Ever wondered why your stomach feels gassy, heavy, or bloated during a flight, even when you have not eaten anything substantial? Soon after take-off, you may begin to feel uncomfortably full. With no heavy meal to blame, the discomfort can seem confusing. The culprit may be the change in cabin pressure.
Dr Devika Madhu, associate consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology at KIMHEALTH, explained to HT Lifestyle why bloating can occur during a flight, even on an empty stomach, and shared practical tips to reduce discomfort. So, when this gas expands, you experience bloating, abdominal fullness, cramping, and an increased urge to pass gas. Feeling bloated on a flight does not mean you have overeaten. It is just that the naturally present gas in your digestive system takes up more space as the cabin pressure drops.
Therefore, the gas which is already present in the stomach and intestines expands during a flight.
Explaining why this gas causes greater discomfort during a flight, she said, “According to Boyle’s law, gases expand when the surrounding pressure decreases.
Dr Madhu advised, “Eat light and avoid very large meals before flying. Drink water regularly, avoid fizzy drinks and alcohol, and eat slowly. Avoid chewing gum if you tend to swallow air. During longer flights, get up and walk or stretch when it is safe to do so. Choose food that you already know your gut will tolerate well. When you follow these mindful choices before and during a flight, you reduce bloating and make the journey more comfortable. Pay attention to what and how you eat, and for longer journeys, get up to stretch or walk around.
