Health Tip: Eat Right Before You Fly

(HealthDay News) -- Does flying on airplanes give you excess gas?

Less barometric pressure in aircraft cabins than on the ground means there is less oxygen available. This causes gas within your body cavities to expand, according to the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Reduce your discomfort by avoiding gas-forming foods or liquids before taking a flight.

Here are some of the foods that most commonly cause problems:

• Fruits: apples, apple juice, avocado, bananas, melon, grapes, raisins, and watermelon.
• Vegetables: beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, leeks, onions, lentils, green peppers, radishes, and soybeans.
• Bran cereals.
• Carbonated drinks, chewing gum, nuts, alcohol and high-fat foods.

-- Felicity Stone

Last Updated: Sept. 20, 2005