A Frequent Flyers' Must Have

If you travel frequently, you’re likely familiar with the feeling of being jet-lagged. This phenomenon, often referred to as "jet lag syndrome," encompasses a range of symptoms such as sleepiness, headaches, body pain, fatigue, dry or irritated skin, cognitive fog, gastrointestinal issues, and more.The biological causes of jet lag typically stem from a combination of factors: crossing multiple time zones, inhaling air with lower oxygen levels for extended periods, increased oxidative stress on the body, dehydration due to low humidity in the aircraft cabin, limited movement, and exposure to cosmic radiation and airborne pathogens. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to alleviate these negative effects. We will share some effective hacks along with our new methylene blue protocol for air travel. But first, let’s explore what happens when we board a flight.

Air Travel and Oxygen Availability

Commercial airplanes usually fly at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet. The cabin air is pressurized to simulate conditions found at 8,000 feet in most aircraft or 6,000 feet in Dreamliners. This means that during flights across various time zones—disrupting our circadian rhythms—we are also breathing air that resembles the atmosphere at significant elevations.At sea level, nitrogen constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere we breathe, while oxygen makes up roughly 21%. In-flight oxygen levels range from 15.2% (at 8,000 feet) to 17.6% (at 6,000 feet). Although this does not indicate a reduction in total oxygen availability per se, the overall cabin pressure (approximately 564-609 mmHg) results in a lower partial pressure of oxygen (118-128 mmHg compared to 760 mmHg at sea level), thereby reducing the effective amount of oxygen entering our bodies.While altitude sickness typically arises above 10,000 feet, decreased oxygen pressure during flights can lead to a drop in oxygen saturation by about 4%, causing noticeable discomfort after three to nine hours—especially for those accustomed to sea-level conditions. Though this may seem like a minor difference in oxygen levels, it significantly impacts our finely tuned biological systems; less oxygen reaches the mitochondria responsible for energy production, forcing them to work harder to maintain energy levels. Studies show that oxygen saturation decreases from 97% to 93% among passengers on both long and short flights—a decline substantial enough that it would prompt healthcare professionals to provide supplemental oxygen in clinical settings.Moreover, unless you’re flying first class with access to a bed (wouldn’t that be nice?), blood circulation tends to diminish as we remain seated or reclined for extended periods. While blood flow increases to the legs, it decreases to vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pumping blood upwards against gravity demands more energy and oxygen consumption. Additionally, the dry air in aircraft cabins can lead to dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and skin along with dizziness and headaches. Even with adequate air recirculation, sharing cabin air with hundreds of other passengers can heighten exposure to toxins and pathogens; engine air can also contribute additional contaminants.

Additional Travel Insights

Consider these facts:

  • Cosmic radiation during flights has been linked to an increased risk of cancer; pilots and cabin crew have shown higher rates of skin cancer due to this exposure.
  • Hypoxia can trigger glucose spikes leading to insulin resistance; fat tissue is particularly vulnerable as low oxygen levels create an insulin-resistant state by inhibiting insulin receptor activity.
  • Traveling across time zones disrupts gut microbiota—a phenomenon known as "chrono disruption"—affecting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate gut health on an epigenetic level.
  • The harsh lighting on planes can activate our sympathetic nervous system continuously, keeping us in a state of heightened alertness or stress.

Mitochondrial Function and Methylene Blue

If you follow our blog regularly, you understand the crucial role mitochondria play in generating energy. Methylene blue has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function by donating electrons directly into the electron transport chain (ETC), which is integral for oxygen consumption and energy metabolism.In low concentrations, methylene blue boosts mitochondrial respiration by facilitating electron transfer between ETC protein complexes within the mitochondrial matrix—specifically complexes III and IV. The final electron acceptor is oxygen; this reaction converts it into water while simultaneously producing ATP. Under hypoxic conditions (low oxygen levels), cells react swiftly by releasing regulatory factors but will activate adaptive mechanisms if low oxygen persists. The key regulator is hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which is intricately linked with mitochondrial function and closely associated with oxygen availability. Thus, under low-oxygen circumstances, mitochondria act as sensors for oxygen levels while contributing to cellular redox potential and energy production.In these scenarios of hypoxia, methylene blue can enhance mitochondrial energy production by donating electrons independently of available oxygen.

Potential Benefits of Methylene Blue for Jet Lag

Methylene blue enhances mitochondrial efficiency regardless of oxygen levels by:

  • Donating electrons to the ETC and increasing ATP synthesis.
  • Stimulating cytochrome oxidase gene expression and improving complex IV function for faster ATP production—particularly beneficial for metabolically active cells like neurons—potentially alleviating jet lag-related cognitive fog.

When flying, it becomes more challenging for oxygen molecules to bind with red blood cells due to both reduced availability and shifts in what’s known as the oxygen dissociation curve—a representation of how much oxygen binds at certain partial pressures and how much is released in peripheral tissues. However, low-dose methylene blue alters iron configuration in hemoglobin within red blood cells, enhancing their capacity to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body while helping mitochondria sustain energy production despite hypoxic flight conditions.

Methylene Blue's Role Against Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to aging processes. Low-dose methylene blue acts as a potent mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant that scavenges free radicals within mitochondria and cytosol. Compared with other antioxidants like N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), MitoQ, and mitoTEMPO (mTEM), methylene blue has demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting skin fibroblast proliferation while delaying cellular aging and enhancing skin hydration.In summary: Under hypoxic conditions where free radicals increase inflammation levels, methylene blue can help neutralize these harmful agents.

Methylene Blue's Antimicrobial Properties

Research dating back to the 1940s has highlighted methylene blue's antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In today's context of rising antibiotic resistance, methylene blue remains effective globally against even resistant bacterial strains. One notable application is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which utilizes light treatment alongside methylene blue as a photosensitizer—proving efficient even against antibiotic-resistant strains.Pre-pandemic studies indicated its potential effectiveness against coronaviruses when combined with specific light spectrums. While there’s no current data on using methylene blue as a preventive measure against infections directly related to flying, it does enhance immune function while reducing inflammation.

Mitigating Cosmic and UV Radiation Effects

As previously noted, cosmic and UV radiation exposure during flights contributes significantly to oxidative stress—mediated through reactive oxygen species (ROS)—which methylene blue can help counteract. It absorbs UVA/UVB radiation while facilitating repair from DNA damage caused by UV exposure.Methylene blue serves as a robust antioxidant that combats ROS-induced cellular aging in human skin while reducing DNA damage from UV rays and preventing cell death. It may also help mitigate UVB-induced DNA damage while enhancing clearance of UVA-induced cellular ROS.

Strategies for Minimizing Jet Lag

Now that we've explored these insights let’s discuss actionable steps you can take to minimize jet lag:

  1. Take Methylene Blue: Administer it before, during, and after your flight according to our suggested protocol below, we recommend using VitaBlue Nano as it's the best solution on-the-move.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Given the low humidity onboard planes leads to dehydration; avoid alcohol consumption which exacerbates this issue—opt for mineral water or electrolyte-infused beverages instead.
  3. Enhance Circulation: Move around frequently during your flight; consider wearing compression socks.
  4. Oxygenate Upon Arrival: Seek out portable oxygen concentrators or local oxygen bars if available.
  5. Exercise After Landing: Engaging in physical activity helps pump more oxygenated blood throughout your body.
  6. Adapt Quickly: Shift your eating schedule and sleep patterns according to your destination’s time zone immediately upon boarding.
  7. Manage Light Exposure: Use bright light devices if traveling during daytime or wear blue-blocking glasses if it’s nighttime at your destination, we can recommend BonCharge products.
  8. Consider Supplementation: Try sleep aids or intermittent fasting during your flight.
  9. Support Digestive Health: Use digestive enzymes or probiotics for quicker adaptation.
  10. Utilize EMF Protection: We recommend BonCharge products.
  11. Ground Yourself: Walk barefoot upon arrival or use grounding blankets during your flight.

Methylene Blue Jet Lag Protocol

Protocol Steps:

  1. Four hours prior to departure: Take 15mg of VitaBlue Nano (15 Sprays = ±5mg) or VitaBlue (1 Dropper = ±5mg).
  2. Follow these instructions based on your destination's time zone:
    • At noon: Take 15mg (45 sprays / 3 droppers).
    • At 5 PM: Take 10mg (30 sprays / 2 droppers).
    • At 9 PM: Take 5mg (15 sprays / 1 dropper).

For example:

  • If you have a flight at 10 AM (which corresponds to 5 PM at your destination), take your initial dose at 6 AM before departure; then take your second dose upon boarding at 5 PM destination time (10mg).
  • If still airborne at 9 PM destination time, take another dose of 5mg. 
  • The day following travel: Return to your usual dosage of VitaBlue for three to five days post-flight. 
  • If ascending from sea level into higher altitudes consider using a stronger dose than usual; many have reported significant benefits from this approach. 

 

Lastly: Ensure you source pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue with USP certification, just like VitaBlue.

 

References

  1. Aldrette JA, Aldrette LE. Oxygen concentrations in commercial aircraft flights - PubMed. Southern Medical Journal 1983;76.
  2. Hinkelbein J, Schmitz J, Glaser E. Pressure but not the fraction of oxygen is altered in the aircraft cabin. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 2019;47:209–209. https://doi.org/10.1177/0310057X19840038
  3. Muhm JM, Rock PB, McMullin DL, Jones SP, Lu IL, Eilers KD, et al. Effect of aircraft-cabin altitude on passenger discomfort - PubMed. The New England Journal of Medicine 2007;357. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa062770
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