Eating could be the solution for jet lag, scientists find

There is nothing worse than stepping off the plane into a new country wanting to explore when you are hit with jet lag.

Travel lovers will be well aware of the frustration, especially those who travel further to other sides of the globe.

While jet lag doesn't really come into play for UK peeps in European destinations with just a few hours of time difference, travelling to the likes of the US and Australia can hit you for six.

Over the years, many have basically accepted jet lag is just like a hangover; you just have to ride it out.

But thanks to new research done by scientists, it appears there is finally a way to fight it off.

Apparently the key to beating jet lag off is eating - though foodies will be disappointed to learn you shouldn't just be eating non-stop.

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Jet lag is caused due to disruptions to the innate biological clock in humans, called the circadian rhythm.

These regulate when we become more tired and sleep and when we're more alert.

Symptoms of jet lag include difficulty sleeping at night and staying awake in the day, difficulty concentrating, indigestion, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite and mild anxiety.

But some helpful scientists have come up with a top tip to stop all that from happening.

They say having a single, larger meal - perhaps something you'd have for your evening meal - is the way to go first thing in the morning at your new destination.

The scientists claim this can knock jet lag on its head, though they add that the older you get, the less likely it is to work.

Also added in the report was that taking a walk in the sunshine is a good way to combat a jet lag, that is if you've gone to a hot destination of course.

As for things to avoid when it comes to beating the dreaded jet lag, it is pretty obvious, but one of the worst things you can do is sleep in the day.

All this useful information was discovered by experts at Northwestern University and the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico.

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Study author Yitong Huang, from Northwestern University said: "Having a larger meal in the early morning of the new time zone can help overcome jet lag.

"Constantly shifting meal schedules or having a meal at night is discouraged, as it can lead to misalignment between internal clocks."

Speaking on the science of jet lag, Huang added: "Conflicting signals, such as warm weather during a short period of light or nighttime eating – eating when your brain is about to rest – can confuse internal clocks and cause desynchrony."

Topics: Science, Travel, Food And Drink

Callum Jones

@CallumJ2709