You know that feeling of a bloated belly during and after a plane ride? This is also called a "jet belly" and is caused by our body constantly trying to adapt to the changes during a plane trip. So, airplane food is not the only cause of such a jet belly, but still it is better to leave it and replace it with something else. In this blog we explain why, and share some fine alternatives to jet food!

What causes a "jet belly"? 

One of the biggest changes your body has to get used to during air travel is the shift in atmospheric pressure. No doubt you've noticed your ears pop during takeoff and landing? This is because your ear canal adjusts to the air pressure in the main cabin.

The same thing happens in your digestive system, which is one of the main causes of abdominal bloating while traveling. The air naturally present in your intestines increases and decreases to compensate for the air pressure changes in the cabin (based on the plane's altitude). So your digestion literally comes under pressure.

During flying itself, when your digestion is trying hard to adjust to the air pressure, you may not even notice. But when it's time to land, your digestion is ready to release the excess gas. If it doesn't get this chance (because there isn't an immediate restroom nearby and you don't want to let your fellow travelers in on the fun), your belly starts to swell.

So does plane food play no role at all in a bloated belly after flight?

Not quite. Because your digestion is working so hard for you during a flight, it's important to support it. Airplane food is high in salt and sugar, while your digestion needs fiber, good fats ánd a little rest.

So how do you best support your digestion around air travel? First of all, don't enter the plane with a full stomach. Your digestion is already very busy trying to balance with the air pressure. Then when it also has to digest food, this is a bigger stressor.

So in addition, airplane food contains more salt, sugar and other additives. Due to decreased cabin pressure and low humidity, we taste less during air travel, so all kinds of flavor enhancers are added to airplane food.

A good alternative is to bring your own food: 

Easily digestible snacks are: 

• Apples with nut paste for dipping
• Homemade salad with leafy vegetables
• Whole wheat crackers with hummus
• Handful of nuts
• Handful of forest fruits

To further support your digestion, consider pre/probiotic supplements and digestive enzymes.