How to Stay Hydrated on a Plane

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Since airplane cabins are pressurized, the humidity level is significantly lower than on the ground, and as such it’s easy to become dehydrated.   That’s why flight attendants are always serving water.  Still, on long flights your skin, eyes and lips can become uncomfortably dry, your feet can swell up, and your head can pound.   Here’s some tips to avoid it all:

Stay away from tomato juice
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Why do people drink tomato juice on planes, when they wouldn’t drink them on land?  Cabin pressure dulls your senses, so you’re effectively tasting and smelling as if you had a cold.   The strong taste of tomato juice is more agreeable in this environment, hence its popularity.  Just one problem: tomato juice is very high in sodium, which contributes towards dehydration.   One serving is fine, but repeated cans of tomato juice will do you no favours.

Moisturizers
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Carry a tube (under 100ml) of good moisturizer to apply to dry skin.   Likewise, some lip balm for chapped lips, non-medicated saline eye drops and nose spray will help replenish moisture and make your flight more comfortable. ​

Alcohol
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Both the high altitude and cabin pressure pack more punch in any cocktail. This is why drinking excessive alcohol is not recommended on flights, and while just two drinks feels like you’ve downed a six pack.  Besides making you woozy and a pain in the butt for attendants, alcohol also dehydrates the body. When it comes to beer and wine, the more you drink, the drier you get.  There’s nothing wrong with a glass of wine, but make sure you chase it with a glass of water.

​Stay Away from Coffee, Tea and Pop
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In the sky, these drink that do more harm than good. Caffeine, carbonation and excessive sugar facilitate dehydration.  You’re always better off drinking water.

Coconut Water
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Lately, travellers are singing the praises of coconut water, consumed before and after a flight.   It contains natural potassium electrolytes that help with dehydration, along with numerous other health benefits.