5 things to do for your health before every trip, according to a doctor

How to get ready for your next vacation—mind, body, and soul—from a doctor.

Traveling is a good thing for the mind and the soul. However, taking a long automobile trip or boarding an aircraft can be physically taxing on your body. In order to prepare their bodies before traveling, medical experts like Kristin Wright McKitish, MD, a specialist in concierge medicine and preventative care, make sure to do so.

People frequently fail to consider the harmful effects that stress can have on the body, McKitish said. Give yourself enough time to organize, plan, and pack for a trip so that you can truly enjoy your journey. Planning, arranging, and packing for a trip can be more stressful than you might realize.

Here are five additional preparations McKitish recommended you make to make sure you’re physically ready for your trip.

Drink plenty of water

McKitish asserts that drinking enough water is essential for good health in general, particularly before traveling.

“Your immune system will function at its best if you stay well hydrated by consuming around two to three liters of water per day,” the expert advised. “Water is necessary for the healthy operation of every cell, tissue, and organ, including the immune system. Think of your nose, esophagus, lungs, and stomach as examples of internal bodily barriers that water supports. Your lymphatic fluid, which is in charge of delivering cells that aid in the fight against infections, has water as one of its major constituents.”

She pointed out that flying is very dehydrating, so make sure to drink water frequently. Also, McKitish cautioned against drinking alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages because both dehydrate the body. Sorry, coffee lovers.

Review your supplements

Before traveling, McKitish advises her patients to research immune-boosting supplements to make sure their bodies are in top condition.

“I advise taking immune-boosting supplements for three to five days prior to travel and continuing to do so while on vacation for all of my patients”, she said. Specifically, probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.

Get enough rest

Getting enough sleep before you go is another important part of preparing for a healthy and enjoyable trip.

Sleep is crucial and, regrettably, frequently neglected before to travel, whether it’s because of preparation, anxiety, or enthusiasm, according to McKitish. “While you sleep, your body performs its most crucial tasks, including boosting your immune system. Depending on where you go, you can encounter viruses, germs, and other diseases while traveling. Therefore, to ensure that your immune system is at its best for your vacation, ensure that you receive seven to eight hours of sleep every night.”

Sneak in a workout before leaving

McKitish advised putting in a few exercises leading up to your vacation and one right before you depart to assist reduce any stress because you’ll probably be walking a decent lot and possibly lugging some big baggage.

“For me personally, working out right before a trip is crucial”, McKitish added. “In addition to boosting my immune system right away, this aids to calm my nerves and reduce stress”. She even goes a step further by including a post-workout IV drip of vitamins at a concierge doctor’s office. “The body is flooded with electrolytes, vitamins, amino acids, and peptides for the maximum immune improvement, which also provides proper hydration.”

Actually take pleasure in the preparation for a vacation

According to McKitish, it’s also crucial to embrace the excitement of preparing your vacation because this will also help you feel less stressed and prepared for your upcoming trip.

“If you’re fortunate enough to take a long vacation, enjoy it,” she said, adding that any new healthy routines you establish in advance of a trip may pay off if you maintain them once you get back. “While it’s necessary to take care of your body and immune system regularly to ensure maintained health, it’s also important to remember that the days preceding a vacation are crucial.”

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