Refinery29 also reported that eating more carbs than usual, eating saltier foods, and traveling to warmer climates — all things that may happen on vacation — can make the body automatically retain extra water. This makes the number on the scale go up, even though your body mass doesn't actually change.
Circadian rhythms change as individuals fly through various time regions. Scientists have found that these progressions influence the digestion and the levels of specific microorganisms in the digestion tracts, the two of which can bring about weight gain.
Take a trip to the grocery store as soon as possible and stock up on foods that help you lose weight. Such foods include, but are not limited to, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes -- such as chickpeas and lentils -- and lean proteins. Avoid sugary and salty snacks altogether.
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.
Once you've landed, you can use a lot of the same tools to reduce swelling after your travel: “Stay hydrated, move around, and wear compression socks,” says Wurster. “Also, be mindful of what you're eating and avoid foods too high in sodium because that can also add to further swelling.”
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.
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.
Swelling is common during air travelThe swelling is a combination of inactivity paired with the force of gravity pulling the fluids in your body toward earth. Sitting with your feet motionless for hours at a time can cause the blood to pool in the veins of your legs, but it isn't the only source of swelling.
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. Gas and bloating are common.
The reason for the five-pound “gain” is water retention. What is this? 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!
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.