Why You May Want To Avoid Spicy Foods On A Flight - Tasting Table

"When preparing for a flight, your food choices can significantly impact your comfort during travel. While they do have health benefits, chowing down on spicy foods before or during a flight can have some rather unexpected and uncomfortable side effects. Even pilots agree. The reason for this lies in how your body reacts to flying, changes in air pressure, and increasing altitudes. Your gastrointestinal (GI) system is especially affected."

"Spicy foods can also trigger or worsen acid reflux and heartburn, especially when consumed before flying. Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, affects the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus. With this valve weakened, the risk of heartburn and reflux increases - particularly in the seated and often slightly reclined positions experienced during a flight."

Spicy foods before or during flights can increase gastrointestinal discomfort because cabin pressure at cruising altitude allows internal gases to expand, causing bloating, cramping, and flatulence. Capsaicin in spicy foods stimulates stomach acid production and intestinal activity, which can intensify gas and bowel symptoms. Capsaicin can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux and heartburn, especially when seated or reclined. Low cabin humidity contributes to mild dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, sluggishness, and worsen jet lag, making long-haul travel more uncomfortable.

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