The 3 best remedies for jetlag

Jetlag: definition and symptoms

Jetlag, describes the collection of symptoms caused by disruption to our internal clock when we fly across several time zones in quick succession. It normally occurs when the time difference is more than 3 hours.

On arrival at our destination, we may experience a variety of symptoms:

• sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the night ...);
• intense fatigue;
• problems concentrating;
• headaches;
• irritability;
• loss of appetite;
• muscle and joint pain ...

What actually causes jetlag?

Let’s remember that our internal clock is set to the time parameters of our normal environment, namely light, temperature, meal times etc. Crossing several time zones within a short space of time disrupts this internal clock and, as a result, various of the body’s functions too. We need to adapt a little in order to become accustomed to this new circadian rhythm.

It’s often said it takes a day to adapt, though this is easier when travelling west rather than east. But for some people (especially older individuals), it can take longer, and the related physical and mental problems can therefore mar a holiday or adversely affect a business trip.

So let’s now explore the 3 natural techniques which can really help with this resynchronisation...

To reduce jetlag, take the following steps before and during your flight

In the nights leading up to your trip, try to ensure you sleep well so that you avoid building up a sleep debt, which will exacerbate jetlag.

Then once you’re on the plane, we recommend changing your watch to the time zone of your destination. In this way, you’ll have already subconsciously begun to adapt to your new time zone.

Use the flight to take a long nap, if it’s in the daytime, or to sleep the whole night (if you’re able to), if it’s a night flight. Keep yourself well-hydrated, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and stimulating drinks, and get up and move around from time to time.

Adapt to your new time zone (and get out in the daylight)

To overcome jetlag, it’s particularly important to align yourself as quickly as possible with the local time.

If you’re landing at night, then go to bed. If you’re arriving in the early hours of the morning, treat it the start of a new day.

The most important thing is not to stay cooped up inside but to get out in the fresh air so that you’re exposed to natural light, a key element of your resynchronisation.

Melatonin, the most effective anti-jetlag remedy

One of the most recognised remedies for overcoming jetlag is melatonin. A hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland, levels of which increase as night starts to fall, it is known for maintaining the sleep-wake cycle.

When jetlagged, the body’s melatonin production becomes out of synch with its actual needs. Supplementing with melatonin thus facilitates and accelerates the re-synchronisation process. This is especially so when you’re travelling from the west to the east, since melatonin production gets delayed (in the case, for example, of a European flying to Asia, or returning from the US). A melatonin supplement, taken in the evening, brings forward the release of melatonin in the body and helps you to get to sleep faster (1-4).

Melatonin supplements are available in various forms:

• tablets (as in the product Melatonin 1 mg);
• sprays, for more rapid absorption (as in Melatonin Spray);
• or combined with relaxing plant extracts such as passiflora, valerian and California poppy (as in Advanced Sleep Formula).

Other supplements to take with you on holiday

If you’re looking for other natural products to pack in your suitcase, these are the most valuable supplements to take with you on your travels:

• to start with, if you’ve got room in your case, pack any supplements you’re currently taking so as not to interrupt your course (magnesium, vitamin C, omega-3...);
• if you’re planning on travelling by car during your trip and suffer from motion sickness, ginger is the perfect anti-nausea remedy with benefits recognised by the WHO (5). An hour before travel, consume it either fresh in a tea, or in chewing gum, or take it in capsule form (such as Super Gingerols, standardised to 20% gingerols, the plant’s most active ingredients). If a boat trip is part of your holiday plans, ginger also works for seasickness;
• travelling to foreign climes is often synonymous with stomach upsets: constipation, diarrhoea, bloating... Give your gut a helping hand by taking psyllium. Psyllium seed husks contain mucilage, a fibrous plant material which is converted into a viscous gel in the digestive tract. Though that might seem somewhat contradictory, psyllium has the specific ability to improve intestinal transit that’s either sluggish or too fast! (6-7) In the former, it acts by increasing the volume and viscosity of stools, and in the latter, by trapping excess water in stools (try, for example, Psyllium Seed Husk). In addition, it’s a good idea to support your gut microbiota by taking some ‘good bacteria’ (especially the Bacillus subtilis) strain;
• heading for the beach for a spot of sunbathing ? Then in addition to your sun cream, don’t forget to take some keratin hydrolysate capsules, rich in melanin. A genuine natural tan accelerator, the patented supplement Tan-Aid is supported by several clinical studies and is perfect for achieving that beautiful, sun-kissed look!