air travels radiation exposure
Travel Tips

How To Deal With Air Travels Radiation Exposure!

According to the National Council on Radiation Conservation and Measurement (NCRP) in the United States, the annual radiation exposure is 620 Miller. Almost half of this radiation occurs from environmental sources (e.g. – sun), and about half is from man-made sources (e.g. – X- ray machines, medical devices, etc.). Most of the external radiations you are experiencing come from outer space or the Sun.

In general, the space radiations are higher in energy than the solar radiations. Higher energy radiation can cause more cellular damage in the body. When you fly at a high altitude, the risk of all radiation is cumulative. This means that the more time spent in-flight, the higher the potential dose.

Other factors that affect exposure include:
  • Exposure is more intense at higher altitudes, as the layer of protective atmosphere above you is thinner.
  • Solar radiation storms can sometimes follow solar flares, and may also occur in those years that move above and below them. During a storm, radiation intensity can increase 1,000 times.
  • Time: –The longer you are on the airplane, the more radiation affects you.
  • Flight path: – Radiation levels are higher at the equator. The closer you fly to the equator, the higher the risk of radiation.

Here are some factors go into how you respond to radiation exposure. 

  1.  Avoid midday flights: – Fly early in the morning, or at night. The night is the best because there is no solar radiation at night.  Avoid flying from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. because fly in the noon is being worst. If you fly at night you can reduce your radiation risk of 99 percent because nearly all the radiation emits from the sun is being blocked by the earth.
  2.  If possible, choose a smaller plane. Smaller planes tend to fly at lower altitude.
  3.  Choose the shortest route: – This reduces the time when you are at a high altitude and therefore lowers the level of risk of your radiation. So, choose the shortest path to your destination.
  4.  If you are on a longer flight, pick a flight path farthest from the equator.
  5.  Take antioxidants before and during the flight:–

Antioxidant protects from the free radical damage to radiation. Both food and supplements contain antioxidants.

Food sources of antioxidants
  • Sources of animal like quality saturated fats such as tallow, real lard, and butterfat: – These contain lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin E. Apart from this, there is a protective quality of vitamin D radiation in these sources. In addition, the quality saturated fats reduce the increasing circulation of free fatty acids due to tension and lack of oxygen on the plane.
  • Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables: – Barry, dark chocolate, peanut, almonds, pecans and leafy greens are often considered as an antioxidant. They are high in antioxidants and fight against free radical cell damage. And, also very good for you
Supplemental Antioxidants
  • Astaxanthin is the most powerful antioxidant of which we know: – When it comes to free radical cleanliness, it is 64 times more powerful than vitamin C and is 14 times more powerful than vitamin E. It is a UVB absorber and therefore, can reduce DNA damages that arise due to the radiations. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that acts like a natural internal sunscreen and reduces your sensitivity to sunburn.
  • Grab SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplements: – SAMe is naturally occurring in our body and involved in many metabolic processes – including the repair of the immune system more specifically, the cell membrane. This nutrient helps to maintain the cellular level of important antioxidant glutathione, which helps in the enzymes necessary to repair DNA.

6. Have a cup of tea or Green tea: – It is high in a potent antioxidant called EGCG and helps to protect cells from free radicals.

7.  Take a bath: – Take the time to relax after the stress of the flight will allow easy optimal immune function. The immune system is responsible for repairing free radical damage in our body. If available, use Epsom salts, which include magnesium sulfate. You can also absorb it through your skin.