Summer is in full swing, finally! Are you ready to soak up the sun and embrace the ultimate getaway? Before you pack your bags and jet off into the sunset, we’re going to get into the less sexy part of vacations that nobody is talking about but should be – how to prevent free radical damage from flying.
Since you know I’m all about health and wellness, we can’t talk about flying without mentioning the health risks. Health risks? Yes, that’s right. Flying comes with health risks, but don’t worry, I’m here to explain it all and help you mitigate them.
You know you’re girl isn’t about to stop flying any time soon, obvs! In fact, during the first half of 2023, I took 12 flights 😮 That’s a lot! I knew I had to do something to keep my health in check and avoid an excess of oxidative stress from all these commercial flights.
Flying exposes you to damaging cosmic radiation, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying your vacation or relegating yourself to road trips. There are ways to help combat free radical damage from flying. But before we get into that, let’s first discuss what the heck free radical damage is.
What is free radical damage?
Free radicals are chemically reactive molecules generated in the body from exposure to ionizing radiation from medical imaging, UV radiation from the sun, cosmic radiation while flying on planes, even smoking, drinking alcohol, environmental toxins, and chronic stress.
So, basically, everything in life causes free radical damage. When there’s an excess of free radicals in the body, we call this oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can have detrimental effects on the body, like damaging our DNA, which in turn can disrupt normal cellular functions, contribute to the development of cancers, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, eye, and liver disorders as well as accelerate the aging process.
Is flying really that bad for our bodies?
As identified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aircrew professionals are largely at risk of increasing genetic mutations and cancer due to the nature of radiation endured at high altitudes.
The buzz concerning the potential long-term effects of frequent flyers and aircrew staff extends beyond the FAA. Highlighted by TIME in their article that discusses how flight attendants have a higher rate of some cancers, there is a growing concern for air traveller safety, especially frequent fliers.
Radiation, considered an oxidative stressor, causes excess free radicals to accumulate in the body; likewise to air pollution, UV light, smoking, processed diets and frequent flying. Without protection, these deleterious free radicals infiltrate DNA, contributing to a higher risk of DNA damage and gene mutation.
Sounds scary doesn’t it? If left unattended, it can be. But we aren’t going to let that happen. Strategies to mitigate the negative impact of oxidative stress, and promote overall health and well-being include adopting a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and regular exercise.
Working out while travelling is a great way to help yourself. Especially since you likely just hopped on a plane to end up where you are.
What do antioxidants do to free radical damage?
Antioxidants help your body fight off the negative effects of oxidation. The most common antioxidant is one you already know, Vitamin C. However, it’s more effective when combined with others.
Antioxidants are a key part of your body’s defences, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage caused by cosmic radiation, UV rays, and pollution.
Just a daily dose of an antioxidant powerhouse helps promote a healthy glow, fights off free radicals, and supports your immune system. It’s like a vacation for your body, leaving you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to seize the day!
Antioxidant-rich foods include nuts, berries, and vegetables including broccoli, spinach, carrots and potatoes. Other great sources of antioxidants are artichokes, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, beetroot, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, collard greens and kale. It’s as simple as a delicious salad to get your daily dose of antioxidants!
How to prevent free radical damage?
While you’re busy planning your perfect escape, take a moment to give your body some love. Before you take flight, don’t forget to pack your best protection from free radical damage and oxidative stress – antioxidants. These can be in the form of healthy airplane snacks or a trusty antioxidant supplement.
One such supplement that contains a powerful combination of antioxidants is Halo. Halo’s patented antioxidant formula prevents free radicals from damaging your body’s cells – like antivirus software protecting your computer from malware!
Halo helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals while boosting overall immunity, one dose at a time. Halo is poised to become a wellness essential for physicians, nurses, dentists, technologists, aircrew members, frequent travellers, and anyone undergoing X-rays, CT scans or other diagnostic imaging.
The benefits of Halo Antioxidant
- Contains seven powerhouse antioxidants as well as B vitamins and selenium
- Halo’s all-natural formula has four patents
- Seven clinical papers published in peer-reviewed journals
- All-natural ingredients formulated by physicians
- Partnerships with the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Dalhousie University
- Halo is a research-based wellness solution that is compliant with both the US and Canadian regulatory bodies.
Halo’s formulation consists of natural ingredients chosen to fit within the NHPD (Natural Health Products Directorate) guidelines to maximize safety and optimize efficacy, while adhering to the highest standards for nutraceutical products.
The patented blend of ingredients quenches free radicals and prevents them from damaging the body’s cells. Beyond protection from free radical harm, Halo benefits include strengthened immunity, metabolic support, boosted collagen formation for healthy bones, and more.
Created by pioneers in the medical imaging field, Halo is a must for anyone looking to protect their cells and secure their long-term health. Halo is the first product from Cora Therapeutics, an innovative company focused on data-driven solutions for health.
Led by founder and interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Kieran Murphy, the expert team behind Halo is deeply aware of the collateral cost caused by radiation. Dr. Kieran Murphy, is a global leader in Interventional Neuroradiology, practicing at the University Health Network in Toronto. With 80+ patents, six medical device companies, and over 180 peer-reviewed publications to his name, he clearly knows a thing or two.
Conclusion – How to prevent free radical damage?
The absolute best way to prevent free radical damage is to take an antioxidant supplement. Specifically, I love the blend of powerful antioxidants found in Halo. As someone who travels a lot for work, protecting myself from free radical damage and oxidative stress is important.
Having worked in the Natural Health Products industry in Canada for over 16 years, I am well-versed in this topic. I know all about the benefits of taking antioxidants. I am so glad there is finally a product available that has been specifically formulated with frequent fliers in mind.
Note: I was gifted a bottle of Halo to try it out but the opinions in this article are my own. This post does not contain any affiliate links.
