Why Does Flying Make You Feel Bad?
By Sara Butler
It’s summer vacation time! For you, that may mean a plane in your near future. Flying is convenient, but you may have noticed that flying doesn’t always make you feel so great. If you’ve experienced this, here are a few reasons why flying might just make you feel so awful and what you can do about it so you can enjoy your vacation!
Dehydration
Dehydration can happen to you pretty fast, and not just because you’re flying. Any activity that throws a wrench in your normal schedule can also throw a wrench in your hydration. You may just simply forget to drink your normal glass of water. Plus, when you’re stressing to get packed, get to the airport, go through security and then get on the plane, you can start your journey from a hydration deficit; not taking, or not being able to take, a water bottle with you just adds to the problem!
Circulation
When you sit for long periods in a small space (such as a plane!) it can cause issues with your circulation. When your blood flows too slowly through the veins in your body, it can lead to clots, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. This is more of a problem on long flights or even long car rides.
Digestive Issues
The altitudes you fly at during your travel can contribute to bloating and digestive problems. The altitude can cause dehydration in your digestive tract, and when you couple that with the tissues in your organs losing water throughout the flight, you will land feeling bloated and crummy – and likely be constipated when you get to where you’re going.
What You Can Do
Lucky for you there are things you can do to escape these airplane outcomes! First and foremost, drink water! Don’t drink soda or even coffee; you should go for a glass of refreshing water before, during and after the flight.
Also, watch what you eat. Don’t give into the temptation to eat a bunch of unhealthy food such as deep-fried fries and burgers. Instead, go for raw foods such as celery or carrots and lean meats. Just remember, you need fiber to help combat that constipation!
For your circulation, get up and walk around every once in a while during the flight. Even if you don’t have to go to the bathroom, get up and go once an hour anyway to stretch your legs and maybe throw some water on your face. This applies for long car rides too.
If you’re planning to travel this summer, keep these tips in mind!