Acid reflux and air travel: curb the burn while flying

October 22, 11:48 AMHealthy Travel ExaminerCheryl Murphy

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Healthy diet with fruits and vegetables

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Turbulent skies are an upsetting matter but to land at a destination with a turbulent stomach can play havoc with a busy schedule. Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, is common with air travel. This bothersome digestive issue can surface at anytime and instead of focusing on a good time or getting lots of work accomplished, we find ourselves focusing on where to get relief for this crippling distraction.

Sometimes called GERD, which is an acronym for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, it may occur when liquid containing stomach acids and bile build up into the esophagus, causing irritation. Several circumstances can provoke the upset. Weak contractions of the esophageal sphincter - a little door at the bottom of the esophagus, which usually remains closed - can send stomach acids going in the wrong direction. Sometimes, the stomach hasn't emptied itself correctly.

Why do so many travelers develop heartburn when they fly? First of all, over a third of all Americans have this complaint and over 5 million seek medical advice. Even though it is usually a self limiting problem for most, it can be stressful and turn into a serious ailment for some. Heartburn can be triggered by stress, tight fitting clothes, lying down or eating the wrong foods at the wrong times. Fatty foods and air travel do not get along. It is difficult to digest fat while 37000 feet high in an arid environment. Add lack of water to that equation and the stomach and the esophagus rebel. Medications, carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy food add to the fire.

Digestion is initiated when food enters the mouth and we begin to chew. Digestive enzymes in saliva break down food particles to prep it for carriage into the esophagus. Particles then proceed to the small intestine where food is actually digested.

The good news is that there are methods to prevent this nuisance:
 

• Before a flight, drink plenty of water. Drink at least 8 ounces on the way to the airport.
• Probiotics help keep the friendly germs in tact in the gut and double up on the dosage.
• Jarrow supplies a acidophilus that needs no refrigeration and is perfect for travel.
•  A good quality yogurt is a good daily snack that also keeps the friendly germs around.
•  Plenty of daily fiber keeps heartburn away. Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, bulgur and whole wheat are excellent sources. Obtaining fiber from fruits and vegetables is essential to get a required fiber intake which should be around 30 grams per day.
•  Ginger tea is helpful as well as peppermint tea. This is a very soothing beverage to enjoy while traveling.
•  Calcium treats gastric hyperactivity and zinc is useful as well.

In general, a whole food diet and plenty of pure, filtered water can take care of many stomach woes.

Sources:

Lipski, Elizabeth, Ph.D., CCN, Digestive Wellness, 2004, McGraw Hill, NY

Willett, Walter C., M.D., Eat, Drink, and be Healthy, Free Press, 2005, NY