Flyers should avoid eating beans, bread and broccoli before a trip. These foods, among others, are known to produce Jet Bloating because they cause stomach gasses to expand.
The excess gas isn't just uncomfortable and embarrassing, it can also be a travel hazard. In fact, TheDailyTelegraph.com reports that in 2006, a flight in the United States was forced to divert from its path and make a landing because passengers noticed a suspicious smell in a bathroom that turned out to be a used match. Another passenger lit the match to cover up an even more unfortunate smell.
Singapore Airlines has released a guide on how to prevent common travel issues such as bloating, jet lag, indigestion and fatigue. It mentions that deep fried foods slow indigestion, carbonated beverages and peaches bring on gas, and salty snacks lead to water retention. In the days leading up to the flight, it's recommended not to eat these foods.
Conversely, green tea stimulates digestive enzymes and helps detoxify the body, alleviating gas. Onions, bananas, berries, and garlic are also helpful. Potatoes, pineapple, and turmeric mitigate indigestion so the airline recommends filling up on those items.
For anxious fliers, a few celery sticks before boarding can calm the central nervous system. Vitamin B, found in leafy green vegetables and whole cereal grains, can reduce stress. Since ginger reduces the severity of travel sickness, the airline suggests ordering a ginger ale -- the flatter the better, to avoid gassiness caused by carbonation -- or a dish featuring the root.
In addition to ginger ale, it's wise to drink a lot of water or juice because dehydration can cause headaches, stress and a general feeling of wooziness.
