Are you tired of the dreaded jet lag that comes with long-distance travel? Well, a recent study has found an interesting solution to help cure jet lag: chili, chocolate, and light stretching. Yes, you heard it right – these simple and enjoyable activities might be the key to resetting your internal clock and easing the discomfort of jet lag.
Jet lag occurs when your body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is disrupted due to crossing multiple time zones. This disruption leads to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and even digestive problems. It can take days to recover from jet lag, leaving you feeling less than optimal during your much-awaited vacation or business trip.
Now, researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered that incorporating chili peppers, chocolate, and light stretching into your routine can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. The study, published in the journal “Scientific Reports,” showed promising results after testing these interventions on a group of volunteer participants.
Chili peppers, known for their active compound capsaicin, have been found to have various health benefits, including pain relief, improved digestion, and increased metabolism. In the study, participants who consumed a meal with chili peppers experienced a faster adjustment to the new time zone, thanks to capsaicin’s impact on the circadian clock genes.
But what about chocolate? Well, it turns out that dark chocolate, particularly the one with a high percentage of cocoa, contains compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids have been associated with improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing brain function. Researchers found that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate helped regulate melatonin levels, a hormone involved in sleep regulation, thus promoting faster adjustment to a new time zone.
Additionally, light stretching exercises were found to be beneficial in resetting the internal clock and reducing the symptoms of jet lag. Researchers recommend performing light stretching activities, such as yoga or gentle stretching exercises, before and after the flight, as well as during layovers. These stretches help increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation – all of which contribute to a smoother adjustment to a new time zone.
While these findings are exciting and offer a more enjoyable approach to combating jet lag, it’s important to note that they are based on a small-scale study. Further research is needed to confirm the results and determine the exact mechanisms involved in order to create more effective jet lag treatments.
In the meantime, incorporating chili peppers, dark chocolate, and light stretching into your travel routine seems like a win-win situation. Even if it doesn’t completely eliminate jet lag, you’ll still reap the benefits of consuming delicious food and engaging in relaxation exercises.
So, next time you find yourself facing the unpleasant effects of jet lag, consider reaching for some spicy chili peppers, a square of dark chocolate, and incorporating light stretching into your daily routine. Who knows, these simple yet enjoyable activities may just help you overcome jet lag faster and allow you to make the most of your travels.
