If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you know that changes in cabin pressure can cause gas present in your body to expand.

This phenomenon begins on takeoff when your ears “pop,” although later you may even feel bloated and gassy.

Some people who suffer from food sensitivities may find they experience more discomfort during air travel if they can’t get meals that cater to their dietary needs.

But you don’t have to have a food sensitivity to experience gas and intestinal discomfort on a plane — there are many ways that air travel can interfere with digestion.

How Travelling by Plane Can Mess with Your Digestion

If your airplane food isn’t as tasty as you would like, it may not be the airlines’ fault.

Results of a study by Lufthansa showed that your taste buds literally “go numb” at high altitudes, and you lose the ability to taste sweet and salty flavours as you normally would.

To compensate, airlines over-salt and sweeten foods, and add strong spices like lemongrass and curry to boost flavor.

Of course, this salty, spicy mix can really mess with your stomach.

Coupling the over-spiced salty meals with the changes in cabin pressure can wreak havoc on your intestines, causing gas and bloating — and even pain.

While there’s no way to compensate for the effects of the change of environment or the in-flight foods, there are things you can do to minimise the discomfort.

Ways to Minimise Gas and Bloating In-Flight

Believe it or not, little tweaks in your diet before and during your flight can help control the discomfort and embarrassment of bloating and gas on the plane.

If you can fit it into your schedule, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated — at the terminal and on the plane.

Then, avoid the following foods to minimize gas production:

• Dairy
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Garlic and onions
• Beans
• Alcohol
• Gum and hard candy
• Salty snacks

Some of those suggestions are obvious. Everyone knows that beans, onions, dairy, and carbonated drinks can cause gas. If you’re lactose-intolerant, dairy may even cause severe stomach upset.

But some other culprits — caffeine, alcohol, salty snacks — also contribute to bloating by dehydrating you, and chewing gum cause you to swallow air, contributing to trapped gas.

Since airlines offer salty, dehydrating snacks, pack yourself a take-along bag of low-sodium choices. Be sure to carry extra water — the small cups offered on planes are not enough.

If you’re lactose-intolerant, ask for a dairy-free meal on long flights. If the airline can’t accommodate you, bring your own food in an insulated pack.

Have a Safe Flight — Take Steps to Minimise Gastric Distress

It’s best to travel on the safe side and avoid any embarrassing or uncomfortable gas during your flight.

If you want to ensure that you can eat what you want and enjoy your food without worrying about the problems it might cause later, you might want to consider a product that can help minimize gastric distress.

Digesta Alpha’s multi-enzymatic action helps break down complex carbohydrates, fats, and starches that are gas-producing culprits in beans, dairy, and other foods for safe, effective gas relief.

Digesta Alpha is a gentle, gluten-free formula that’s vegan/vegetarian-friendly and free of coloring and additives. This attention to high-quality manufacturing and product effectiveness makes it a great take-along supplement.

By implementing these measures, you can ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible whether your flight is two or 22 hours long.  Have a great flight!