Jet-lagged? Here are six food items that can help
What's the story
You get off your plane after a long flight to make that much-awaited trip happen, but are hit by tremendous fatigue. And all you want to do is lie down on your bed and sleep. We feel you! Jet lag could end up ruining your entire journey, and the feeling is so irritating. Here are six foods (and some tips) to beat jet lag.
Cause
But firstly, what causes jet lag?
Our bodies are naturally designed to carry out certain tasks, such as eating and sleeping, throughout a 24-hour period. These built-in routines are referred to as circadian rhythms. But moving across different time zones can mess up with these routines, leading to extreme fatigue, indigestion, infrequent bowel movements, memory problems, and concentration issues, among other symptoms. This is known as jet lag.
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Cherries and Goji berries to the rescue against jet lag
Cherries: Cherries are one of the only natural sources of the hormone melatonin, which is known to help reset your body's clock. So, pop some into your mouth when you're traveling. Goji berries: Snack on a couple of Goji berries before you hit the bed, as they can help enhance the quality of your sleep, which is essential if you want to defeat jet-lag.
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Bananas and Ginger will help you get over jet lag
Banana: Reach for the good-old banana, as it contains essential electrolytes (read potassium and magnesium), and natural sugars, that can give you an instant energy boost, and also enhance your sleep quality. Ginger: When you are jet-lagged, try sipping some ginger tea, as it will help stimulate gastric motility and mitigate nausea. This way, it will help calm down your stomach, and improve digestion.
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Kiwis and Leafy greens can beat symptoms of jet lag
Kiwi: Rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Kiwi can help you cope with many jet lag-induced symptoms. It boosts your immunity, eases digestion, and helps you recover from sleeplessness. Leafy greens: Fill up on dark, leafy greens, including the likes of kale, collards, and spinach, as they (rich in folate and magnesium) can improve your focus and help reset your body's clock.
Hacks and tips
Here are some other handy hacks to beat jet lag
In addition to these food remedies, follow these simple hacks to get over jet lag: 1) Sleep well before you fly. 2) Avoid alcohol and coffee before/during flights. 3) Adjust your meal timings as per the new time zone, in advance. 4) Set your watch in accordance with the new time zone. 5) Keep moving around (or exercise) to ensure proper blood flow.