If you're a frequent traveller, you know that there are just two good things when you're in flight -- free in-flight meals and in-flight movies.
However, a recent report claims that maybe you should rethink about having the free meals - it might be one of the reasons for your jet lag when you get off the flight.
Melissa Biggs Bradley, the founder of the luxury travel firm Indagare, told Bloomberg: "I eat nothing on flights. I've talked to a lot of stewardesses about it, and it's a stewardess secret."
She explained: "Basically, at super high altitude, your digestive system shuts down completely. Someone said to me it's like being under anaesthesia. So, when you get off the plane, everything restarts and [your digestive system] has so much more work to do and so, it makes you more tired."
Moreover, people tend to overeat as it's a diversion or a way to pass the time. And, even the best plane food is oversalted and preserved so that it can be microwaved.
However, some even dismissed this claim. Insider spoke to nutritionists and they contradicted Bradley's statements.
Carolyn Pallister, a registered dietitian and Public Health manager at Slimming World, said: "Suggestions that your digestive system shuts down during a flight has no scientific foundation. By restricting yourself and not eating for long periods of time on a long flight you are likely to feel weak, shaky, and could even suffer from headaches and low mood."
Pallister added: "It is true however that a pressurized cabin can be dehydrating, so enduring that you drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol. To satisfy the appetite, eat foods including some starchy carbohydrate like potatoes, whole wheat bread or high fiber crackers or cereals, lean meat or fish and plenty of salad, vegetables and fruit while flying will help you to arrive at your destination feeling as fresh and alert and full of energy as possible."
