Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
Have you ever wondered why flying can leave you feeling bloated and tired?
“When we are out of our usual routines on a flight, it disrupts what our bodies are used to,” Dr Asimah Hanif said. He is a medical expert working with UK travel insurance provider Staysure.
Tummy problems
Hanif said that the timings of plane meals and their ingredients could be quite different from what your body is comfortable with.
“The impact of both of those elements ... can disrupt digestion and contribute to sluggishness,” he said.
He explained that plane food is also very salty. Airlines often add more salt to the food to make it taste better.
However, eating this extra salt can cause our body to hold on to too much water and lead to digestion problems.
Dr Mark Austin is a gastroenterology specialist in the UK. He said the stress of flying and lack of quality sleep could also affect your body’s digestion.
Sky-high struggles
When you’re flying in a plane, the air pressure in the cabin changes (see graphic).
“You’ll also get lower oxygen levels, which in turn could affect your digestion and your energy levels,” Hanif said.
“In addition, the cabin air is ... dry, so people will often notice that their skin becomes dry and might feel dehydrated, which can also contribute to fatigue.”
Hanif also highlighted the danger of sitting for long periods on a plane.
“[It] reduces your general circulation, slows your metabolism and can impact general nutrient absorption,” he said.
