How to prepare your stomach for a long flight
Air travel comes with no shortage of mental and physical anguish, considering everything from making your flight on time to dealing with airport security to stuffing yourself into a seat seemingly designed for a person with no limbs. That's why it's important to do what you can to take care of your body so at least your digestive and immune systems don't come under attack. Check out the following tips to ensure you're feeling well when you land at your final destination.
Say no to the salt and carbonated beverages: Salt can cause you to feel bloated, and airplane food is usually loaded with it. Gassy food and drink like beans, apples and soda do the same, plus emit additional funny-but-not-funny odors.
Spoon up yogurt: In addition to the protein, yogurt adds probiotics to the mix, which regulates digestion and reduces cramping, gas, and diarrhea. The good bacteria also boosts the immune system, essential in the bacteria-laden planes.
Peel an orange: The analysis of bacteria on airplanes is enough to put anyone off flying for good, so in addition to packing sanitizing napkins into your carry on, include at least one orange. Not only will it give you a powerful dose of Vitamin C to the immune system, but it will also help keep you hydrated.
Drink herbal teas: When the flight attendants offer you tea, say "no thanks" and whip out your own instead. The herbs inside can address any number of flight issues. Peppermint soothes the stomach, rooibos increases blood circulation, and chamomile relaxes the body. Plus the steam will perfume the air around you, which is always a bonus.
Skip the gin and tonic: Few things are more dehydrating than alcohol. Plus the lower oxygen content in the air makes it all the more intoxicating and capable of causing motion sickness, not to mention turning you into your neighbor’s worst nightmare.
Eat lean protein: Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts (unsalted) aren’t just delicious and convenient. The lean protein inside is easy for your stomach to digest and gives energy, which is a big help to overcome jet lag. If you must eat the in-flight meal, choose fish or turkey if that's an option.
Make bananas your BFF: Perhaps the most ubiquitous fruit in an airport, bananas not only come in nature's own easy-to-carry case, but they also regulate blood sugar, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, counteract diarrhea, and act as a natural antacid.