Detoxing from Flying

How do you feel after being on the plane all day?  Do you find it difficult to recover after a trip?

Being up at 30,000 feet comes with a price.  The air is drier and you’re being exposed to cosmic radiation.  Additionally, you’re breathing in recycled air along with jet fumes, flame retardant chemicals on all the seats and possibly heavy metals from toxic uniforms.

I won’t get into how to deal with jet lag in this post but changing your circadian rhythm and sleep schedule affects how you feel as well. I have a few ways I deal with detoxing after a flight because in a day or two I’m headed right back out there. Flying as much as I do can really take a toll on your immune system.

Relax

One of my favorite ways to detox after a long international flight is with an Epsom salt and baking soda bath.  Epsom salt, which is actually magnesium sulfate adds magnesium back into our bodies which most people are deficient in.  Soaking in epsom salts aids in sleep, muscle aches, bronchial asthma, inflammation and migraine headaches.  I like to add a cup of baking soda along with the Epsom salts to help combat radiation.  Then I’ll include a few drops of lavender essential oil to take the relaxation up a notch.  Aren’t you feeling better just picturing it?  Because dehydration is caused from flying and hot baths, make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your soak.

If you don’t want to mix the epsom salt or if you’re looking for a more “spa like” experience Redmond Life  has a great product you can buy.  They also carry bentonite clay which is something else you can add to your bath or use as a poultice. You can also take bentonite internally but make sure to consult with your doctor before doing so. Bentonite clay has been recommended for heavy metal detox which is great for crew  members still wearing or in contact with those toxic uniforms.

Supplements and organ support

As you probably know, our liver is one of the most important organs that detoxes our bodies. To help my liver work optimally and remain healthy I take a few supplements. Activated charcoal works to bind toxins by acting as a magnet to help draw them out of the body during excretion.  Side note, it is reported to help with a hangover. (Not that I’ve ever tried it for that myself)  Another supplement that is great for detoxing your liver is milk thistle. I also drink dandelion root tea which helps balance blood sugar levels. Additionally, it strengthens your immune system by acting as a natural diuretic to help your liver eliminate toxins more quickly.

Our lymph system has three main functions.  The production of immune cells, the absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport to our circulatory system and removal of excess fluids from our body tissues. Think about how your feet swell when you fly. Dry brushing is another way to help our bodies detox by stimulating the lymph system which does not have a pump.  If you haven’t heard of it, its exactly like it sounds.  Taking a dry brush and brushing your dry skin before taking a shower. Getting a massage is another amazing way to help stimulate the lymph system.

Are you sweating yet?

Sweating is one of the best ways to detox.  But sometimes when I get home from a trip, working out is the last thing I want to do.  So another great way to sweat which just involves sitting there is using a sauna.  Saunas have anti-aging benefits, as well as lowering blood pressure, boosting metabolism and potential weight loss.  I liked using a sauna so much I bought my own!  (That’s me in my Relax Far Infrared Sauna) One of the great things I’m seeing now are tanning salons with infra-red saunas.  But even the sauna at your gym or hotel can be beneficial not to mention how great it feels.

Digital detox

Lastly, there’s the electronic detox. Are you one of those people who fall asleep with your TV on?  Have you thought about shutting off your router at night when you sleep?  Both the EMF from your router and the blue light from your electronics interfere with our bodies’ production of melatonin which impacts our sleep. I know its hard, but try keeping your phone in another room or at least stop scrolling through it an hour or so before you go to sleep.  Even if you use it as an alarm, keep it in airplane mode (and ideally unplugged) if it’s next to your bed at night!

Any or all of these methods mentioned above can help your body to detox even if you haven’t been flying and just want to begin your new year with a healthy fresh start!

Do you have any other ways to detox after a long flight or if you have over indulged during the holidays?  Comment below and let me know!

In health,

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