The Bad Medicine of Travel: Why Airplane Food and Jet Lag Are Ruining Your Gut | Dr. Monisha Bhanote on the Bad Medicine Podcast

Dr. Monisha Bhanote was recently interviewed on The Bad Medicine Podcast, where she talked about how modern travel disrupts gut health, circadian rhythms, and overall cellular function. Dr. Monisha Bhanote, a quintuple board-certified physician specializing in integrative medicine, pathology, and functional culinary medicine, founder of the Wellkulå Institute and Travela Wellness and creator of the #CellCare framework, brings a unique cellular-level perspective to everyday health challenges.

In this conversation, she explores how the demands of modern travel—from disrupted sleep to processed foods—can influence not only how we feel in the moment, but how our cells function over time. You can listen to the full episode here or in your favorite podcast player.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Travel as a Physiological Stressor
Dr. Bhanote reframes travel as more than a logistical experience—it is a physiological stressor that impacts the body at multiple levels. Changes in time zones, altitude, cabin pressure, and routine disrupt cortisol balance, hydration, and cellular energy production. While travel can feel exciting, the body interprets these rapid environmental shifts as stress, which, if unmanaged, can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and digestive discomfort. Approaching travel with awareness allows for better preparation and recovery, supporting resilience at the cellular level.
Airplane Food, Gut Health, and Inflammation
A major contributor to travel-related discomfort is the quality of food consumed during transit. Dr. Bhanote explains that typical airplane meals—often highly processed, high in sodium, and low in fiber—can disrupt the gut microbiome and promote inflammation. Combined with dehydration and reduced movement, digestion slows and symptoms like bloating and irregularity can emerge. Supporting the gut through more intentional food choices and hydration helps maintain balance, even in less-than-ideal travel conditions.
Circadian Rhythm, Jet Lag, and the Gut-Brain Axis
Jet lag reflects a deeper misalignment between the body’s internal clock and the external environment. Dr. Bhanote highlights how circadian rhythms regulate hormone release, digestion, and cellular repair, meaning disruptions can affect sleep, mood, metabolism, and immune function. This imbalance is closely tied to the gut-brain axis, where changes in the microbiome can influence neurotransmitters and inflammation, contributing to brain fog, irritability, and fatigue. Maintaining rhythm through light exposure, meal timing, and sleep awareness becomes essential for overall wellbeing.
Simple Rituals to Support Your Body While Traveling
Rather than striving for perfection, Dr. Bhanote emphasizes small, consistent actions that support the body during travel. Prioritizing hydration, bringing nutrient-dense snacks, incorporating movement, and aligning sleep as much as possible can significantly reduce stress on the system. Supporting gut health with fiber-rich foods and minimizing ultra-processed options helps maintain energy and digestion. These simple rituals act as anchors, allowing the body to adapt more smoothly to changing environments while preserving long-term health.

Listen to the Full Episode

With Dr. Monisha Bhanote’s insights and a deeper understanding of how your body responds to environmental changes, you can approach each journey with more intention and resilience.

Listen to the full episode here or on your preferred podcast platform to learn how to support your gut, energy, and overall wellbeing—no matter where you’re headed.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

More Resources from Dr. Bhanote

Signup for our #CellCare Wellness Newsletter
Attend One of Our Longevity Retreats
Learn more about Travela Wellness Supplements
Download our Removing Toxins & Optimizing Gut Health Guide
Get Your Copy of Dr. Bhanote’s Book,The Anatomy of Wellbeing (now available on audiobook)

If you feel more bloated when you travel… you’re not imagining it.

Your gut is deeply connected to your routine—your sleep, your stress levels, your hydration, even your environment. When all of that shifts at once, your digestive

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