Monday, July 13, 2009
Research
Cheryl Murphy - Healthy Travel Examiner
June 14, 5:55 PM
Coffee, tea, vitamin or supplement? In a perfect nutritionist world, that might be your choices in the friendly skies. Many of us suffer before stepping on a plane let alone on a ten hour flight. Soaring high at 38,000 feet in a cramped, dry environment sets the tone for headaches, fatigue and stomach woes. It is usually post flight when the drama really can set in.
It is called “jet lag”, also referred to as desynchronosis. It is a temporary physiological disorder that ails many travelers. Jet lag usually arrives about the time we arrive at our final destination. The body is out of sync with tiredness, anxiety, irritability, and you name it! Our bodies have trouble processing time zones, especially going eastward and it faithfully tries to realign the rhythm that it is familiar with. Our bodies are accustomed to a certain 24 hour rhythm. That is because we tend to eat, sleep and breathe with a dependable pattern. Time usually takes care of the disorder but it is challenging to all of us to spend three out of ten vacation days feeling miserable.
Many have attempted to find different solutions to jet lag over the years. As our diets stray away from whole food to processed eats, once again it is one other way our body pleads to revolt.
Here are some solutions that decrease the aftermath of air travel:
•Pine Bark extract -- pycnogenol, another term for pine bark, originates from the coastal pines of southwest France. Studies have proven pine bark extract will decrease the symptoms of jet lag. The extract has been researched for several years and proves to be a potent antioxidant. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, dilates blood vessels and binds collagen to elastin. It will boost the effects of vitamin C while extending the time vitamin C remains in the body. Asian medicine has used pine bark
for centuries and has been known to be used as a tea by early Europeans. Practitioners recommend taking a 50mg. capsule per day a couple days before a long trip and one more during the trip. Pine bark extract may disrupt drugs being taken that suppress the immune system. It is not advised to use if you have an autoimmune disease. Always check with your doctor before taking.
•Melatonin -- much has been documented on this hormone that can be found secreted from the pineal gland. Melatonin’s purpose in our body is to control rhythm and is released according to how much light we obtain. The supplement gets mixed reviews. The correct dosage varies from 0.5mg. to3mg. which can vary with each individual. Melatonin can be found at most drug and grocery stores.
•Diet -- staying in good health on the ground will improve your chances for rebound when you land at your final destination. Quality lean, organic animal proteins and vegetable proteins like beans, whey powder and edamame will increase energy level.Whole grains will boost immunity. Fruits and vegetables are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins. Dr. Charles Ehret, a scientist with the Argonne laboratory developed the Argonne Anti-Jet-Lag diet. The Argonne national laboratory is associated with the Department of Energy’s major centers of energy research. The diet recommends a feast, fast, feast, fast method alternating between proteins and carbohydrates. Their website, www.antijetlagdiet.com gives valuable information on the diet.
•Acidophilus -- a probiotic that is found in yogurt, sauerkraut and kefir, it will protect the body from harmful bacteria. Acidophilus can be found in capsules.
•Hydration -- always drink plenty of pure, filtered water during travel. Sipping on 6-8 ounces per hour in the air is sufficient.
•Move -- once the seatbelt sign has been turned off, move around! Sitting for hours on a plane will make anyone feel terrible.
So, an accumulation of a good diet, the right supplements, a little exercise plus hydration will ease the annoyance of jet lag for almost anyone. It is a safe bet to stay grounded with good health on a daily basis if you want to ensure optimal vitality
when you fly.
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Author
Cheryl Murphy is an Examiner from the National Edition. You can see Cheryl's articles at:
"http://www.Examiner.com/x-12878-Healthy-Travel-Examiner"