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Travelling? Before you step out, run an immunity check using these tips

Traveling, be it for work or personal engagements, can wreak havoc on our immune systems. But fret not, because taking small steps as part of your routine can go a long way!
travelling immunity
Travel immunity checks are more important than you think. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Kanav Kahol Updated: 23 Aug 2021, 10:22 am IST
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Boosting immunity has never been a top priority for the majority of people, but it is now! When travelling these days, one might be wondering how to stay safe, healthy and away from the risk of catching an infection. For sure, you would not want to fall sick on a trip, especially when you go on a work one! 

Travel immunity check

Spending time at railway stations, airports or places where people gather increases the risk of catching flu or cold. Following a healthy routine on a trip is hard amid a busy schedule, plus there is consumption of unhealthy food, as well as abnormal sleeping patterns. This enhances the problem — after all, from backaches to low immunity and stress-induced headaches, there are many problems that routine travellers face. Fortunately, there are several ways to do a travel immunity check, in order to ensure that nothing dampens your trip, so that you enjoy your travel to the fullest.

1. Healthy diet

Following a healthy diet is always a good idea, because while you can plan for a foreseen trip, there is nothing you can do for immediate travel plans, be it for work or personal reasons. When you are on the go, you generally rely on packaged food, ready-to-eat stuff or fast food which interferes with your immune system. On top of it, if you follow an unhealthy diet as part of a routine, and don’t provide your body with the nutrition it needs to ensure a stronger immune system. That’s because it will make you prone to sickness, while you travel.

Also, read: With the third wave coming, keep these 3 tips in mind when traveling amidst Covid-19

Your immune system needs regular nourishment and good food to perform efficiently so it is important to follow a diet that is rich in micronutrients. Also, while you are travelling, make sure to pack some healthy snack like protein bars, dry fruits, diet mixtures etc.

2. Stay hydrated

A hydrated body can save you from stomach infections, dehydration and many other health issues. Make sure you have a particular amount of water daily, especially during the summer season. You can also include water-based fruits and vegetables in your diet like cucumber, watermelon, orange, musk melon etc. Even while you are travelling, try to stay hydrated, avoid tap water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine based drinks.

travel immunity checks
Stay hydrated and improve your overall health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
3. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is important to ensure a strong immune system, as a lack of sleep increases the chances of getting sick. Try to get a good night’s sleep a few days before you travel, in order to ensure that you are healthy, active, engaged and safe on your trip. To get good sleep, avoid using smartphones or gadgets at night and minimise your alcohol and caffeine intake.

4. Exercise and vitamin supplements

A regular exercise routine and a healthy diet are directly connected to good immunity. Doing some yoga or stretching exercises can boost your immunity. You may download a fitness or meditation app to keep yourself motivated. Further, several foods like berries, banana, lemon, kiwi etc in addition to multivitamin supplements help in supporting the immune system.

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travel immunity checks
Increse your vitamins intake. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Keep an eye on what you are touching

Make sure you don’t touch any contaminated surfaces and even if you have to, wash your hands frequently or sanitise them. Also, avoid touching your face before sanitising or washing your hands. You can also use disinfectant wipes or spray to clean armrests, table top or any other surface you come in touch with, while you are travelling.

The last word

Lastly, being fit, healthy and ensuring strong immunity should be a lifestyle choice and not something you only follow right before or while travelling. The more you follow a healthy lifestyle, the less you will have to worry about immunity checks before stepping out for a vacation or office trip.

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About the Author

Dr Kanav Kahol is a renowned healthcare innovator who is a former PhD scientist and professor from Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic USA. He is also the founder of DIVOC Health. ...Read More

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