Healthy Boost

Travel can be rough on the immune system – but there are some smart, easy ways to build it up

- By Caitlin Sakdalan

From the physical toll to the mental fatigue, it is no secret that traveling taxes your body. You also encounter masses of people in airports and airplanes, thrusting your immune system into battle. Nevertheless, travel is embedded into many of our job descriptions.

Thanks to the biggest global pandemic in decades, an activity that has always been considered a work perk has quickly become a sobering reminder that we need to keep our immune systems strong. So how do you prepare properly and travel confidently? We’ve gathered an armory of foods and drinks to increase your immunity and combat sickness.

BEFORE TAKEOFF

FRESH PRODUCE

It becomes more difficult to stick to a healthy routine when in transit. With that in mind, take extra steps before your flight to bolster your nutrition with vitamin-rich, colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus fruits and leafy greens. Jordan Andino, celebrity chef and restaurant owner of Flip Sigi, suggests, “Plan your diet and make sure you are in the position to eat well a few days before and after your travels. Healthy and immune conscience foods can be hard to come by during travel, so plan accordingly.”