Preparing your intestines before a plane trip, advice from Dr. Gérald Kierzek

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)

To avoid digestive problems on a plane, Dr. Gérald Kierzek offers you a health checklist for a stress-free flight.

Some dietary rules… and basic ones

The goal for this first stage of our vacation: avoid digestive discomfort. Being in the air has repercussions on our body, which can very badly tolerate the flight conditions, often unsuitable for our organism.

• Cabin pressurization: Air pressure lower than ground pressure can cause headaches and earaches as well as bloating;
• Dry air: Dry air causes dehydration and dries out mucous membranes;
• Prolonged sitting position: Imposed in very confined spaces for a long period of time, it slows down blood circulation, causing swelling in the legs;
• Reduced oxygen: The decrease in oxygen can increase the state of fatigue.

As a result, digestive discomfort can make the journey even less comfortable, so it is crucial to prepare well for your flight.

Pre-flight dietary tips

Contrary to what you might think, you should not stress your body before the flight by fasting. On the contrary, it is recommended to eat lightly and not anticipate hunger. Here are some tips to avoid foods that could harm your digestive comfort:

To avoid :

• Too much salt
  • Chips, salty snacks: too much salt can cause water retention, worsening the swelling often felt at altitude;
  • Canned soups: Practical, they are however often loaded with sodium;
  • Cold cuts: Ham, sausage and other processed meats are generally very salty.
• Too much sugar :
  • Candy and chocolate bars can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue and irritability;
  • Sugary carbonated drinks: In addition to their high sugar content, they can cause bloating.
• Fatty foods:
  • Burgers, fries and more Fast food products are high in saturated fats, which can cause digestive problems;
  • Whole dairy products: Full-fat cheeses, creams and whole milk can be difficult to digest before a flight.
• Foods that cause bloating:
  • Legumes: avoid beans, lentils or chickpeas, which are nutritious but can cause bloating;
  • Cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also known to cause gas.

Tips during the flight

Airline meal trays are generally designed to minimize digestive discomfort, but there are a few precautions to take:

• Processed foods:
  • Industrial biscuits and cakes: Often contain trans fats and added sugars. Best to avoid;
• Spicy foods:
  • Spicy dishes: Avoid heavily seasoned dishes like curry or chili which can irritate a sensitive stomach;
  • Hot sauces: They can cause heartburn and reflux.
• Coffee and alcohol:
  • Coffee : Caffeine can be dehydrating and disrupt your sleep, making it harder to recover after a long flight;
  • Alcohol : Although tempting to relax, alcohol is dehydrating and can make jet lag worse.

General tips for a comfortable flight

Beyond these dietary tips, Dr. Kierzek gives us some additional general advice.

• Get up every hour: Promotes digestion and boosts blood circulation. A quick trip down the hallway to look out the window or go to the toilet, any excuse is good to get moving.
• Drink enough water: At least one glass every hour to stay hydrated and improve digestive comfort.
• Food preferences: If you have any dietary preferences or allergies, order a special meal from the airline in advance.

In summary, for a comfortable plane trip, adopt a light and suitable diet before and during the flight, stay hydrated, and do not hesitate to move regularly to promote blood circulation. Have a good trip!

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