You must have often experienced anxiety, dry skin, diarrhoea, increased thirst, constipation, etc while travelling in an airplane. But did you ever wonder why it happens?
This happens so because when the plane is at an altitude, the cabin pressure drops. The gases in our stomach expand due to this. This makes us feel bloated or constipated.
There are also other reasons because of which you can have digestive problems while traveling. Changes in your schedule and the timing of your meals. Changes in the food you eat and less hydration to the body. More time spent sitting without any physical activity. The digestive system gets affected by the stress related to travel.
What does Ayurveda says about it?
According to Ayurveda, when we are travelling by airplane, the fast speed of the airplane and high altitude causes an imbalance. This imbalance is known as Vata dosha in Ayurveda. The imbalance happens in the air and space elements of our bodies.
When our body is imbalanced, some physical and psychological symptoms can occur. Vata dosha is a subtle bio-force which is behind anxiety, diarrhea, dry skin and constipation. The qualities of Vata dosha are dryness, lightness, coolness, roughness, subtlety and mobility.
If we pay heed to the clues, our body gives us. We can get rid of the imbalance before the occurrence of the symptoms. Vata dosha should be balanced to deal with digestive problems while travelling. And there are some points you can keep in mind to avoid digestive problems while travelling.
Here are the tips to avoid digestive problems while travelling:
A Big No to Soft Drinks:
It’s a very common habit to buy any soft drink while at the airport. But soft drinks are not a good option when you need to catch a flight. This is because soft drinks can cause heartburns and gas which will make you feel uneasy.
No matter how thirsty you are, choose water over soft drinks. This will also keep you hydrated. When you see the beverage cart rolling down the aisle, don’t pick the soda. The cold bubbly soda is not good for your stomach. You can opt for some hot water or tea instead of that.
Avoid Snacking and Munching:
It’s very easy to get tempted to munch on snacks like French Fries, potato chips etc. This causes Vata imbalance in the body. Especially when you are waiting for your flight or while travelling in one. But when you are at 35,000 feet, it is very difficult for your body to digest food. Especially the processed saturated fats. This causes bloating and can be very bad for your stomach. Avoid snacks or any fried food. You can carry boiled eggs or organic vegetables if you are hungry.
Raisins to avoid Constipation
Raisins has the property to soothe the movements. They are very high in fibre. Soaked raisins act as natural laxatives. They also help to prevent constipation or bloating. You can soak around 15 raisins in a cup of hot water for 10 mins. You can eat before sleeping. This helps in bowel movement in the morning.
Dry Ginger powder for diarrhea:
Ginger can be used in case of diarrhea. It also helps to get rid of other stomach issues which may be caused due to unhealthy food. It aids in digestion and prevents nausea, bloating. Simply add a quarter of a teaspoon in hot water and drink it before going to bed and in the morning. This helps to balance the Vata and get rid of diarrhea.
Proper clothing to keep you warm:
It can sometimes get uncomfortable on a plane due to the temperature change. This too can be a factor for bloating or nausea. Wear layers of clothing while travelling on a flight. The layers can trap heat. The trapped heat keeps you warm and comfortable. Dressing in this manner also helps to balance the Vata since the body is at a comfortable warm temperature.
Rest before and after travelling:
You are more likely to fall ill or experience indigestion or constipation when you are tired. When the body is already exhausted, it is less likely to withstand any imbalance in the body. Take proper rest before you need to catch a flight and also after it. Not having a proper grounding sleep before and after travelling causes the Vata imbalance in your body even more.
Get up and Stretch:
When you are on a long flight, every once in a while, get up and stretch. Sitting in one place for too long can make our muscles stiff and sore. This further imbalance the Vata.
Avoid alcohol at any cost:
Some people have the habit of drinking alcohol before taking a flight especially when they are in vacation mode. But it’s a very bad option to have when you are on a flight. This is because your body is already in a dehydrated state in a flight. Drinking alcohol can make your body more dehydrated. This can cause constipation and heartburn. Travelling on a flight for more than four hours is already risky due to the increased chance of blood clots. Drinking alcohol and sitting on a flight makes it riskier.
Eating nothing is a bad idea:
To avoid any digestive problems, you must be thinking to avoid eating anything before taking a flight or while travelling in one. But this can cause your blood sugar levels to drop making you feel weak, nauseous. You may feel anxious and unwell. The blood sugar level can also aggravate your jet lag. An empty stomach can cause gas too which might result in an unhappy stomach.
Closing Words
These are some of the tips you can follow to make sure your stomach is happy and healthy while travelling. An upset stomach can make your day upset too. So, make sure to follow these points to balance your Vata dosha. Vata dosha in a balanced state provides energy, excitement and enthusiasm and also maintains a healthy stomach.
