Why do I swell so much when I travel?

Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.



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Cause: Travel Sitting for long periods on cross-country flights or long road trips can cause water retention. Your muscles contract literally from sitting for too long, said Dr. Mack.

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Weight gained after a vacation or indulgent weekend doesn't mean you've put on fat. It's probably just water retention, experts say. Rebel Wilson said she gained almost seven pounds while on vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Eating more salt and carbs can make us gain water weight, not fat, a dietitian said.

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The effect should only last for a short time, and dissipates shortly after you walk off the plane. It's easy to alleviate or avoid foot and ankle swelling during a flight, too.

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Swollen legs, feet or hands This is particularly common with air travel, or any other mode of transportation that forces you to sit still for long periods of time. Our bodies are designed to move to help blood flow, so when you stop moving during a long flight, your blood tends to pool in your legs.

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Water weight is the most common cause of the scale increasing. And if you've eaten out a lot on vacation, then you can blame the extra salty foods you ordered. But sodium isn't the only nutrient that can increase water retention. There's a major macronutrient you eat every day that causes excess water gain: carbs.

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