Avoiding Jet Lag

If air travel makes you exhausted and disoriented (a.k.a. jet lag,) its because your circadian rhythms - your internal time-clock - no longer coincide with the rising and setting of the sun after going through two or more time zones. Circadian rhythms regulate functions like heart rate, digestion, and hormone release. While jet lag cannot be prevented, in Overcoming Jet Lag (Berkley Books, 1983), Dr. Charles Ehret and Lynne Waller Scanlon discuss foods that buffer your body from jet lag's worst effects. Proteins set off a biochemical cascade that can help keep you alert; carbohydrates can signal the body to sleep. Try this post-flight plan:

* Replace muffins, bagels and croissants with a high-protein breakfast of eggs and cheese
* Eat fish or chicken with veggies for lunch to help you stay alert until the end of your afternoon activity.
* Have pasta for dinner and order a dessert-it just may be the extra nudge you need to get a good night's sleep.

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