Gas & Bloating When Flying? Understand Why It Happens & How To Prevent It

Whether you're basking in the Bahamas or celebrating stateside at a party destination like Nashville or Austin, gas needs to take a pass on your vacay. Banish bloating from your upcoming getaway with these seven tried-and-true tips to eliminate GI upset and feel as incredible as you look.

Main Causes of Bloating

Why are tummy troubles so typical on holiday? Bloating and symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, and constipation often arise from a combination of overindulgence and lack of exercise. If you're headed closer to the equator, heat and humidity can contribute to constipation.

In other words, you abandoned your regular exercise routine, and you've traded in crudités for croissants, not to mention the mimosas. Fortunately, spring break excess doesn't mean you have to suffer from cramping and gas while your friends live it up in paradise. Here's what you need to know about how to avoid bloating on vacation.

Tips for Avoiding Bloat During Your Spring Break

These are our favorite ways to reduce bloating during spring break.

1. Make Water Your Bestie 

Staying hydrated is your top priority, especially if you plan to drink alcohol. Aim to consume an 8 oz glass of water after every single beverage, from the lightest of beers to that bottomless margarita. As mentioned, it's essential to avoid dehydration when vacationing in a hot climate.

2. Avoid Foods That Disagree With Your Stomach

While it's OK to enjoy the local cuisine, just say no to items you already know could make you feel a little off. Don't eat spicy salsa in Cancun if you can't handle the resulting GI discomfort at home. If you're unsure what foods and beverages trigger bloating, try avoiding excess refined sugars, carbohydrates, and fatty or processed items. Beans, dairy, gluten, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower can also contribute to bloat.

When in doubt, pack healthy snacks in your travel bag. Think fiber-filled foods like fruits and (non-cruciferous) veggies, yogurt, and granola, which will help you feel full even on the most action-packed days. If you have access to fresh fish, omega-3-rich varieties like tuna and salmon can stave off inflammation that leads to uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

3. Take Polisorb Daily 

A detoxifying dose of Polisorb can quickly remove stomach discomfort and relieve symptoms, making it a must-take on each day of your journey. A serving of Polisorb taken as a preventative, to keep your gut healthy keeps the bloating at bay.

Or, if something you eat just isn’t sitting well, one serving of our safe, effective formula alleviates cramps, diarrhea, nausea, gas, bloating, GI aches and pains, and that oh-so-unpleasant bubbling sensation. 

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4. Lower Your Intake of Carbonated Beverages

Those bubbles in your go-to diet soda can seriously boost the bloat. You should even consider carbonated water a no-go if you're worried about GI symptoms ruining your vacay. Carbonation expands in your stomach, leading to the telltale bulge that signifies bloat. Keep gas from accumulating in your gut by opting for still water or herbal tea.

5. Keep Your Body Moving

While you don't have to go overboard with the squats, maintaining some semblance of a regular exercise routine will help keep gas at bay. Start on the plane by standing and stretching your legs, taking a few laps up and down the aisle every so often if it's safe to do so. Maintain momentum once you land by doing something active each day, whether it's a short hike or a few laps in that breathtaking pool at your resort.

If you're transitioning to a different time zone, jet lag can slow down your GI tract, causing constipation and bloating. You can combat this issue by taking steps to adjust to local time, such as staying awake when you arrive at your destination, even if you'd normally be sleeping.

6. Trade Gum for Mints

Leave your sugar-free gum at home, especially if you use it as a way to prevent your ears from popping on the airplane. Gas results from chewing this type of gum when your body tries to successfully break down the sweeteners it contains. Try mints instead for a breath freshener that won't cause bloat at high altitudes. As a bonus, peppermint also helps soothe the GI tract with its antispasmodic effects, which can aid digestion.

7. Practice Mindful Eating

We might not need to tell you to eat slowly and savor every bite when you've planned a fabulous spring break at a foodie destination. You won't go all out for every meal, however, and mindful eating is important even when you're grabbing a quick bite before you catch the next bus tour. Splurge on memorable items like authentic tacos al pastor at that roadside stand, and don't waste calories on mediocre offerings like the continental breakfast at the hotel.

Put these seven smart strategies on your spring break vision board for an unforgettable break without the bloat.