Holidaymakers have been warned to avoid certain foods before they embark on their travels to guarantee plain sailing and a comfortable trip. Travel experts at Panache Cruises have researched the foods most likely to bring on feelings of travel sickness, so holidaymakers can steer clear.
Giving a wide berth to greasy or acidic foods in the hours before you travel will help you to keep hydrated and not succumb to nausea. Fried foods can cause heartburn due to their high-fat content and also tend to be high in sodium which can lead to fluid retention and cause bloat or swelling in your body. Acidic food such as coffee, orange juice and bacon are slow to digest and in the case of coffee can speed up dehydration.
James Cole, founder and managing director of luxury cruise specialists Panache Cruises, said: “The last thing you want to feel is bloated before jetting off on a long-haul flight or getting ready to dress up for dinner at the captain’s table.
“Travel can be uncomfortable at times, particularly when flying long haul, so avoiding foods that will make you dehydrated or give you heartburn should be avoided at least until you arrive at your destination.”
“This is of course a real challenge given the incredible cuisine that you will find on a luxury or an ultra-luxury cruise. However, if you are faced with a challenging weather forecast or a long-haul flight the next day, a little self-discipline is advisable. Nobody wants to taint their holiday with the worry of managing a dodgy stomach or having to run back and forth to the lavatory. However, with a bit of preparation, many of the common pitfalls can be avoided entirely!”
Five foods to avoid before travelling as identified by Panache Cruises –
1. Fast Food
It might be tempting to grab some fast food whilst stuck in an airport or waiting at the dock to board a ship, but these greasy foods can cause heartburn because of their high-fat content. Fast food also has high sodium levels which can cause bloating or swelling because of the fluid retention – this can mean some serious discomfort whilst travelling, especially with air pressure.
2. Alcohol
For many travellers having a pint or a glass of wine is a celebratory start to their holiday – but drinking alcohol before and during travelling might not be such a good idea. The body will quickly become dehydrated and also cause a sudden urge to use the bathroom; which could be at a very inconvenient time when boarding a flight or ship. Drinking alcohol can also mean causing unwarranted disruption for other passengers because of lowered inhibitions.
3. Coffee
For most of us, coffee is the answer to those early starts ahead of our holidays, but caffeine can cause involuntary jittery movements – not something anyone wants whilst sitting in one position on a long-haul trip. Coffee will also speed up the body’s dehydration which is particularly uncomfortable when travelling.
4. Orange Juice
Orange juice is known for its acidity – and that’s why it’s best to avoid drinking before travelling. Particularly when flying, heartburn can be brought on by the cabin pressure – and drinking acidic orange juice is no favour. The vitamin C in the drink can also make the bladder weaker, meaning more discomfort and treks to the bathroom.
5. Cruciferous veggies
Vegetables in the cruciferous family – like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale definitely tick the boxes in terms of health benefits for the body, something which most of us will want before travelling. But these veggies can make the body very bloated and gassy because of the fibre and raffinose which is packed inside them – something which will be very unpleasant whilst travelling.
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