Jet belly: Why do you have that puffy, gassy feeling when flying

That’s classic jet belly. According to UCLA’s Dr. Brennan Spiegel, this happens because cabin pressure, even though regulated, is lower than sea level. So, your gut gas expands, kind of like how a sealed snack bag puffs up mid-flight. Imagine your stomach is a balloon being gently inflated the longer the plane climbs.

A 1969 study showed that abdomen gas more than quadrupled from takeoff to cruising altitude when volunteers held it in. And yep, this can cause anything from mild discomfort to nasty pain, especially if you've got preexisting conditions like Crohn’s or colitis. If that’s not enough, the dry cabin air dehydrates you, slowing digestion and letting gas build up even more. Combined with sitting still for hours, you get the perfect recipe for a vertically challenged digestive tract.

Here’s your go-to strategy for preventing jet belly as suggested by Dr Spiegel in a NY Post report.

Drink water before and during your flight, skip caffeine and alcohol, which only dry you out more. Choose still water or herbal teas like peppermint or ginger, they’ll soothe your gut, too.

Skip carbonated drinks, fatty or fried foods, and common gas-instigators like beans, broccoli, onions, or high-FODMAP items. Opt for lighter fare, think non-greasy meals like soups, rice, lean proteins, fruits, or snacks like almonds, plain crackers, and yogurt.

Getting up to stretch or simply rotating your torso helps keep your digestion on track. Twist your torso gently or walk the aisle every hour or so.

Dr. Spiegel’s “Jet Belly Release” is not just another fancy airline move. Place your hand just below your belly button and massage toward the right hip. This technique helps move gas into the colon, where it’s easier to pass.

Practice slow, deep breathing, inhale through your nose, exhale through pursed lips. It stimulates the vagus nerve and can help relax your gut.

Consider over-the-counter aids like Gas-X (simethicone) or digestive enzyme supplements. Ginger tea or even ginger ale (careful with carbonation—let it settle first) can help, too.