The European Summer is in full swing and many are taking a well-deserved break and heading to some of Europe’s most popular destinations, from sailing in the French Riviera, to the dreamy Greek islands to enjoy slow days sunbathing by the Aegean sea, a trip to a picturesque Italian sea side town for wine tasting to Portugal’s sunny hill top Capital Lisbon to enjoy the gastronomy and breath in the cool breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.
No matter the destination, we all look forward to arriving, but before we must all brave chaotic airports and a journey that often involves sitting for prolonged periods without moving which causes blood to pool in the leg veins and when this happens while on a plane, the lower air pressure in the cabin can affect fluid distribution in the body, most people also tend to not drink a lot of fluids during a flight, because who wants to take regular trips to a toilet being shared by a few dozen strangers?.
On the bright side this is often the perfect time to catch up on that book that has sat on your bedside table for a few weeks but you had not found the time to finish reading, or to catch up on your favourite box set, uninterrupted. Whichever one you choose, this is often more enjoyable paired with that cheeky snack you grabbed in the airport lounge, after all you have been dieting, exercising and undergone 5 weeks of non-invasive fat reduction and skin tightening, all for the sake of getting your body ready for that new bikini you purchased at the end of last summer at a cute boutique in your beach resort in Santorini. All very harmless, if it were not for the high sodium content which contributes to fluid retention. Now the captain has just announced your flight is ready to begin landing and when you try to put your shoes back on, you realise they feel a little snug because of swollen ankles and feet. These are common and although harmless, nobody wants to arrive at their holiday destination with fluid accumulation due to prolonged sitting, low cabin pressure and dehydration, this condition often referred to as dependent edema can sometimes not just be an aesthetic nuisance but more so cause discomfort.
You have been waiting and dreaming about this holiday for so long and you want to make sure it is nothing short of memorable.
Here’s a few tips on what you can do to help prevent and ease the symptoms:
- Have at least 2-3 session of lymphatic drainage starting at least 2-3 weeks prior to your trip. This will allow your body to detox and get rid of any water retention and bloating you might already be experiencing.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water starting at least a week before your trip. On the day of your trip depending on what time you fly, drink plenty of fluids, but be sure to use the rest room just before you board your flight, during the flight take small regular sips of water with some electrolytes to maximise hydration. If you have a weak bladder book the aisle seat.
- Try to move around as much as you can, especially on long flights, walk around the cabin when possible or at least flex your ankles and knees frequently while seated.
- Elevate your legs above your heart level to encourage fluid drainage, if possible, this might be more difficult if you are not flying in first class.
- Wear Loose clothing and comfortable shoes, avoid tight fitting clothes and save the sexy outfits and the heeled sandals for your seafront dinner dates.
- If you are prone to fluid retention, suffer from lipedema, undergone surgery recently or have a history of blood clots, it might be a good idea to invest in a pair of compression socks or stockings as these help prevent swelling specially during longer flights.
- If you can avoid salty snacks, I know this might be easier said than done but maybe save the bag of peanuts or salted pretzels for when you are standing in the passport control queue or replace them with some salt free dried apple or kale crisps or some unsalted cashew nuts.
If you are unlucky to experience severe swelling which is painful and accompanied by redness, warmth or tenderness, it could be a sign of a blood clot and you should seek immediate medical attention, but in most cases the swelling will subside within a day or two after landing. If you are able to, have another lymphatic drainage in London on arrival and go for a walk the next morning after breakfast.
But now you are finally here, enjoy the moment, wear the bikini and take lots of cute snaps to reminisce later.