Feeling bloated after a flight seems like something you just have to accept when you travel.
No matter how good I feel when I get on that plane, I feel 10 pounds heavier when I exit that little jet.
So what gives? Well, turns out it’s not in my head (or yours), it’s actually a scientific fact- physics to be precise.
According to the Institute for Altitude Medicine in Telluride, Colorado, the effective cabin pressure (expressed as altitude) of most planes is equivalent to about 7,000 feet.
That causes all gases, including those in your gut, to expand as the altitude increases. In fact, they expand about 30 percent.
No wonder we all lean towards yoga pants on those long flights!
So if we can’t help this naturally occurring inconvenience, what can you do to feel better after a long flight?
Here are a few tips to help you minimize that bloated feeling after a flight.
Double Down on Water
Plan ahead and opt for an aisle seat if possible, but water is your best friend in this situation!
Get in a few glasses before you get on the plane. And don’t count on those little 4 oz glasses while you’re in flight. Bring your thermos and fill it up before you board.
Skip the Alcohol
I know, easy for a nondrinker to say, but if you want to feel good when you arrive at your destination skip the sauce. We all know alcohol dehydrates you, and in this situation that is the last thing you need.
Pass on the Peanuts
And the chips, and the tomato juice. The common denominator- salt. It’s no surprise, salt can lead to bloat city any day. When you are facing that bloated after a flight situation, you have to save those salty treats until after you land.
My tip- Don’t leave snacks to chance. Carry on and you will be happy and far healthier.
My go-tos include Square Bars, an apple, and carrots. The Square Bars are delicious and a great source of protein. The apple and carrots provide the fix for the crunch cravings.
Skip the Gum and the Carbonated Beverages
No one loves gum more than me, but on a long flight, it’s best to skip. Same with the soda. All that air will just add to the bloating issue.
And it makes sense, your pushing more air and gas into a gut that feels like a pressure cooker already. Slug the water, opt for mints over gum, and take comfort in the fact that you don’t feel totally uncomfortable.
Bring Something To Do
My final tip has nothing to do with what you put in your body. It has everything to do with how your mind can handle sitting still that long.
If I bring a good book or have a plan to work on a few blog posts, the flight doesn’t seem so long. My husband feels the same way when he has a good movie to watch.
When your brain is occupied, you are less likely to eat or drink out of boredom. And the next thing you know you’ve landed and you’re ready to go explore your new surroundings.
I know these tips aren’t the easiest, but give them a try.
And unless you are flying halfway around the world, you’re really dealing with five or so hours of no soda, peanuts, or gum. I’m sure you’ve dealt with far more challenging things in your life!
And not feeling bloated after a flight is totally worth the sacrifice!
