Bloating after flying, also known as “jet belly” or “airplane belly”, is a common travel side effect, and most people might just try to stomach the discomfort from the added gas in your digestive system.
Drink plenty of water, which will not only help with jet bloat, but it can also keep your skin and eyes from feeling dry and itchy. Water goes a long way here — drink it regularly throughout your flight and upon arrival. (Alcohol will not help you in this arena.)
Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.
Your best bet is water, a light pre-flight meal, and—if you know you're highly-affected during flights—Gas-Ex, which can help if your belly starts acting up, says Dr. Sam. Also make sure to go for a walk every now and then—either to the bathroom or just down the aisle. Moving around can help keep things...well...
"The lack of humidity in cabin air can quickly pull fluid from the body," says Emily Cope-Kyle M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., and this can promote bloating and constipation. (It's also why your skin may feel dry and your eyes itchy.) The best way to fix this? With lots and lots of water, of course.
"Travel disrupts many of the body's natural rhythms, including digestion says Dr. Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "Time changes, altered eating schedules, and impaired sleep are all likely culprits, especially in those who already have sensitive guts."
One of the biggest culprits of bloat (and other digestive woes) while traveling is staying sedentary. Whether it's a long plane ride, multiple hours in a car, or lounging on the beach, all of that sitting slows down your digestive tract.
All those pounds are mostly water weight. The reason for the five-pound “gain” is water retention. Not only do certain rich foods leave you retaining water, but you also have the physical weight of the excess food traveling through your system for at least 48 hours or so. Kind of gross, but it's in there!
Jet lag is caused by a mismatch between a person's normal daily rhythms and a new time zone. It is a temporary sleep problem that usually occurs when you travel across more than three time zones but can affect anyone who travels across multiple time zones.
This excess gas builds up during takeoff and increases until the plane reaches its cruising altitude. At this point, your body has done what it can to equalize the pressure inside and outside of your body so you might not notice the symptoms of bloating right away, especially if you're on a long-haul flight.
"Portable fresh fruits and veggies make great plane snacks," says Murrell. "Sliced cucumbers, green peppers, celery, cherry tomatoes, and watermelon are all great options—they're all more than 90-percent water! These also are full of fiber so they'll keep you full and satisfied.
Bananas. Also a good source of fiber, bananas contain potassium, which can help regulate sodium levels and prevent water retention. A small 2011 study also indicated that bananas may be associated with less bloating. It found that females who ate a banana twice a day had less bloating than those who did not.
Lemon water can help with digestion
To relieve bloating, gas, and constipation, drink a cup of lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Lemon contains minerals that promote healthy digestion, alleviate heartburn, and stimulate healthy bowel function by reducing bloat and stimulating bowel movements.
The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up.
Consuming probiotic food such as yoghurt (make sure there's “live active cultures” under the nutritional label) and Yakult, helps extract nutrients and break down food for the body, effectively regulating digestion.
Probiotics may alleviate bloating in many ways. They may aid in the restoration of the balance of good and harmful bacteria in the stomach, hence reducing gas production and inflammation. Probiotics may also aid in the digestion of meals, which can assist in alleviating bloating.
It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.
Bacterial gastroenteritis is a digestive problem caused by bacteria. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and pain. In severe cases, you may become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. Bacterial gastroenteritis is sometimes treated with antibiotics.