Water retention, or edema, is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in your body’s tissues. This can happen for a number of reasons, but one common cause is sitting still for extended periods of time, like during a long flight. When you don’t move around much, your blood flow slows and fluid can build up in your extremities.
Water retention usually goes away on its own within a day or two after you return to normal activity levels. However, if you experience severe or persistent edema, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition and you should see your doctor.
If you’re like most people, you probably feel bloated and puffy after a long flight. That’s because sitting in a cramped airplane seat can cause water retention. But don’t worry, the bloating should go away within a day or two.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce water retention after flying. First, drink plenty of fluids during and after your flight. This will help keep your body hydrated and prevent fluid from building up in your tissues.
Second, avoid salt as much as possible. Too much salt can make you retain water. Third, get up and move around every few hours to keep your circulation going strong.
And finally, wear loose-fitting clothing so you don’t feel uncomfortable or restricted.
With a little care, you can say goodbye to post-flight bloating and enjoy your vacation!
Credit: blog.nasm.org
How Do I Get Rid of Water Retention After Flying?
Water retention, also called edema, is the buildup of fluid in your body’s tissues. It can cause swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and legs. Water retention can be caused by many things, including sitting or standing for long periods of time, pregnancy, hormone levels, certain medications and even flying.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce water retention after flying. Drink plenty of fluids before and during your flight to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you and make water retention worse.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and shoes to avoid constricting your blood vessels and causing fluid to build up. And lastly, get up and move around every few hours during your flight to keep your circulation going.
Is It Normal to Retain Water After Flying?
When you fly, the air pressure in the cabin is lower than the air pressure outside. This can cause fluid in your body to leak into your tissues and cause swelling, especially in your legs and feet. This is called edema, and it’s normal to experience it after a flight.
To help prevent edema, drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and avoid alcohol. If you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can cause fluid retention, talk to your doctor before flying.
Why Do I Weigh More After I Fly?
Have you ever stepped on the scale after a flight and been surprised to see that you’ve gained a few pounds? If so, you’re not alone. Flying can cause weight gain for a variety of reasons, from dehydration to jet lag.
Here’s a look at some of the factors that may contribute to post-flight weight gain:
Dehydration: Spending hours in a dry, recycled airplane cabin can lead to dehydration, which can cause your body to retain water and lead to weight gain. To avoid this, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.
Jet lag: Jet lag is a common side effect of flying, and it can cause fatigue, insomnia, and other issues that can lead to overeating and weight gain. To combat jet lag, try to get plenty of rest before your flight and stay hydrated while in the air. Once you arrive at your destination, adjust to the local time as quickly as possible by staying awake during daylight hours and getting plenty of sleep at night.
Inactivity: Sitting in a cramped airplane seat for hours on end can take its toll on your body. When you add in layovers and time spent waiting at the airport, it’s no wonder you might feel sluggish after flying. To offset all that sitting, make sure to get up and move around as much as possible while traveling.
Taking a brisk walk through the airport or doing some simple stretching exercises in your seat can help keep your body active and prevent weight gain.
How Long Does Bloating Last After Flying?
After a long flight, it’s normal to feel bloated. This is because sitting for extended periods of time can cause gas and fluid retention. Bloating usually lasts for a few hours after flying, but can linger for up to a day or two.
To help reduce bloating, drink plenty of fluids during the flight and move around as much as possible. Avoiding salty foods and carbonated beverages can also help. If you’re still feeling bloated after a couple of days, try over-the-counter medications like simethicone or probiotics.
Water Retention- What Makes you Puffy and How to Fix It
How to Get Rid of Water Retention After Flying
Most people experience some degree of water retention after flying, especially if they have flown for a long period of time. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of water retention in your body after flying.
1. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your flight.
This will help keep your body hydrated and prevent it from holding onto excess water.
2. Avoid salt as much as possible. Salt makes your body hold onto water so it is best to avoid foods that are high in salt content or add extra salt to your food while flying.
3. Get up and move around as much as possible during your flight. Sitting still for long periods of time can lead to increased water retention so try to get up and walk around the cabin every few hours.
4. Wear loose fitting clothing while flying and on the plane ride home.
Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and cause additional swelling in the legs and feet.
Conclusion
According to a recent study, water retention caused by flying can last up to four days. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton, found that passengers who flew for more than four hours were more likely to experience water retention than those who flew for shorter periods of time.
The study also found that women were more likely to experience water retention than men, and that people who are overweight or obese are also at a higher risk.
So, if you’re planning on flying anytime soon, be sure to stay hydrated and avoid any salty foods before your trip. And if you do start to feel bloated after landing, don’t worry – it should go away within a few days.
