An expert has revealed exactly what we should avoid eating and drinking before getting on a plane, and you may not like what he has to say.
Ryan Davidson, a nutrition expert at Raw Juicery, has claimed there's some food and drink that might ruin your travel experience.
Certain compounds in food are digested differently in higher altitudes, so it puts more emphasis on the types of food you may want to stay clear of.
Advert
For many, getting through check-in and security at the airport means it's time for one thing: The airport pint.
Although a staple of most Brits heading abroad, Davidson has explained why you should avoid a drink and four other food items before flying.
Coffee
You may be eyeing up the Starbucks in the terminal, with numerous budding travellers looking for a cup of coffee to wake them up, en route to their destination.
But Davidson claimed that this isn't the best idea.
“Coffee is dehydrating and acts as a mild diuretic, meaning you’ll likely have to make several trips to the bathroom during your flight, which is an inconvenience to yourself and other passengers,” he said.
Coffee lovers are advised to avoid the (sometimes necessary) caffeine fix for two hours before takeoff.
Alcohol
The beloved 'airport pint' is a firm favourite among many travellers, but, apparently, drinking alcohol is actually one of the least beneficial things you can do before take-off.
David explained that due to the cabin pressure and decreased blood oxygen levels in the air, your body won't process alcohol as well.
He said: “This means that you will feel the effects of alcohol and experience dehydration symptoms much more quickly.
"This could lead to you missing your connecting flights, being rejected by the car rental company on the ground or even getting arrested for unruly behaviour during the flight."
It may be time to get rid of the old tradition.
Tap water
While you should definitely stay hydrated with water during your journey, it's important that you drink bottled water instead of using the tap on the plane, according to the expert.
He explained: "Airlines have strict regulations and run water tests on their aircrafts regularly, but it doesn’t mean that contamination can’t occur.
"Water is stored in tanks on the plane and can be picked up from many points on a route where contamination can take place."
He also urged travellers to steer clear of 'liquids that could come from a storage tank', which could even be used in teas or coffees onboard.
Apples
This one may have caught you off guard because, well, it's one of your five a day so it should be healthy right? Wrong (in this scenario).
Davidson said the excess fructose in the juicy fruit and the high fibre content has the potential to cause gas and bloating - yes, you could be passing gas throughout your flight.
"In the 24 hours leading up to a flight, you’ll want to avoid them, as the 4 to 5 grams of fibre per serving can lead to a bloated stomach when flying,” Davidson said, after highlighting that it would be healthy on any other day.
Chewing gum
Finally, Davidson said it's crucial that you avoid chewing gum, this is something that may apply to more people that you'd think.
It is a common method by travellers to deal with cabin pressure and pop their ears, or even to deal with stinky breath.
Similar to apples, it seems like chewing gum will put us at a higher risk of passing gas in the air due to the pressurisation of the cabin.
Davidson noted: “Chewing gum can increase the risk of bloating and extra gas as you open your mouth when chewing and swallow more air.
"The artificial sweeteners in gum can also increase your chances of excess gas too.”
Perhaps you'd want to change your travel routine, or you may be farting your way to your holiday.
Topics: Food And Drink, Travel, Health, Alcohol
Joshua Nair