An NRI plastic surgeon in the US, who is a close friend, travels a great deal. Jet lag is his regular bugbear, which, he fears, may even affect his performance. Many in the country share his predicament. And in the summer, for those who fly to escape the heat wave, jet lag can hamper sightseeing.Surprisingly, nutritional and health tips can help cope effectively with jet lag. The three ingredients that should form part of the strategy are: diet, regimen and Melatonin. Diet and jet lag are directly related. The type of food you eat will provide the chemical cues for the body to either sleep or to stay alert. In general, the protein rich foods activate a pathway that keeps you alert and on the other hand a large amount of carbohydrates will slow you down and make you drowsy. Eating light during the flight is the universal rule, but there is a tried and tested plan that you can follow for 3 days prior to the flight. • Day 1: Eat a high protein breakfast and lunch (meat/fish/pulses/dairy products/eggs). The dinner should be carbohydrate-rich (cereals, potatoes, pasta).• Day 2: Reduce your calorie intake to about half. This will use up the store of carbohydrate levels in the liver and prepare the body clock for resetting.• Day 3: Repeat diet of Day 1.•On the day of journey: About 12 hours before traveling, have diet of Day 2.In addition, as a golden rule take plenty of cold fluids. Avoid tea, coffee or alcohol. Good hydration helps to fight jet lag better.
