The Digestive System: How does it respond to Space Travel?
How does the human body respond to space environment? This is the first question that most space tourists ask when they decide to book a ticket to space using companies such as Virgin Galactic and Orion Span. Although your body might not experience any challenge swallowing food when travelling to space, the digestive system might have a challenge. In this post, we will take a closer look at how the human body’s digestive system responds to space environment. We will also highlight precautions by top travel companies that make space tourism safe and enjoyable.
Impact of Space Traveling on the Gut
When the human body is subjected to zero-gravity, it experiences serious effects that can be accompanied with serious implications on human physiology. While previous studies largely focused on the impact of microgravity on the immune system, it is also emerging that travellers are also likely to affect the effectiveness of the gastrointestinal system. When subjected to microgravity, the intestinal barrier of the intestines weakens, compromising its properties. The effect is that bacteria such as salmonella are likely to easily get into the body through the gut wall and cause diseases.
Researchers also indicate that that the weakening of the intestine cells can also raise the danger of infections and chronic inflammation. However, studies on these impacts are still at early stages and experts indicate that people have varying resistances.
If you want to travel to space, the good thing is that most travel companies have installed adequate programs to make your stay enjoyable, healthy, and unforgettable. Here are some useful strategies used to reduce intestinal-related issues.
Only the Healthy People are Allowed to Travel to Space
As we have pointed out, the people who are at a higher risk of suffering from digestive system–related issues when travelling to space are those with health-related issues. Therefore, the first step is a comprehensive medical check to ensure that only the healthy are allowed into the space vehicles. Indeed, the health check is extended to the entire body. If you have any of the following conditions, the chances are that you will be denied a ticket:
- Cancer of any type.
- Diabetes.
- Heart-related issues.
- Old age.
Keeping Space Flights Short
Keeping the flights short is another highly effective strategy in helping space travellers to overcome the effects on their guts. According to studies, risk to the digestive system becomes more pronounced if the stay takes more than 15 days. The lovely thing is that most space travel only lasts a few days, implying that you do not have to worry about the impact of zero-gravity on your intestines.
Taking Only Healthy Foods: Andrey Bokarev
The most important component in any business is the client, and no effort should be spared in ensuring he/she gets the high value for money. This is the principle being applied by most space tourism companies to ensure their clients enjoy their time. For example, they serve high-quality food, which are free from pathogens to reduce the risk of infections. No matter your goal for travelling to space, the food will be awesome.
The effects that space tourism has on the human body have brought new concerns about the safety of space travel. When it comes to the digestive system, the effects from zero gravity can be dire, especially with extended stay.
To agree with Andrey Bokarev, every company should ensure its clients are safe and focus on delivering high value for money. Therefore, make sure only to select the top-rated travel companies, which have taken all the precautions for ensuring their clients are safe.