If you often suffer from stomach problems such as bloating and nausea, you find it difficult to fly, and your diet may be partially responsible.
Changes in airplane cabin pressure and oxygen levels can inhibit food digestion and contribute to bloating, gaseous, or nausea.
Furthermore, low humidity in aircraft cabins can further increase dehydration and digestive issues.
However, you don't have to be at the mercy of the plane's condition while traveling, and by being careful about what you eat before you fly, you can minimize the risk of gastrointestinal problems on board.
Jamie Fraser, travel expert at Summer Camp Wild Packs, outlined the foods you should definitely avoid eating before and during flights.
He states: “Changes in cabin pressure combined with lower oxygen levels can cause plane movement to empty the stomach and prevent it from slowing digestion.
“Essentially, this means it takes time for food to enter the small intestine, which can lead to bloating, trapped wind and nausea. But you'll be comfortable on the flight. It is important to be aware of what kind of diet you should avoid to avoid so that you can do it.”
The first thing you need to be wary of is deep-fried foods like chips and onion rings – they are tasty, but can cause digestion problems.
Jamie said: “Their high fat and oil content can cause heartburn, while salty taste can cause liquid retention and bloating and swelling. A pressurized cabin makes this experience even more uncomfortable You can make it.
Lean meat is also no go before or during flight. “Steaks, burgers and other lean meats take time to digest.
“Instead, choosing white meat like chicken or fish is a better option to soothe your stomach during your journey.”
Diuretics like coffee and alcohol should also be avoided.
Fraser said: “Flying already dehydrates your body, and caffeine only makes it worse. It's a diuretic. This means it can increase fluid loss and lead to headaches, nausea and fatigue. Also It can make it difficult to sleep. This is something to consider when traveling on long distance flights.”
It's also a good idea to stay away from sparkling water and soda.
Fraser said: “Sodium drinks like soda and sparkling water can lead to bloating and discomfort as gas trapped in the stomach expands during flight. They can also contribute to heartburn. When you land, you feel relaxed and uneasy.”
High-fiber foods such as beans, broccoli and apples are best eaten on the ground, but changes in air pressure at high altitudes can cause bloating and gas.
Jamie said: “Changing air pressure causes gases to expand in the stomach, creating foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and even apples packed with unpleasant choices of fiber.”
Spicy foods are no before flight. He added: “Curry, vindaloo or something filled with chili peppers can stimulate the stomach lining and increase the risk of acid reflux.
“This gets worse when you sit for a long period of time. Spicy foods can contribute to dehydration and make it difficult to relax and sleep while flying.”
If you need a tummy-friendly flight, we recommend eating more frequently than eating small meals more often before boarding the flight.
Once you're on board and fly, take a break, move around the cabin to help digest it, and drink plenty of water.