Constipation due to flying?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 224
Constipation due to flying?
Anyone ever get this? During flights, immediately after, and the next couple of days, I'm constipated when normally, my body functions like clockwork. Is it due to the air pressure?
This only applies on longer distance flights - short hauls (LAX-SFO) have never been a problem.
This only applies on longer distance flights - short hauls (LAX-SFO) have never been a problem.
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: BRU
Posts: 290
Somehow (thankfully) I have trained my bowels to not 'move' during flights....That's something I would rather not do on an airplane...I'm sure the person after me in the lavatories appreciates this!
#3
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,140
Constipation is usually due to not enough fiber in the diet and dehydration. Flying, especially long haul, can cause people to change their normal routine. They eat differently and don't drink enough water. Also, physical movement actually helps stuff travel through the intestines.
Next time make an effort to eat enough fiber rich foods, stay away from alcohol during flights, make sure and get up and move your body around, and increase your water intake. Chances are this will help tremendously in the way you feel.
Next time make an effort to eat enough fiber rich foods, stay away from alcohol during flights, make sure and get up and move your body around, and increase your water intake. Chances are this will help tremendously in the way you feel.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: YWG
Programs: AC 35K, Marriott Silver
Posts: 271
Anyone ever get this? During flights, immediately after, and the next couple of days, I'm constipated when normally, my body functions like clockwork. Is it due to the air pressure?
This only applies on longer distance flights - short hauls (LAX-SFO) have never been a problem.
This only applies on longer distance flights - short hauls (LAX-SFO) have never been a problem.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,443
--In addition to the above posters' comments, it could be natural/evolutionary psychology: when youre in an unfamiliar environment, your body feels vulnerable, and when going #2 it is "vulnerable," exposed. I have experienced this as well, even after going upon arrival not mvoing the next few days. good idea to bring some fiber tablets along I think. . . .
After a long flight I often experience a significant diuresis. Does anyone else have this? I can think of no physiological reason for it, especially given that, if anything, I am likely to be dehydrated rather than over-hydrated.
#6
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,332
It is only the actual flight that "gets" me....
Once Ive disembarked and walked a little bit (like to immigration!) everything seems to want to work properly all of a sudden!!
Once Ive disembarked and walked a little bit (like to immigration!) everything seems to want to work properly all of a sudden!!
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Location: BKK
Posts: 261
If you're crossing timezones, I think it also has to do with changing your body's routine. All your meals are being consumed at different hours and your natural rhythm has been interrupted.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: YOW
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 968
I read somewhere that adding a lot of fibre (i.e. taking metamucil) will help with jetlag and I've been doing it for the last year because I've noticed the same effect as the OP. It does help some. I start with a 6 capsules the night I arrive and reduce by 1 per night until I get to 3 and then call it quits. I take melatonin too.
I think it is a combination of all that was discussed above: 1) environment, 2) dehydration, 3) strange diet, 4) strange sleep patterns, 5) air pressure (I get really gassy on a flight.)
Sadly, I've noticed the same effect on North-South flights where the time zone doesn't change and lately, on long car rides, so I'll add another, 6) being folded up in a seat for too long stops things from progressing through the digestive tract normally.
I think it is a combination of all that was discussed above: 1) environment, 2) dehydration, 3) strange diet, 4) strange sleep patterns, 5) air pressure (I get really gassy on a flight.)
Sadly, I've noticed the same effect on North-South flights where the time zone doesn't change and lately, on long car rides, so I'll add another, 6) being folded up in a seat for too long stops things from progressing through the digestive tract normally.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,140
This has to do with lack of body movement. Exercise will also help prevent constipation. Physical movement of the body helps the stuff travel through the innards. Get up and move around every so often or get on a treadmill before and after being confined.
#10
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 17
Looks like I'm re-opening an old thread, but it looks like the appropriate place to raise a similar issue. Look away now if you're squeamish... I get the opposite problem on long flights. A lot of mucous and explosive evacuations of mucous and not much more. Any suggestions on how to prevent this will be very welcome!
#11
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,513
Looks like I'm re-opening an old thread, but it looks like the appropriate place to raise a similar issue. Look away now if you're squeamish... I get the opposite problem on long flights. A lot of mucous and explosive evacuations of mucous and not much more. Any suggestions on how to prevent this will be very welcome!
Therefore, I am locking this one up. Think about the TMI issue.@:-)
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator