Travel expert reveals the very surprising food you should avoid before you fly

• Eating the wrong food before take-off could make a bad flight even worse
• READ MORE: I've visited every country in the world - this is my least favourite

Long-haul flights are rarely comfortable even in the best of conditions.

And now a travel expert has warned that eating the wrong food before take-off could make a bad flight even worse.

Jessie Chambers, senior travel expert at Global Work and Travel , explains: 'Flying affects the body in a number of ways, especially digestion.

'Cabin pressure changes can cause gases in the digestive system to expand, leading to bloating, discomfort and even nausea. Choosing the right pre-flight meal is just as important as packing your passport.'

So which foods should you avoid?

Beans and cruciferous vegetables

They might be healthy options full of fibre but Jessie recommends leaving the baked beans and broccoli off your plate before a flight.

She explains: 'Lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage might be staples in a healthy diet, but they're also notorious for causing gas and that gas might expand mid-air.

'These foods ferment in the gut, which can lead to uncomfortable bloating once you're airborne.'

Salty snacks

Leave the crisps at home, says Jessie who explains that salty snacks are a recipe for disaster on a flight.

'Crisps, processed meats, and ready meals are loaded with sodium, which can worsen dehydration and lead to water rentention,' explains Jessie.

'The recycled air in cabins is already very dry, and salty snacks will make you feel even more sluggish and puffy.'

Fizzy drinks and sparkling water

Jessie says: 'The bubbles in carbonated drinks are a fast-track ticket to feeling bloated at 30,000 feet.

'You’re essentially taking in air, and the gas gets stuck somewhere rather unpleasant.'

Chewing gum

While some believe that chewing gum might alleviate the effects of air pressure on the eyes, Jessie cautions that it may result in feeling bloated.

She clarifies: "This can lead to swallowing excess air. It’s an overlooked reason for bloating and quite simple to consume too much."

Alcohol

Alcohol could seem like an attractive option during a lengthy flight, but it’s usually not a wise choice.

Jessie cautions, 'Just one drink can leave you feeling sluggish and puffy, particularly during extended flights.'

High-FODMAP foods

FODMAP-containing foods are typically harder for individuals to digest. Jessie selects three instances of high FODMAP choices that should ideally be skipped.

She states: "Apples, pears, and stone fruits include sugar alcohols and fibers that may lead to gastrointestinal issues. If you prefer fresher alternatives, opt for low FODMAP choices such as bananas or citrus fruits instead."

Pastries and fried foods

Have you ever been obsessed with a bacon roll? According to Jessie, that’s what might happen when you feast on this porky delight prior to boarding a plane.

She reveals: 'You may crave a bacon roll at the airport, but it could come back to haunt you at cruising altitude.'

The foods to eat

If you're unsure about what to eat before your flight, have no fear. Several reliable choices can help prevent bloating from occurring at the airport.

Jessie recommends eating grilled chicken with quinoa and roast veg or enjoying a light salad with wholegrain bread and a banana.

She adds: 'Always hydrate with still water before and during the flight and walk the aisles when it's safe to keep things moving.'

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