Health Tip: Reducing Jet Lag

(HealthDayNews) -- Do your summer plans include traveling by air across several time zones? If so, you're bound to experience some form of jet lag as your body's internal clock tries to adapt.

Reduce the effects of jet lag with these suggestions, courtesy of Valley View Hospital in Colorado.

• Use light to your advantage. When traveling east, you'll benefit from being out in the morning and midday light; when going west, head outdoors in the middle and late afternoon.
• Follow the "jet lag diet" for three days before you leave. This diet alternates feast days with fast days. On feast days, you eat a high-protein breakfast and lunch and a high-carbohydrate dinner. On fast days, you consume small amounts of soup, salad and fruit.
• Drink lots of water during the flight, and avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
• Start shifting your sleep/wake cycle in advance of your departure.

-- Felicity Stone