Can flying mess up your gut?

The greater the difference between the pressure in the atmosphere and that in your body, the more the air in your stomach is going to expand — and that's why you begin to feel bloated while flying. Bloating is annoying enough on its own, but if it persists, it can also contribute to constipation.



People Also Ask

On long-haul flights, changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can lead to health problems. Air pressure in the cabin is lower than at sea level. As cabin pressure falls while flying, gas starts to expand. As a result, you may feel pressure in your stomach or digestive system.

MORE DETAILS

Equally important is to restore your gut to full function. “Go for a walk to kickstart the digestive system and drink plenty of fresh warm or room temperature water, Nishtha advises. Try and eat a big green salad or other vegetables and fruits to get fibre into your system and get the bowels moving again, she adds.

MORE DETAILS

However, the pressure in the cabin caused by being at such a high altitude makes any air trapped in your gut expand, which causes you to feel bloated after a flight.

MORE DETAILS

You may feel discomfort and notice minor swelling in your abdomen area as well. Luckily jet belly shouldn't last more than one week after you land and can be relieved using different techniques and by taking natural supplements.

MORE DETAILS

The air pressure in an airplane cabin is lower than at sea level. This allows for air and gas to expand in the intestines, causing the stomach to cramp. Low impact exercises, such as yoga and cycling, are a great way to relieve and prevent IBS symptoms. Be sure to repeat these exercises after you land.

MORE DETAILS

Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

MORE DETAILS

Airplane travel and sleep disturbances caused by air travel are frequently reported. Passengers who travel regularly are likely to change time zones and can experience circadian rhythm misalignment, leading to jet lag disorder (JLD). The incidence of jet lag increases with the number of time zones crossed.

MORE DETAILS

Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.

MORE DETAILS

Pressure changes can disrupt the gases in the digestive system and cause them to expand, leading to discomfort, bloating, and sometimes nausea. There's also the fact that when you're traveling via plane, car, or train, your usual diet has to change.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS