Precautions & Possible Therapeutic Approaches of Health Hazards of Astronauts in Microgravity

ABSTRACT

Objective: Astronauts deal with lots of health issues during space exploration. In this review article, we explore the health hazards of astronauts and possible therapeutic approaches or precautions they should take prior to or during space travel for relief from these health complications.

Background: The space environment is very different from our planet’s environment. The major differences include radiation from high-level hazardous radioactive particles, vacuum in space, and weightlessness in microgravity. In microgravity, gravitational force decreases with distance. Astronauts deal with anticipated as well as occasional incidents during space flight due to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold), high-energy radiation, vacuum, and atomic oxygen.

Method: A literature-based survey from different search engines is collected and reviewed.

Results: Possible therapeutic approaches can temporarily relieve astronauts of their specific health issues. Pranayama and Yoga heal both mind and body, and prepare the body to adjust and adapt to any kind of atmospheric situation as well as climatic conditions. Practicing these techniques during their training period can be beneficial for astronauts.

Conclusion: Researchers should work on alternative treatment approaches for health hazards during space flight. Effective treatment and care for astronauts, including proper nutrition and preparation of proper herbal or polyherbal formulations, should focus techniques that are beneficial for them and improve their outcomes in space exploration.