8 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Fly

More than 90% of Americans hate flying, and this is largely due to the fact it can be such an uncomfortable experience that takes a toll on the body. But some of the ways that flying impacts your body will surprise you and 24/7 Tempo recently took a closer look.

Here are eight side effects of flying:

1. Hearing loss. The change of altitude during take-off and landing causes pressure in the ear that can lead to temporary mild hearing loss, or muddled hearing. A good yawn could help, as well as chewing gum.
2. Taste buds change. The low pressure in the cabin causes less oxygen in the blood, which can cause taste receptors to be less sensitive. The high decibel level in the plane also changes people's taste buds.
3. Skin becomes more sensitive. The cabin is less humid, which can cause the skin to dehydrate. To counteract this, the skin tries to secrete more oil, which can trigger pimples and breakouts.
4. Bloating. Most people who fly will complain about bloating. This might be due to the changes in air pressure in the cabin, which might cause gases within the body to expand, leading to bloating. This, compounded with the fact you are forced to remain seated for an extended period of time, adds to the discomfort.
5. Swollen feet and ankles. When you sit down for long periods of time, your blood flow slows down. As a result, blood tends to pool in your legs and veins, causing your feet and ankles to swell. Getting up from your seat and moving around every hour can help counteract this.
6. Dehydration. The low-humidity level in an airplane cabin means people are more prone to dehydration, especially on longer flights. Increasing your water intake is the best way to combat this.
7. Bad breath. A common side effect of dehydration, which occurs during air travel, is bad breath. This is linked to the antibacterial properties found in saliva, which keep the mouth clean. Chewing gum can help by stimulating saliva production.
8. Mood changes. Flying can disrupt the circadian rhythm, which is what regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle. Research has found a disruption in this rhythm can cause changes in mood and trigger depression.

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