"Avoid these foods prior to flying, according to a medical professional, due to their bloating properties:"

"Avoid these foods prior to flying, according to a medical professional, due to their bloating properties:"

Jet belly, a common condition characterized by abdominal bloating, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness after long flights, can be a nuisance for many travellers. While there is no specific mention of Dr. Donald Grant discussing jet belly in the context of airline travel, standard advice for preventing this condition is widely available.

To help combat jet belly, experts recommend adopting a holistic approach. Dr. Grant, for instance, emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, limiting carbonated drinks and alcohol, moving regularly, choosing light meals, and avoiding gum and hard candies.

Staying hydrated is crucial, as drinking plenty of water before and during the flight can significantly reduce the likelihood of bloating. It's also advisable to limit carbonated drinks, as they can increase gas and bloating.

Regular movement is also key. Taking short walks or performing seated leg exercises can stimulate digestion and circulation, helping to prevent jet belly. Choosing light meals is another important factor. Avoiding heavy, greasy, or gas-producing foods before and during the flight can help reduce the risk of bloating.

In addition, it's best to avoid swallowing excess air by avoiding gum and hard candies. Wearing loose clothing can also help, as tight clothing can restrict movement and worsen abdominal discomfort.

Some travellers might find relief in dietary supplements such as simethicone or digestive enzymes, but it's always important to consult a healthcare professional before use. If a passenger is prone to gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Grant suggests considering the use of probiotics.

Dr. Grant also advises maintaining a light diet during flights, avoiding salty foods, legumes, cabbage, dairy products, and fatty foods. He recommends getting up and walking to the restroom every hour or two to stimulate digestion and reduce the risk of bloating.

In a comparison to the puffing up of packaged chips bags at high altitudes, Dr. Grant described the effect of jet belly. Prolonged immobility during flights exacerbates the condition as it slows down digestion and increases gas buildup.

To avoid the discomfort of jet belly, it's also advisable to avoid wearing leggings or jeans due to the risk of hindered blood circulation. Good choices for easily digestible foods during flights include rice, chicken, or fish.

While Dr. Donald Grant's specific advice on jet belly might not be widely available, the standard recommendations for preventing this condition can help ensure a more comfortable flight for many travellers.

1. Maintaining a holistic approach, Dr. Grant advises staying hydrated, limiting carbonated drinks and alcohol, moving regularly, choosing light meals, and avoiding gum and hard candies.
2. Dr. Grant emphasizes that drinking plenty of water before and during the flight can significantly reduce the likelihood of bloating.
3. Regular movement is also crucial for preventing jet belly, with walking or seated leg exercises stimulating digestion and circulation.
4. Choosing light meals that avoid heavy, greasy, or gas-producing foods is another effective measure to reduce the risk of bloating.
5. To prevent jet belly, it's wise to avoid swallowing excess air by avoiding gum and hard candies and wearing loose clothing.
6. Travelers prone to gastrointestinal issues might find relief in simethicone or digestive enzymes, but consulting a healthcare professional is of utmost importance before use.
7. Dr. Grant suggests the use of probiotics for passengers prone to gastrointestinal issues as a means of managing jet belly.
8. Prolonged immobility during flights exacerbates jet belly, as it slows down digestion and increases gas buildup, similar to the puffing up of packaged chips bags at high altitudes.
9. Wearing leggings or jeans during flights should be avoided due to the risk of hindered blood circulation, while easily digestible foods, such as rice, chicken, or fish are great choices for passengers.

Read also: