What you shouldn't eat or drink on a flight

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

When reaching higher altitudes during a flight, even though cabin air pressure is controlled, the air becomes thinner due to decreased atmospheric pressure. This change affects oxygen levels in the blood, which then slows down digestive enzyme activity, causing digestion issues like bloating and nausea.

For this reason, you'll want to avoid consuming certain foods and drinks before and during your flight. What's more, some things simply aren't pleasant to consume near other passengers in such a tight space.

What to avoid

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Overall, avoid consuming anything that you know is problematic for you and will be difficult to digest. 

Things to consider

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

For example, if you're lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), don't foods that trigger your symptoms.

Fried food

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Eating fried foods can trigger heartburn due to their high fat and oil content, plus they often contain excessive sodium.

Salty or processed food

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Salty processed foods are also packed with sodium and saturated fats, which should be avoided at high altitudes. Don't open those potato chips!

Red meat

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Many people have difficulty digesting red meat, so in addition to your own discomfort, people around you might appreciate the gases your body produces as it tries to digest...

Alcohol

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Alcohol can dehydrate you and lead to you feeling hungover when you land, which isn't the ideal start to a trip. 

Legumes

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Legumes contain a sugar known as oligosaccharide, which is difficult to fully digest, often leading to bloating, discomfort, and increased gas.

Broccoli

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Like beans, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower can cause gas. 

Tap water

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

A 2019 scientific study concluded that passengers should avoid drinking tap water on planes due to the frequency with which airline water is found to contain harmful bacteria. Drinking contaminated or unclean water can make you sick with diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Dried fruit

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

If you've been recently diagnosed with asthma, consuming dried fruit isn't the best choice for a flight. Dried fruit can contain sulfites, which could promote an attack, according to an article in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench. Plus, lower oxygen levels might worsen breathing issues.

What to eat and drink

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Feel free to bring any of the following prepackaged or self-prepared snacks into the airport or onboard a plane.

Lean protein

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

Including lean protein in your diet provides essential nutrition without the drawbacks of high-fat foods. Opt for lean protein sources like nonfat yogurt, turkey, or chicken.

Unsalted nuts

What to avoid, Things to consider, Fried food, Salty or processed food, Red meat, Broccoli, Tap water, Dried fruit, What to eat and drink, Lean protein, Unsalted nuts

If there's no announcement on board that someone has a severe nut allergy, go for unsalted nuts. You'll avoid the extra sodium but still get a nutritious blend of fats and protein. 

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