What happens to your body on a plane – and how to stay healthy

A recent study found that cabin pressure at cruising altitude appears to lower blood pressure and increase heart rate.

This is particularly exacerbated by in-flight alcohol consumption.

Dr Stephen Hughes , a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University , says that there are a range of both physiological and psychological adaptations which happen to the body as a consequence of being on a plane.

Dr Hughes is at pains to emphasise that the vast majority of the time, planes are extremely safe environments.

Dr Godeseth explains that being in a low humidity environment for a number of hours , actively dries out the nasal passages increasing your chances of catching an infection.

Dr Hughes says that being sat in a seat for many hours with your knees bent can cause blood to pool and stagnate in the veins of the lower limbs.

Dr Goldman recommends standing up, walking around and stretching once an hour.

The atmospheric pressure changes you find on planes are responsible here, says Dr Godeseth .

Dr Goldman warns that the combination of shifts in cabin pressure and dehydration can affect bowel movements.

“My recommendations are to consider taking probiotics to support your gut microbiota,” he says.