5 Easy Ways to Combat Jet Lag
Get-Fit Guy is always up in the air, traveling to competitions and fitness events. He’s developed 5 easy ways to combat the effects of jet lag. Check them out!
In the past 5 weeks, I’ve flown to Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Thailand. All this traveling means that I’ve had to implement as many strategies as possible to keep myself and my family healthy and fit while traveling.
In the past, I’ve written about various ways to combat jet lag, including grounding or earthing, exercise, homeopathic remedies, and special diets. But today, I want to tell you about a few other strategies I’ve been using that work quite well.
- Water. You’ve probably heard that you lose more water flying at altitude than on land, so you need to drink more to stay hydrated and beat jet lag. I’ve been experimenting with relatively high water intake and I find that it helps out quite a bit. Try to drink close to 12-16 ounces of water each hour, and if you’re in a window seat, make sure that your aisle-based airline partner is spry and willing – or switch spots with them.
- Curcumin. Curcumin – which is found in turmeric and curries – is a very strong antioxidant which helps tremendously when taken on an empty stomach both before and after flying. I’ve been using about 1000 mg of curcumin.
- Cold showers. I’ve been known to actually go into the airline lounge during a long layover for a 10-15 minute cold shower 9or taking one at the hotel when I arrive at my destination). Cold showers expand blood vessels, which dramatically helps beat jet lag.
- Eliminate processed sugars and vegetable oils. When I say eliminate, I mean completely. These are inflammation-causing foods which you especially don’t want when flying. So while the 80/20 rule may work most of the time, I follow the 100/0 rule with these foods when traveling – they make up 0% of my diet (and yes, that usually means no airplane food for me!).
- Sulfur-based foods. Sulfur-heavy foods are very good antioxidant precursors. Broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, and Brussels sprouts are all good sources of sulfur. You may need to brush your teeth afterwards if you plan on talking to your seatmate on the airplane, but if you squeeze in a few meals with these foods in the days leading up to the flight, you’ll feel much better when you land!
Do you have questions about using these tips to combat jet lag? Or have some of your own to add? Then post a comment below or at Facebook.com/GetFitGuy!
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About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.
