Have you ever heard of “jet belly?”
It’s that puffy, bloated feeling you get after flying…
And scientists say it happens because the gas inside your stomach tends to expand at a higher altitude.1
I know I’ve personally experienced it…
And it can be so uncomfortable to step off the plane and feel gassy and just plain heavy…
Especially when you’re in need of some rest and relaxation after a long travel day.
Even if you’ve never flown, you’re probably familiar with that unpleasant “stuffed up” feeling.
So I thought I’d share a few of my favorite stomach-soothing travel tips, which can help you feel comfortable and light at your final destination…
Instead of foggy, heavy, and exhausted.
And hey, even if you aren’t flying anywhere this year —
Feel free to save these anti-bloat tips for later use, or share them with a friend who might find them useful. 🙂
➤ Ditch the gum
- Tons of flyers chew gum to help ease “ear popping” during takeoff and landings…
But chewing gum can cause you to swallow air, which can lead to uncomfortable bloating, especially while in flight.
Of course, you don’t need to go without gum forever — but if you’re prone to bloating, consider a popping breath mint instead while on the plane.
➤ Keep it moving (for 2 short minutes!)
- It can be challenging to stretch your legs on a plane…
But walking around every couple of hours can make a major difference in helping your digestive system run smoothly.
In fact, a study published in the New York Times found walking just 2 minutes after a meal can help aid digestion.2
So if the seat belt sign is off, try to stand up and walk to the restroom every other hour.
➤ Opt for ginger tea in-flight
- Ginger tea is your best bet for an in-flight beverage that fights off “jet belly.”
That is because ginger is a “carminative” — a type of soothing herb that offers relief from gas.
And while many flyers opt for ginger ale, the truth is, most of these sodas do not contain any real ginger…
Meaning they have little-to-no soothing effects on your stomach.
Not all flights have ginger tea, so I suggest packing a few tea bags with your carry-on and requesting hot water from the flight attendant.
And there you have it.
I know heading to the airport can be overwhelming…
And the last thing you want is to feel sluggish and bloated on top of it all.
I hope these simple stomach-soothing tips help you fight off that dreaded “jet belly”…
So you can feel lightweight, and upbeat —
No matter where you’re headed!
SOURCES:
1 How to Avoid Feeling Bloated on Planes. Shortsleeve, Cassie.
https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-03-30/how-to-avoid-feeling-bloated-on-planes
2Just 2 Minutes of Walking After a Meal Is Surprisingly Good for You. Fairbank, Rachel. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/well/move/walking-after-eating-blood-sugar.html