I recently wrote about the new trend of “rawdogging” on flights. However, numerous doctors have spoken out and advised against the practice. What could be wrong with sitting alone? As it turns out, a lot of…
Doctors: Rawdogging on flights can be harmful to health
“Rawdogging” is a new trend on flights that may involve “fasting” from:
- Eat
- Drinks
- IFE screens
- talk
- Relocation
Essentially, you board the plane, sit down, and concentrate deeply… turning on your boarding pass is fine, but no movies or music! Then you sit down and don’t move for the duration of the flight.
However, this is not necessarily a healthy alternative to eating, sleeping and watching movies on board.
Dr Gill Jenkins told the BBC:
“A digital detox might do you good, but anything else is against medical advice,” says Dr Gill Jenkins, GP. The risk of long-haul flights is that you are at risk of dehydration. If you don’t move, you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is exacerbated by dehydration. Not going to the toilet is a bit stupid. If you need to go to the toilet, you need to go to the toilet.”
Nutritionist Toby King agrees:
“Staying hydrated can help your skin and mucous membrane cells prevent bacteria from entering your body and making you more susceptible to infection, especially when you’re surrounded by hundreds of other people in a small space. Getting sick early on in your vacation is not a good way to start your vacation.”
I could give more examples, but you get what I mean.
I’m about to take an 11.5 hour flight myself and have actually considered doing it “raw”… just to have something else to write about. But then again, I think I’ll just have breakfast and watch a movie instead… I’d rather not come home dehydrated and hungry.
Hat tip: SINJim
