The Reason You Should Never Buy Salty Food At An Airport

Between the possibility of getting stuck in the middle seat and a child kicking your chair relentlessly, flying can certainly be uncomfortable. Accompany that with the fact that airplane meal can be hit or miss, choosing many to grab some grub at the airport before takeoff. The issue here, though, is that the food you choose to indulge in before your flight can potentially add to the uncomfortability you'll inevitably be facing while you struggle to find enough room for your legs, per Travel + Leisure.

On the other hand, there are some foods that can help the process go smoother. According to dietician Nmami Agarwal, healthy foods are the way to go. "A banana is your best bet before boarding a flight. The fruit is loaded with potassium, which can regulate blood pressure and help ease any muscle cramps you face during a flight," she said (via Vogue). She also suggests drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

While some foods can help you feel better during a flight, others — particularly salty food — should be avoided at the airport if you want a restful journey. 

If you ever have an upset stomach during or after a flight, there is probably a good reason for that. According to U.S. News, as the airplane reaches higher altitudes, air pressure decreases, causing you to bloat as the plane takes off. And when you eat too much salt before a flight, the bloating can get even worse (via Healthline). The good news is, there's a way to avoid this by steering clear of unhealthy, salty food before you board the plane. 

Dietician Nmami Agarwal offers some more insight into the reason behind this phenomenon, per Vogue. "The Aerospace Medical Association says our body's gas can expand up to 25 per cent while in flight. So it's better to opt for light, easy meals before boarding, especially if you have a long commute," she says. She claims the best way to reduce bloating on a long flight is by keeping protein moderate, sugar at a minimum, and consuming slow burning carbs. Besides salty food, you should also avoid soft drinks, as more pressure is applied to your bowels after consuming carbonated drinks.