Abdominal bloating is common. That’s why a post-meal walk becomes imperative. But have you ever heard of “jet belly” — a type of bloating that happens due to stress-rushing to the airport, and high altitudes?
Recently, Ann DiMauro Barrante, a nutritionist, took to Instagram to speak about this lesser-known phenomenon. “It is a combination of change in altitude, perhaps stress-rushing to the airport; your body doesn’t properly digest when you are switching up things.”
When that happens, the food accumulates in one place, and our abdomen begins to experience uncomfortable sensations due to excess gas.
Understanding in detail
Elaborating further, therapeutic nutritionist Sonakshi Joshi told indianexpress.com that it’s common for people to experience abdominal discomfort during or after a flight. The airport hassle often leaves people stressed and anxious.
“As a result, travellers’ flight or fight mode is always on. It means that the blood flow to the digestive tract slows digestion and results in gas retention and a bloated belly.” Joshi added.
But how exactly does flight travel affect our bowel movements?
Stating that changes in cabin pressure (high altitudes) are one of the reasons why gases in the gastrointestinal tract expand, Joshi said: “Consequently, the extended hours of travelling disrupt digestion and bowel movements. The longer the flight, the higher the gut discomfort.”
In such a situation, we must hydrate as much as possible. “Even lack of water affects gut function, making you feel puffy and bloated,” Joshi stressed. As a result, our body experiences discomfort and cramps, and we lose our appetite.
Airport rush, long queues, and stress often cause sensations in the abdomen, leading to indigestion. (Source: Freepik)
So, what’s the way out, especially mid-air?
As Barrante recommended in her video, “Don’t eat before you travel or eat at least three hours before you hop on the airplane, drink lots of water, get up and move, and sit up straight.”
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If you are experiencing a bloated belly mid-air, Joshi suggested avoiding caffeine or alcohol to stay hydrated. “Aim to drink at least one glass of water for every hour on board,” she suggested.
While seated, do not forget to stretch. Even short walks down the aisle every 60-90 minutes are highly recommended, especially after meals. “If you are prone to travel anxiety, deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, helping shift the body into a more relaxed, digestion-friendly state,” said Joshi.
For a more relaxing experience, health experts also suggest wearing tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist, which allows for natural abdominal expansion and facilitates digestion. “Avoiding warm fabrics that only add to physical stress and exacerbate digestive issues is ideal.”
Most importantly, avoiding soft drinks and packaged juices is advisable. Instead, eat digestible meals like oatmeal, rice with lean protein, herbal teas, or yoghurt. And don’t forget to hydrate,” Joshi concluded.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine
