Flying on a plane can have a number of effects on the human body, from blood pressure changes to skin issues, so it’s important to know how to stay healthy while in the air
As the Summer holidays are fast approaching, many of us are eagerly ticking off the days until our overseas adventures, ready to soak up the sun and immerse ourselves in the diverse cultures of various exotic locations worldwide. However, while the allure of holidays is undeniable, any destination requiring a flight can sometimes be less than straightforward, with air travel often having an unexpected impact on our health.
Indeed, flying is not a natural mode of transport for humans. We didn’t evolve to flap our arms and glide through the sky, nor did we sprout wings to do so unaided – but we did have the inventiveness to master air travel and zoom across the heavens in a lengthy metal cylinder at a staggering 500 miles per hour!
Given this ‘unnatural’ method of transportation, it seems only reasonable that it should have some rather peculiar effects on the human body.
What exactly happens to our bodies when we jet off abroad?
A recent study sought to answer this very question, and it was disclosed in the Thorax journal that the cabin pressure in planes, when sustained at cruising altitude, actually reduced blood pressure and elevated the heart rate of passengers – even in young, healthy holidaymakers, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Moreover, these biological changes were found to be exacerbated by in-flight alcohol consumption, prompting the researchers to suggest avoiding on-board tipples if possible, or at least reducing their intake, according to The Telegraph.
Dr Stephen Hughes, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and an emergency medicine consultant, explained that there are several physical and psychological changes that occur in the human body during flight. This is particularly true as humans weren’t originally designed to travel at 35,000 feet – the typical altitude of a commercial aeroplane.
Without the standard pressurisation we’re used to today, our oxygen levels would quickly drop at such altitudes, leading to rapid loss of consciousness. To counteract this, aircrafts are pressurised to maintain an internal relative altitude of around 6000-8000 feet, equivalent to climbing halfway up Mont Blanc.
Alongside lowering our blood pressure and increasing our heart rate, several other changes also occur that you may have experienced yourself, such as ‘popping ears’ due to pressure changes, dry eyes from altered humidity, and even bloating or a sensation of stomach gas, caused by the expansion of gases as the plane ascends.
Some passengers may also experience a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long haul flights, or a blood clot inside a deep vein as sitting in one position for too long has been clinically proven to increase the risk of the condition.
Skin changes can also take place too, partly due to dehydration and partly due to a lower humidity level while in the air, with many travellers reporting drier skin after flights.
There is also a mental health toll to consider too, as anxious passengers may see their bodies release stress hormones when travelling by plane, something that could lead to hyper-ventilation, and an increased heart rate which could potentially exacerbate a pre-existing heart condition.
Although medical emergencies can and do arise on planes as a result of flying, they are a very small minority of cases when compared to the millions of people that travel every year, however the toll flying takes on our bodies can be a contributing factor.
How do we stay safe on board a flight?
Although the list of effects flying can have on our bodies is intimidating, there are several simple ways to help maximise your safety and comfort onboard a plane. One of the easiest ways to help stay in good health is to avoid dehydration on board by drinking plenty of water.
Now, this is easier said than done, as nobody wants to spend hours heading backwards and forwards to a tiny aeroplane bathroom, but your body will thank you for the extra liquid, as it will help your skin to stay hydrate, combat any unpleasant side effects such as headaches or nausea, and additionally help to maintain your blood pressure. It can even help to reduce the bloat and any gut issues, by helping to maintain gut motility.
Another way to stay safe on board is to keep washing your hands and to wipe down any surfaces such as tray tables with an anti-bacterial wipe. As planes are traditionally drier environments due to lower humidity, they can sometimes be the prime spot to catch a cold or virus, so staying on top of your hand hygiene can help to reduce the risk where possible.
When it comes to beating the dreaded ‘ear-popping sensation’ associated with take-off and landing, one quick tip to help lessen the effect is to chew something or enjoy a drink, as swallowing has been shown to help equalise the pressure in your ears, by opening your ear’s Eustachian tube, enabling the tube to open to small amounts of air.
Movement is also another factor to consider, particularly on long haul flights. Although safety guidelines on board aircraft often encourage passengers to remain seated (and especially when the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated) getting up to stretch your legs in the aisle, or performing simple yoga exercises can help to maintain blood flow in your limbs and reduce the risk of blood clots.
To boost the effectiveness here, passengers could also consider investing in a pair of compression socks for an added layer of protection against DVT.
Keeping your body nourished is another factor to take into account, as it can calm your digestive system and maintain your blood sugar to avoid any unpleasant dips that can lead to discomfort. Although these days there is a wealth of choice for in-flight meals, not every airline will be everyone’s idea of good cuisine and in these cases a healthy snack may be more beneficial.
Bananas in particular are often recommended due to their nutrient rich concentration of magnesium and potassium, as well as being easily digestible and kind on the stomach.
If you have any concerns about your health, you should always speak to your doctor about your symptoms as your first port of call.
