Any avid traveler can relate to the struggle of dealing with jetlag upon arriving at a new destination. But fear not, as scientists in the US believe they have found a solution that revolves around your eating habits. According to their research, having a single, larger meal in the early morning for three days after landing can tackle jetlag head-on. However, it is worth noting that this method becomes less effective as you age. Additionally, taking a walk in the sunshine can also aid in recovery, so combining these two techniques can significantly improve your post-flight experience.
It is common knowledge that resisting the urge to adapt to the new time zone exacerbates jetlag symptoms. For example, sleeping during the day disrupts the body’s internal clock, or circadian system, causing jetlag. So, what exactly causes jetlag? It occurs when long-distance travel disrupts the body’s natural 24-hour cycle, synchronized with the Earth’s rotation. This disruption affects the body’s senses, leading to nighttime awakenings, fatigue, irregular hunger patterns, digestive issues, and severe headaches.
The recent study conducted by experts from Northwestern University and the Santa Fe Institute sheds light on how to combat jetlag. Yitong Huang, the study’s author from Northwestern University, suggests that having a larger meal in the early morning of the new time zone can help overcome jetlag. It is important to note that constantly shifting meal schedules or eating at night can disrupt internal clocks, leading to misalignment.
Jetlag occurs when internal clocks, controlled by sunlight and food, fall out of sync with each other. Conflicting signals, such as daytime warmth during darkness or eating at inappropriate times, can confuse internal clocks and cause desynchrony. The brain’s clock, known as the central clock, can be reset by exposure to sunlight, which explains the recommendation of soaking up daylight in the new location.
On the other hand, peripheral organs like the stomach and liver have their own separate clocks that are recalibrated by food. When these clocks drift out of sync, jetlag can occur. The study suggests that having one meal a day in the early morning, with three times the regular food volume, is the best option for minimizing jetlag.
Unfortunately, as we age, the signals between circadian clocks weaken, and sensitivity to light decreases. Therefore, older individuals may require additional time to recover from jetlag compared to younger individuals. The authors intend to explore factors that make internal clocks more resilient, potentially leading to preventive measures for jetlag or maintaining a healthy circadian system as we age.
It should be noted that there is still much to learn about how the body’s internal clocks interact with each other. The brain acts as the central clock, coordinating all the other clocks, but the precise mechanisms are still largely unknown. Further research is necessary to fully understand circadian rhythms.
To prevent and treat jetlag, various tips have been recommended. Taking a walk in the sunshine upon arrival has been found to be more effective than taking a nap. It is also advisable to reduce alcohol consumption during the flight, as excessive alcohol can worsen jetlag symptoms. Consuming superfoods such as lemons, bananas, cherries, goji berries, and fresh ginger can also aid in combating jetlag. However, the effectiveness of melatonin tablets, a commonly used method, remains debatable. While some sources recommend melatonin as a jetlag remedy and sleep aid, others argue that there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness.
To mitigate jetlag, the NHS suggests staying hydrated, engaging in physical activity, adjusting sleep schedules to the new time zone, setting an alarm in the morning, and getting exposure to natural light during the day. Following these tips can significantly improve the post-flight experience and help the body adjust to the new time zone faster.
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