Last year, I read about how eating tart cherries might help ease jet lag. I packed my cherries, ate them on the plane, but was too jet lagged to remember to eat them the next few nights, which meant that my experiment failed and I never found out if cherries helped jet lag.
According to Russel J. Reiter, PhD, a nutrition researcher at the University of Texas Health and Science Center and one of the world’s leading authorities on melatonin:
When flying, eat some cherries (handful) 30 minutes to an hour before sleeping on the plane. After arrival, eat some cherries one hour before sleeping for at least three more consecutive nights.
I found a few articles suggesting eating cherries for the number of nights per time zones you pass through. That would mean that I would have to eat cherries for 12 nights. The longest I have dealt with jet lag is probably 3 days so I am not sure about the 12 night cherry thing. I am guessing Russel J. Reiter might not have considered time changes such as from Hawaii to Italy when coming up with his formula. Of course you also have to weigh in that this study of cherries easing jet lag comes from a cherry website.
Regardless, I am going to "give it a go" and try the cherry experiment once again this year (can't hurt and even if it doesn't work, cherries are a tasty, healthy snack).
Comments (5)
Crikey! You are on your way!
Woo hoo! Thinking of you. :)
Posted by Leslie | June 20, 2008 6:37 PM
Posted on June 20, 2008 18:37
Hi Girasoli, I didn't know that about cherries. Maybe I'll have to try it! Thanks for the tip.
You'll soon be in Italy, this is so exciting . . .
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | June 21, 2008 2:03 AM
Posted on June 21, 2008 02:03
I'd never heard of this with the cherries, but it's easy enough to try. I only crossed six time zones coming from Italy to New York but I have had jet lag BAD for about five days. I hate it. Will have to try this cure on my way back in a few weeks. Have fun in Italy!
Posted by Diane | June 21, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on June 21, 2008 11:11
Susan, I think we talked about this last year -- I thought it was a great idea. I love cherries anyway. I hope it is working for you right now as you're on your way to Italy!
I still rely on my old favourite jet-lag remedy: No-Jet-Lag. But this fall, I'll definitely add dried cherries to the mix.
Posted by sandrac | June 22, 2008 1:40 PM
Posted on June 22, 2008 13:40
Oh DO let us know how the cherry thing works out. I'll give it a try in October...as you say, even if it doesn't work, cherries are yummy anyway!
Hope your trip is off to a great start!!! Can't wait to read about it.
Posted by Anne | June 23, 2008 2:29 PM
Posted on June 23, 2008 14:29