Why do I retain so much water when I fly?

Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.



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Drink Water Throughout Your Travels Even though it might feel counterintuitive to add more fluids to your body when it's retaining fluid, the Cleveland Clinic notes that drinking more water can help clear your system of excessive sodium, which contributes to fluid retention.

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Summary. It is very common for a person's ankles to swell during or after flying. This is often due to a buildup of fluid known as edema.

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Move the legs frequently when on long flights by walking up and down the cabin. Exercise the calf muscles to improve the flow of blood. Avoid sitting down for too long a period of time.

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Mild swelling of feet and hands may occur when first exposed to hot weather. This effect is more common in females. Swelling occurs when the blood supply to the skin increases which also radiates heat; fluid moves out of the blood vessels and into the tissues causing swelling.

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Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.

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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.

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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.

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How to get rid of bloated stomach after flying: your foolproof formula
  1. Stay hydrated. ...
  2. Be mindful of carbonated beverages and sugar alcohols. ...
  3. Take short breaks to walk and stretch. ...
  4. Supplement magnesium. ...
  5. Opt for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal pre-flight.


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