Flying To/Through/From FLU?

Planning a trip from MCO-ATL and beyond? The last thing anyone wants on vacation, over the holidays, or in the back-to-work stress afterwards is to have a layover at FLU! Nobody's favorite destination is "sick at home", but too often, that's where we end up after traveling. I have ‘gotten sick’ three times in the last five years, twice with COVID and last month with the flu. All three happened about four days after being on an airplane; the first two while we were under the COVID mask mandate, so it seemed unlikely that it was strictly exposure to other travelers. I was a little baffled since I don’t believe germs are ever the real problem and my immune system is generally in great shape. On my last trip, I finally figured it out!

Flying is very dehydrating, which not only makes it harder for the body to eliminate pathogens through the bladder and bowels, but dries up the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Despite its nasty reputation, mucous is actually your friend. It traps particles as they enter the body, whether through the eyes, nose, or mouth, and then lets the body know what’s coming in. That information triggers the appropriate immune response, which may start with a sneeze or cough to expel the percieved enemy. We might produce more mucous than usual to encapsulate the invader, like the strands that form around something that gets into your eye, making it easier to eliminate. That's why people often find that when they use "something to dry up the mucous", what starts as a minor irritation like a cold moves deeper into the body and "turns into" a bronchial or lung infection!

In addition to drinking plenty of water, using Silver Shield Gel inside the nostrils before traveling cuts down on the likelihood that pathogens can invade the body, while keeping things moist and healthy going forward. Similar dehydrating conditions exist in your home during the winter, when the heat dries out the air. A humidifier with a few drops of Essential Shield oil blend can help keep you healthy through the colder months. A few drops on the collar of your coat is a good idea, too! I have often said "I don't believe in germs"; what I mean is that I don't blame outside organisms for symptoms I experience - if my body is functioning well, it will recognize and destroy pathogens before they have a chance to multiply. While some essential oils are documented to posess anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects, they also have energetic impacts on body organs, stimulating them to function effectively in overcoming foreign invaders.

As a frequent traveler, I love Suma Combination to support my immune system and keep me energized without caffeine - which is also dehydrating. (Alcohol also dehydrates, so save the drinks for your destination parties!) Suma is a rainforest adaptogen called "para todo" - "for everything". Adaptogens help the body adjust to new environments, including unfamiliar organisms, and this combination has several. Because it also has gingko and gotu kola, it supports circulation to the head, making it even easier for you to support healthy mucous membranes in doing their job.

When I have succumbed to a viral infection, a few basic practices have been key to a quick recovery. Even when I don't feel like doing anything but laying in bed, I try to keep the lymph active by continuing to move and stretch for a few minutes every hour. When we have a cough, we tend to hold our breath to avoid it, rather than concentrating on slow deep breathing that expands the ribs. The space between the ribs is full of lymph tissue, muscles and fascia that need to be kept loose. Working Lobelia Essence into those spaces helps remove obstructions, whether it be mucous, fluid, or muscle tension; I will add a few drops of Tei Fu Oil if the cough is dry or non-productive, or Ylang-Ylang if it is 'barky', like when my son had croup. Stay tuned for an upcoming demonstration video! Simple yoga postures keep circulation going, increasing the flow of oxygen, an antagonist to most pathogens, and opening elimination channels. There are great videos online if you search 'yoga for coughs', etc.. Steamy showers help keep mucous flowing; usually I will throw a towel on the floor and sit in the steam, inhaling lemongrass, thyme, and lavender oil (through the mouth if I am dealing with a lower respiratory concern) from a wet cloth over my face. I drink diluted (ideally, cold-pressed) juices high in Vitamin C like pineapple, lemon, and tart cherry; orange juice is almost always pasteurized, so is more a source of sugar than C. Remember that sugar feeds pathogens and stimulates inflammation! I will often add two or three Citrus Biioflavanoids every hour to increase both my level of Vitamin C and its absorption; flavanoids are in the white membrane of citrus fruit and in Rosehips, and are key to the C being used rather than excreted. Warm broth thins mucous, keeping down congestion, and reduces the likelihood of infections worsening; studies have shown chicken broth to be the most effective, but vegetable and mushroom broths have their own advantages. I add grated fresh or frozen vegetables, lots of fresh garlic, and a splash of raw cider vinegar to increase acidity, add trace minerals, and reduce inflammation.

My aim has always been to provide healthy lifestyle coaching rather than just a list of supplements, which is why I present so much information about diet, movement, and other basic practices when I am talking about wholistic approaches to any condition. When I recommend supplements, I have personally tested them to be sure the quality is exceptional and consistent; the latter is the most difficult to find. Since herbs became mainstream it has been increasingly difficult to be sure of product quality. It is not at all unusual for my clients to bring along supplements they do need, but will test for three to five times as many capsules or droppers of their brand to those I support. Usually, I find that Fenugreek & Thyme, Mullein, and Super Orac - a high-potency herbal antioxidant blend- are sufficient to get me quickly back on my feet if combined with the actions listed above. During COVID, I also found that I needed tremendous amounts of Zinc, which is a key part of the binding mechanism for oxygen in the cells, so is great when you are having to work harder than usual to get a good breath! One thing I love about the Natures Sunshine vitamins and minerals is that they are always in a base of herbs that provide essential co-nutrients to increase absorption rather than the typical, inert, starch or yeast. For kids, I really like a glycerin-based Respiratory Support formula that features licorice to reduce stress and soothe mucous membranes, ginger to reduce inflammation and support digestion, and red ginseng, which builds stamina and has been found effective in treating asthma (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4268570/). Because it is alcohol-free it's safe for even the youngest kids, and naturally tastes a little sweet. Alcohol-free mullein glycerite is also available.