Flying can be stressful enough without dealing with discomfort caused by what you ate before boarding. Certain foods can make your journey much less pleasant by causing bloating, gas, or other digestive issues. Knowing what to avoid before you fly can make a big difference in how you feel once you’re up in the air. So, if you want to fly comfortably, here are XX foods you should steer clear of before your next flight.
1. Fried and Greasy Foods
As tempting as they may be, fried and greasy foods can wreak havoc on your digestive system while flying. Burgers, fries, and fried chicken are loaded with fats that can slow digestion and cause bloating or discomfort in your cramped airplane seat. Add the pressurized cabin to the mix, and you’re in for a rough ride. Instead, choose lighter meals with lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish, paired with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
2. Beans and Cruciferous Vegetables
Beans, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower might be great for your health on the ground, but they can cause gas and bloating when you’re up in the air. These foods are rich in fiber and complex sugars that can create excess gas in the intestines. At high altitudes, this gas expands, leaving you feeling even more uncomfortable. Opt for cooked vegetables like carrots or zucchini if you need a pre-flight veggie fix.
3. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods might be your go-to for a flavor-packed meal, but consuming them before a flight can lead to stomach irritation, heartburn, and indigestion. Capsaicin, the compound that gives spicy food its kick, can irritate your digestive system and lead to bloating or discomfort. To avoid needing to reach for antacids mid-flight, go for milder meals flavored with herbs instead.
4. Alcohol and Caffeine
Many travelers like to relax with a pre-flight cocktail or energize with a coffee before takeoff, but both alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating. Airplane cabins are already notorious for being dry, and these beverages will only make you feel more parched and tired. Alcohol can also disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you groggy. Stick to water to stay hydrated, or try herbal teas for a more soothing experience.
5. Carbonated Drinks
The bubbles in your soda or sparkling water might seem harmless, but those carbonated beverages can lead to uncomfortable bloating. The pressurized cabin environment causes the gas in these drinks to expand in your stomach, leaving you feeling uncomfortably full. Stick to still water or juice, and if you must have a soda, save it for when you’ve reached cruising altitude.
6. High-Fiber Foods
While fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, loading up on high-fiber foods right before a flight can lead to bloating, gas, and even constipation. Whole grains, raw vegetables, and fruits like apples and pears can be harder to digest at high altitudes. Instead, choose more easily digestible options like cooked veggies, bananas, or white rice to avoid any mid-flight stomach issues.
7. Acidic Foods
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic foods can contribute to heartburn, especially in a pressurized cabin. The lower air pressure at high altitudes can cause stomach acid to rise, leading to discomfort and that dreaded burning sensation. Stick to low-acid fruits like melons or bananas, which are gentler on the stomach, to ensure a smoother, heartburn-free flight.
8. Salty Snacks
While munching on pretzels or chips might seem like a harmless way to pass the time, these salty snacks can cause dehydration and bloating during your flight. The sodium content in these foods makes your body retain water, exacerbating the dehydration already caused by the dry cabin air. Opt for unsalted nuts or fruit instead to avoid the puffiness and thirst that come with high salt intake.
9. Cheese and Dairy Products
For many people, dairy products like cheese and milk can be difficult to digest, especially in the pressurized environment of an airplane. The lactose in these foods can cause bloating, gas, and even diarrhea for those with lactose intolerance. Consider dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or vegan cheese before your flight to avoid potential digestive discomfort.
10. Artificial Sweeteners
That sugar-free gum or diet soda might seem like a smart pre-flight snack, but artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and aspartame can cause bloating and gas in some people. These sweeteners are not easily digestible, leading to fermentation in the gut, which can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable during the flight. Stick to natural sweeteners or skip the sugary snacks altogether to keep your stomach happy.
Eat Smart, Fly Comfortable
Your pre-flight meal can have a big impact on how comfortable you feel while flying. By avoiding these common food culprits, you can reduce the chances of experiencing bloating, gas, heartburn, and dehydration while in the air. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible meals with plenty of hydration, and you’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Changes You Could Make
What do you think? How does your usual pre-flight meal measure up against these guidelines? Have you experienced discomfort during a flight and wondered if it was linked to what you ate? What healthier, more travel-friendly meals could you pack or grab before boarding your next flight? Are there any changes you could make to your pre-flight routine to ensure a more comfortable trip?
