Jetlag? Discover how dietary supplements can assist you!
A jetlag can be an unpleasant side effect of international travel, disrupting your daily routine significantly. Fortunately, there are various ways to tackle this issue. Besides adjusting your sleep schedule and exposing yourself to natural light at appropriate times, dietary supplements can play a valuable role in combating a jetlag. In this blog, we delve deeper into how dietary supplements can help reduce the effects of a jetlag and aid in quicker recovery.
Melatonin: The Sleep Regulator
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by our bodies to regulate our sleep-wake cycle. During a jetlag, your biological clock might be thrown off balance, making it difficult to fall asleep at the desired time. Melatonin supplements can help promote sleep and assist in adapting to the new time zone.
Magnesium: For Relaxation and Rest
The mineral magnesium is known for its relaxing properties. A jetlag can lead to feelings of restlessness and stress, making it challenging to unwind and rest. Taking a magnesium supplement before bedtime can help relax your muscles and calm your mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
Vitamin B-Complex: For Energy and Vitality
A jetlag can impact your energy levels, leaving you feeling fatigued and depleted. A vitamin B-complex supplement can support your energy levels and restore vitality. These vitamins play a crucial role in converting food into energy, helping you regain your energy faster.
Ginseng: Natural Energy Booster
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that can increase your energy levels and enhance endurance. It can help reduce fatigue and increase alertness, which can be beneficial in overcoming a jetlag.Ashwagandha: Natural Adaptogen
Against a jetlag Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional medicine to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It can help relax your body and aid in adapting to the new environment.Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promoting Recovery
Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits and can also aid in the recovery process after a long journey. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and can support your immune system, which is particularly important as your body adjusts to a new environment.How a Jetlag Occurs
A jetlag occurs when your body struggles to immediately adapt to a new time zone after long-distance travel, especially during intercontinental flights involving multiple time zones. The human body has an internal biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, regulated by our brains, which adjusts to the cycles of light and darkness. This rhythm determines when we feel drowsy and when we are active and alert.
When you abruptly travel to a different time zone, your biological clock gets disrupted because the day-night rhythm doesn’t align with the new schedule. This happens because the external time (at your destination) doesn’t match the internal time (your biological clock). As a result, you experience jetlag symptoms.
Several key factors contributing to a jetlag are:
Time Zone Difference: The larger the time zone difference between your departure and destination locations, the stronger the impact of a jetlag.
Travel Direction: Traveling east (e.g., from New York to Paris) can be more challenging for your body to adapt to than traveling west (e.g., from New York to Los Angeles).
Individual Differences: Not everyone experiences a jetlag the same way. Some individuals adapt to new time zones more easily than others.
Age: Older individuals might struggle more with adapting to a jetlag compared to younger people.
Symptoms of a jetlag can include:
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Feeling of exhaustion
- Lack of concentration and focus
- Disrupted digestion (e.g., stomach issues)
- Changes in mood and irritability
- General discomfort and unease
Most people need a few days to fully recover from a jetlag, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances. There are measures you can take to minimize a jetlag, such as adjusting your sleep schedule before departing, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, exposing yourself to natural light at the right times, and using dietary supplements like melatonin to support your biological clock.
While a jetlag can be a challenge, the right dietary supplements can support your body and expedite the adjustment process. However, it’s always wise to consult your doctor before using new supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. With the right approach and dietary supplements, you can overcome a jetlag and fully enjoy your travel experiences worldwide.
