Especially don't eat these 8 things if you have yet to board the plane
You won't hear me complaining about stomach cramps from flying anxiety, rather about the intestinal issues I experience after such a flight. If you thought you were one of the few who gets bloated from flying, you are mistaken. It's perfectly normal, but that doesn't make it any less annoying. Just when you think you're going to lie on the beach as a fresh vacationer, you end up walking around in a bikini with a bloated belly. Absolutely not a nice start to your vacation, so you want to avoid this in the future. But how on earth?
Unfortunately, a bloated feeling comes as a sort of package deal when traveling. Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, caused by swallowing air while eating and other processes in your body. The extreme pressure in the cabin during flight expands the air in your intestines, which can lead to stomach pain after a flight. It's not unavoidable, but there are tactics to reduce the feeling. You can do this by paying a bit more attention to your food before you take to the skies. Nothing extreme – thank you – just making a few smaller adjustments when it comes to your meals. Here they come.
Apples
An apple a day apparently doesn't keep the doctor away. No matter how healthy it seems to quickly eat an apple before the flight, you might as well skip it. Apples are full of fiber and fructose, making them hard to digest.
Salt, fried food
I get it, I get it: the burger at McDonald's after customs is a tradition you want to keep. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you: all that salt (also found in the fats and oils in which the food is fried) dries out your intestines, which can lead to water retention and heartburn.
Beans
Do you want to keep your neighbors on good terms? Then especially avoid eating beans beforehand. They are very nutritious, but they make you extremely gassy. Don't underestimate that.
Carbonated drinks
If you think logically, you understand why a bottle of cola before takeoff is not the best choice. Carbonation causes heartburn and gas, which your fellow passengers would rather not have to enjoy. Instead, choose spa blue or herbal tea without caffeine, such as peppermint, chamomile, and rooibos.
Broccoli
All cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are packed with fiber, which causes more gas in your body. While flying, they sit in your intestines for hours as they are digested; a process that becomes even more challenging when you're miles above the ground in a pressurized cabin.
Chewing gum
By chewing gum, you let in excess air. This creates more gas in your intestines and a bloated feeling. The solution? Bring a mini mouthwash in your bag. Better for your teeth AND your stomach.
Alcohol
You probably see it coming: also beer, wine, and other sugary mixed drinks are better left alone until you arrive at the beach club. Although alcohol may calm your nerves, it dehydrates you and can disrupt your sleep pattern. Oh, and of course, beer and champagne contain carbonation, so that goes without saying.
Spicy food
Don't. Do. It. No matter how good it is, it is known to be bad for your digestion and causes stomach pain.
Source: glamourmagazine.co.uk
