My Stomach Doesn't Like Going TransAtlantic
 

I know I have a sensitive, or rather "nervous" stomach, but every time I fly overseas, the first 3-4 days my stomach is really upside down, no diarrhea, but lots of bloating... I find myself looking for a washroom too frequently...

Not sure what causes it, since I try to be careful with my food and drinks during flight, no alcohol, no coffee... I guess it's part of my own Jet Lag reaction?

SO, HOW DO I PREPARE BETTER FOR THIS COMING TRIP TO EUROPE? What kind of <b>PREVENTIVE</b> measures would you, frequent travelers, suggest?....

...Thanks!

Probably the change in air pressure. You should discuss it with your doctor - I suspect they can prescribe something.

Chamomile and Fennel Teas both work to reduce bloating. Start a week prior at least 2cups/daily. Take at least one while inflight.

My doctor wouldn't know.... The idea of Chamomile and Fennel Teas maybe good, even though I don't like Chamomile, never tasted Fennel....

Any other ideas? What kind of preventive drug should I take? I'm considering Imodium. What other drugs are good to cary?

I would suggest yogurt. It's got the good bacteria that beneficial for the intestines. It's a good stomach-settler. I sometimes bring a bag of almonds or cashews on a flight to munch periodically. And a bottle of water. I don't take any prescription drugs or OTC medications just before or during a flight. I just don't trust what kind of reaction I might have, and I want to have all my wits when I land. (Or most of them, anyway.)

Don't drink anything with carbonation such as soda or beer and avoid dairy products (except yogurt).

If this only happens when you fly internationally and not domestically then I would assume it's caused by stress.

I have the same problem. It seems to be on international flights only and kicks in about the 7 hour mark. I am going to try, this time, something like Gas-X. Also going to try not eating if it's not the time I would normally eat. I find any kind of nuts give me horrific gas so I wouldn't suggest those. It's mostly due to the change in pressure.I am going to ask one of my flight crews ( I see them every night) and see if they have any tricks. I'll let you know if they do.

Get there a few days early.

NO! Not Imodium. That blocks you up. That's the LAST thing you need coming off a long flight... to give yourself constipation.

Why do you think your wouldn't your doctor know? Seems a pretty basic health question.

I fly internationally everyweek for work and the only suggestion I would pass on is absolutely nothing with carbonation;less carbs(bread,etc.) and drink lots of water.I would also get up alot during the flight to move your body and get things moving around. There are so many people that think it is better to keep sitting in their seat and have everything brought to them but it helps your body for DVT's,bloating and a bunch of other things to get your body up and moving!

I agree with dutyfrees' advice for sure no carbonated beverages before or during flight. I also have a dicey digestive system and have really benefitted from pro biotics. I take them always, however, before a trip, I double up on the dosage and continue to take them throughout the trip at the normal rate. A lot of my travel is in the Far East, and one is subjected to a VERY long flight and many very unusual foods. Europe should not be such a stress on the system, however, in addition to the moving around during flight, few carbs, no carbonation,(that includes pre takeoff champagne if in BIZ or up) probiotics really can help.
Sue

Imodium is the last thing yuo want to take - it will only make boating worse.

Do you think it might be mechanical - folded up in one of those tiny seats for so many hours?

When I fly I abstain from alcohol, eat lightly (easy since the food is so bad), drink a lot of water and get up and walk around frequently. The FAs hate me for it - but I feel much better if I can stretchmy legs frequently. So unless I'm in a first class bed where you can really lie flat I walk a lot.

And it couldn't hurt to ask your MD.

OK, maybe Imodium is good to have in case somebody developing diarrhea...

Probiotics: We actually have Florastor at home, which was doing wonders when my daughter was suffering a bad stomach flu for days, till she started taking Florastor. That's something that I want to take with me....

Pepogest is A LOT less in price... Something like 1/4 of the price of Florastor....

...Any ideas about comparing the 2?

BTW, I find chewing some Caraway seeds (half a teaspoon) helping in case of bloated stomach... But how many times can one chew Caraway....

Wow, this thread starts reading more like WebMd...

...Florastor daily? That's expensive.... Is it because without it your system is messed up?

But yes, I will get Pepogest, definitely. Thanks!

No, it doesn't read like WebMD.

What it reads like is someone asking strangers on the internet for medical advice rather than her own doctor and coming up with a lot of suggestions with no information about possible drug interactions. My own doctor sometimes recommends "natural" remedies, but he does it with good information on drug interactions and long-term knowledge of my body.

Dutyfree, SueHuml, and nytraveler offer good advice.

Ackislander, I was making fun of this, but certainly in a POSITIVE way.... After all, I asked -- and people respond very constructively, for which I'm appreciative.

Not calling my doctor? That's a story for another time, certainly not for THIS forum... I trust my doctor less and less. When I have a bad cold - I take care of myself, since he's gonna prescribe me antibiotics... I try using the more herbal, natural cures, rather than the chemicals my doctor would suggest.

I will buy Pepogest and try it now, better now, not when really needed....

Thanks again.