I’m very prone to stomach issues. I use strong ginger candies to help, and they usually do. It also helps to avoid eating anything that may cause bloating for at least 24 or 48 hours before flying, depending on how your digestion works.
I take Buscopan and Mintec (peppermint capsules). I do yoga in the bathroom to ease gas and bloating (especially twists and standing cat/cow stretches) and have a full yoga practice as soon as I land.
Sounds like diet issues. Try adjusting your diet 1-2 weeks before flying. It looks like you need to focus on non-inflammatory foods. Our bodies react to what we put in them. If you fuel it right, it usually performs well.
Hey, dealing with inflammation and gas on flights is tough… Here are some suggestions that work for me (some more than others):
For inflammation and swelling, I sometimes take ginger and turmeric capsules a day before flying. They help with overall inflammation.
Compression socks can really help reduce swelling in your legs and feet.
Make sure to take a walk after you land! Even a short walk right after getting to your destination helps get my circulation back.
For gas, I’ve used activated charcoal, which works well if I take it at the right time (usually an hour before flying and during as needed). Just be mindful if you’re on any medications, as charcoal can absorb those and reduce effectiveness. Don’t take them if you plan to do Ayahuasca later for the same reason!
I also find ginger chews useful. They’re easy to pack and help keep things settled during the flight. Lastly, I try to avoid carbonated drinks and heavy foods the day before flying—it really makes a difference.
@gumride
Agree on ginger, turmeric, and compression socks for inflammation.
I also add a water pill for flights over 8 hours.
I also recommend ginger chews, plus ginger tea.
I feel you, and I often fly long, overnight flights. My only advice is to eat very little the day of and during travel, and skip carbonation and alcohol. Boring, I know, but it works. Future me appreciates past me for being boring.
@Zuri
I used to fly a lot for work, and that’s great advice. I’d add to drink a lot of water and avoid carbs and salt. The longer the flight, the more water you should drink, as flying dehydrates you and worsens swelling, gas, and constipation. Salty foods and carbs make it worse.
No dairy the day before should help.
I read somewhere that having some food in your stomach could help prevent gas from expanding. So I always try to eat something before flying, and it seems to help. I also wear compression socks!
Were you the person I sat next to last night? Those farts were pretty frequent.
Yoga can help.
Compression socks make a big difference in swelling for me.
Cory said:
Compression socks make a big difference in swelling for me.
In the stomach? The original poster wasn’t talking about their legs.
One of our friends is a pilot, and they said everyone deals with this in some way.
Consider taking Tums before and after your flight. I always keep some with me when I fly. The altitude can put pressure on your system. That’s also why it’s recommended to wear compression socks.
Try asafoetida. Take two pinches with water.
Charcoal tablets or ginger tablets might help.
I take probiotics for a week before I travel to get my gut ready. I believe it helps in different ways.
I rely on chewable papaya enzyme pills or just regular digestive enzyme pills. The chewables work quickly. The regular pills seem to work better for maintenance.