidity.The air inside of a plane’s cabin is much drier than a typical home or office room on the ground. In those non-air-conditioned rooms, humidity levels are usually at a comfortable 30 – 65 per cent. But, the levels inside of a plane’s cabin are often 10 per cent.As such when you’re sitting in a plane for hours, you’ve no choice but to breathe in the dry air around you. After a short period, you will soon start to feel dehydrated. Luckily, it’s easy enough to avoid suffering from that problem. Here are six simple long flight tips that you can follow the next time you fly.

Tips to Stay Hydrated When on the Flight

a.    Consume electrolytes before you leave home

Before you leave home, consume O.R.S Hydration Tablets, which are high in electrolytes. You can also drink these once you land to re-hydrate.O.R.S Hydration Tablets help replenish the salts quickly. We suggest consuming Clinova’s O.R.S. Tablets, which are a balanced formula of glucose, electrolytes and minerals which when added to water help maintain optimal hydration levels.

b.    Drink water in advance

Treat your long haul flight like a race you’re training for. Drink as much water in the days leading up to it as possible. While most airport securities don’t permit you to carry water, it’s easier to bring a refillable one and fill it once you get to your gate. Many gates are now equipped with stations to fill your own bottle in order to save the plastic from going to landfills. 

c.    Carry alternative foods / drinks

While water is the best solution to dehydration, it is important to carry foods that will not only hydrate you, but help sustain the fluids in your body so you stay satisfied for longer. Potassium-rich foods and drinks like bananas and coconut water can help you overcome long flights without reaching for your water bottle every few minutes.

d.    Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks

Avoid sugary drinks while on a flight. These only add unnecessary calories without any benefits. Also, give up on caffeine-based beverages like coffee or tea. Too much caffeine in your system is likely to dehydrate you and cause more harm. 

e.    Sleep and relax

While on the flight, get adequate sleep.As there is a lot of excitement for your travel; there's a risk you will just get knackered and that will lower your defences, which will also make you more prone to picking up infections. 

f.    Carry a moisturiser

Have you noticed that your skin is feeling dry when you go on long haul flights? That’s because there is less moisture in the air! Believe it or not, skin moisturiser is a useful product to have when you’re flying.

“There's no greater joy than traveling to new places, discovering new cultures, cuisines and traditions. While people travel to places for several reasons, it is important that every time you travel on a flight, you follow these easy guidelines to stay hydrated and active,” concluded Arsalan Karim, Director, Research and Development, Clinova Ltd.