Everyone is so excited to be travelling again, but, as we all know, long distance travel can be uncomfortable, especially if you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome. Here are some tips to help alleviate that uncomfortable, fidgety feeling that makes long haul travel such a challenge.
They say The Journey is the Destination, but those people probably don’t experience this condition that sufferers say feels like ‘pins and needles’, with the constant urge to move their legs in order to relieve the discomfort and tingling sensations that come with being restricted and stationary for extended periods.
Here are some helpful tips on how to breeze through your next trip:
Clothing: it’s nice to have comfy loose-fitting clothing, but it’s better to have compression tights or even socks that are tighter at the ankle than the knee. This helps stimulate blood flow up from the extremities (an important factor in avoiding deep vein thrombosis) and helps minimise restlessness. Go for the best of both worlds: compression and comfy clothes = win, win.
Food and Drink: It’s recommended to minimise caffeine, alcohol and salt intake before and during flights particularly, and the same applies for any travel, where you’re likely to be sitting still for long periods. These are all known to trigger restless legs, so best to top up with water and opt for fresh light meals.
Supplements: Iron deficiency has been linked to Restless Leg Syndrome, so, aim to boost your consumption of iron-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, beef, pepitas (AKA pumpkin seeds) and cashews. Also playing a vital role in muscle and nerve function is magnesium, found in pepitas and spinach (again) as well as mackerel, avocado, figs, brown rice and quinoa.
Topical: Spray your legs with Magnesium Oil before you depart. Applying a soothing topical cream, rich in magnesium will calm restlessness and the rubbing application stimulates blood flow. Grab yourself a tube of our Magnesium Cream for inflight and tote some Bath Soak with you for a long, soothing soak when you check in.
Following these natural solutions is sure to make your next trip more comfortable.
Bon Voyage!
