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Jet lag is rough! I’m sure if you’ve traveled before you’ve felt the effects of jet lag! Sadly, the more time zones you cross during your flight means not only the greater the adventure, but also the more jet lag you’re likely to experience. The negative effects of jet lag will leave travelers with the following effects:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Disorientation
• Swollen hands and feet
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Lightheadedness

Strangely enough jet lag effects women more than men. Obviously not in all cases but in most cases it’s true. Scientists believe estrogen to be the culprit. According to scientists estrogen is also behind chronic nagging but let’s leave that to another post. Just kidding ladies!

Another strange but true aspect of jet lag is that most people are more affected when traveling from west to east. This may be because flights from west to east are counter to the circadian rhythm. Most people have a circadian period which is a bit longer than 24 hours, making it easier to stay up later than to get up earlier. So how to combat Jet Lag you ask? Well there’s a million “tips” out there and lot’s of good advice but here’s something new you haven’t heard. First though, let’s cover the basics on how to help reduce jet lag.

• Drink Plenty of Water Before Your Trip
• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol on Your Flight
• Sleep on the Plane if it’s Nighttime at Your Destination
• Stay Awake on the Plane if it’s Daytime at Your Destination
• Relax on Your First Day!
• Take Supplements! There’s a Ton Available and Should be Listed Below

Now the one thing that’s been recently suggested by scientists is that travelers should abstain from eating! You’re body is at a loss, totally confused as to what time it is, what meal it is, and when it’s time to sleep when you’re crossing time zones. Scientists have found that by “resetting” your body’s clock by not eating you can greatly reduce the effects of jet lag. To “reset” your body’s clock you can avoid food for approximately fifteen hours. By doing so your body will go into a basic “start over” mode. Abstain from eating during your flight! Once you touch down, eat whatever meal is appropriate to the time zone you’re in and proceed from there. You’re body will naturally “reset” once it’s gotten it’s first meal of the day!

Happy Traveling!

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