Photo credit, 1Above
This Kiwi-born elixir is designed to keep you ultra-hydrated and energized after a long flight, which makes it especially popular for those that travel long distances and are often dealing with jet lag. There are numerous products on the market that claim they can smooth over the effects of jet lag, but 1Above is the first one that really had me hooked. One of the primary causes of feeling tired is not being hydrated, and this concentrated power drink handles that well.
It does a fine job of keeping me energetic and alert without the typical jittery side effects of caffeine. The concentrated drink that is added to water (or its pill form, which is consumed in the same way) is packed with vitamins and electrolyes that revitalize your mind and body. The large bottle is sometimes sold in airports, but is too large to pass security. That’s why I like to travel with the pill form since I can pack as much as I want without worry.
While it may seem cumbersome to consume glass after glass of this liquid (especially if you are wedged in a middle seat and can’t get to the bathroom), the benefits pay off on landing. Another ingredient is Pycnogenol (a tree bark extract), which is another reason that the effects of jet lag are reduced.
Let’s say you are stuck in the middle seat though, Pycnogenol can help to reduce deep vein thrombosis because it helps to increase circulation. Your skin will feel less dry, too. The drink does not have any discernable flavor, and it is easy to drink. The bottled drinks are not often found in every airport, unfortunately, and you’re more likely to find it in Australia and New Zealand than in Des Moines or Orlando. Lucky travelers passing through Minneapolis/St. Paul and Newark will find it stocked in the terminal.
The best bet for stocking up is to purchase from the 1Above website or on Amazon. Four tablets (good for 10 hours of flying) cost about $20, which may seem like a lot, but for the way it makes you feel, it is just like buying a few Starbucks coffees to keep you awake. Except this is good for your skin too!