Traveling can have a dehydrating effect on the body. Not only does air travel involve sitting for long periods, but often times the air in the cabin is dry and airplane meals tend to be relatively low in nutritious value.
Additionally, depending on where you’re going, different climates can sap your body of fluid quickly without you necessarily realizing it since the sweat evaporates much more quickly in hot and humid locales.
Studies have found that dehydration can occur quickly when sitting in an airplane as much as four percent in just three hours on average (which is 1.5 liters of fluid).
Therefore, In this article, we will explain why it is important to stay hydrated while traveling and give you some tips on how to do so.
How much water should I drink while traveling?
When traveling, it is important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The general recommendation is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day.
However, this number may vary depending on your physical activity level, environment, and any medications you are taking while traveling. For example, if you are in a particularly hot environment or planning on being active outdoors then it is recommended that you drink more than the standard 8-ounce glasses of water.
In addition to increasing your water consumption, consider other lifestyle changes that can help keep you properly hydrated such as avoiding caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda which are diuretics and can cause dehydration.
Be sure to include electrolytes in your diet such as low-sodium sports drinks or coconut water to replace any electrolytes lost through sweat. Proper hydration is essential for having an enjoyable travel experience so make sure to stay well hydrated.
How do you rehydrate after traveling?
Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also take a lot out of you. From jet lag to dehydration, travel can leave you feeling exhausted and depleted. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to rehydrate yourself after traveling so that you return feeling refreshed and energized.
Drink Plenty of Water
The most important thing to do when trying to rehydrate is to drink plenty of water. This is especially important if you have been on a long flight or spent time in the sun during your travels. Drinking plenty of water will ensure that your body has enough fluids to operate at its best and help reduce fatigue and headaches. If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding some fresh lemon or lime juice for flavor.
Eat Hydrating Foods
In addition to drinking lots of water, it’s also important to eat hydrating foods in order to replenish lost electrolytes and minerals. Fruits like oranges, grapes, melons, cantaloupe, strawberries, and papaya are all great sources of hydration. Vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, peppers, kale and spinach are also excellent choices for rehydrating after traveling. You should also avoid alcohol as much as possible when trying to rehydrate. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it will actually cause your body to lose more fluid than it takes in.
Get Some Rest
Last, one of the best things you can do for your body after traveling is get some rest. Make sure that you get enough sleep while you’re away from home so that your body has time to recover from jet lag and other forms of travel-related exhaustion. Additionally, try taking some time off work or school if possible so that you can focus on getting back into your regular routine without having too many additional responsibilities weighing on you.
Why is it important to drink enough water when traveling?
When you’re packing for an upcoming trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of going somewhere new. But one thing that is often overlooked is how important it is to stay hydrated while traveling. Not only can dehydration cause several uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, but it can also hurt your overall health and wellbeing.
Helps prevent headaches and other symptoms of dehydration: Dehydration can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Staying hydrated helps to combat these effects by ensuring that your body has enough water to function properly.
Prevents jet lag and improves alertness: Studies have shown that drinking adequate amounts of water during air travel helps reduce the risk of jet lag and improves overall alertness. This is especially important if you are traveling across multiple time zones or have long flights ahead of you.
Keeps your skin healthy: If you’re spending time outdoors or in dry climates, your skin will be exposed to extreme temperatures and conditions which can leave it feeling dry and tight. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish lost moisture in the skin, keeping it looking healthy and radiant even after long days of sightseeing or outdoor activities.
Improves digestion: Dehydration can cause constipation or other digestive issues due to lack of water in the body’s organs responsible for digestion and elimination processes. By drinking enough water while traveling, you can help ensure that your digestive system stays on track even when you’re away from home!
Boosts energy levels: When traveling, it’s easy to forget about the importance of restful sleep or regular exercise routines—especially if you’re trying to squeeze in as many activities as possible before returning home! However, staying hydrated with plenty of water helps boost energy levels so that you don’t feel sluggish or tired throughout the day—even after late nights out exploring!
Conclusion
Traveling can indeed have an effect on hydration. Whether it’s being out in the sun all day, experiencing different temperatures and climates, or simply experiencing a new time zone, traveling can affect the amount of water consumed.
Taking extra precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids throughout your travels and wearing breathable clothing when you’re out exploring can help you stay hydrated.
Though it is important to take care of yourself while traveling, if done correctly you should be able to avoid dehydration and enjoy your vacation at the same time.
