Traveling? Discover essential travel tips to protect your health.

Flying can be exciting, but it also demands more from the body. Time zone changes, dietary changes, and the closed, dry cabin environment directly affect gut health, immunity, and rest—three essential pillars to ensure a trip doesn't become uncomfortable.

How flying affects your body
During air travel, the body faces some challenges:

Jet lag: the change in time zone disrupts the circadian rhythm and can affect the balance of the intestinal microbiota, in addition to compromising the quality of sleep.

Dehydration : Dry, pressurized cabin air accelerates fluid and electrolyte loss.

Exposure to new microorganisms : Recycled air and contact with surfaces and passengers from different regions increases the risk of contact with bacteria and viruses that your body is not used to — which can destabilize your immune system and gut.

Additionally, it is common to try local foods upon arrival at your destination, which can affect your gut microbiota, especially if there is little bacterial diversity in the gut or digestive fragility.

3 Strategies to Protect Your Gut and Immune System While Traveling

1. Hydrate smartly
During the flight, keep a bottle of water nearby and, if possible, add electrolyte powder to support cellular hydration. This is a practical, safe solution to take on the plane and effective against fatigue and discomfort caused by dehydration.

2. Boost your microbiota with a good probiotic

At Viva Saudável , you'll find a full range of clinical-quality probiotics, with formulas that help:

Protect against traveler's diarrhea;

Strengthen natural defenses;

Promote intestinal balance in times of greater digestive stress.

Formulas like Floramed and Ecogenetics Probiotics are ideal for packing, thanks to their concentration and convenience. If you prefer a maintenance solution, you can also opt for gentler formulas for daily use before and during your trip.

3. Choose a complete approach: gut + immunity

In addition to probiotics, it may be helpful to supplement with a basic multivitamin, such as Basic Essentials N Elementals —a comprehensive formula with B vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals to support metabolism, the immune system, and response to physical and emotional stress.

4. Sleep better, fight jet lag, and reduce stress

Sleep is often affected the first few nights away from home, not only by jet lag, but also by a phenomenon known as the “first-night effect”—a brain response to unfamiliar surroundings that reduces the quality of deep sleep.

To support rest during the trip:

Consider melatonin if you are changing time zones;

Use adaptogens and plant extracts such as magnolia or phellodendron, known to reduce cortisol levels and help with the transition to sleep;

The B vitamins in Basic Essentials also help regulate the nervous system and manage daily stress.

Conclusion

Traveling doesn't have to mean imbalance or discomfort. With simple preparation—keeping hydrated, taking care of your microbiota, and supporting your immune and nervous systems with quality supplements—you can arrive at your destination with energy, well-being, and the willingness to make the most of your experience.

Bon voyage!!