As a travel agent, Sharon Oberritterspends a lot of time up in the air.
"I would say I go to at least five or six international destinations in the course of a year," she says.
So she's had her fair share of jet lag.
"For me, it's the inability to get up in the morning and function very well. I just want to nap during the day," she recalls.
In addition to fatigue, jet lag can make people groggy, nauseous and out of sorts.Nutritionist Patti Milligan says jet lag happens when your body clock gets disrupted. And it can disrupt your plans.
"When you are out enjoying your vacation, you feel too tired to really be able to focus and enjoy it," Milligan notes.
But she says there are things you can do to off-set jet lag. First, before you take off, start drinking more water to keep yourself hydrated.
"The second tip is, get a good restful night sleep before you get on that trip so you have kind of your sleep bank is rich with sleep," she says.
And pack dried fruit and nuts to munch on while you are on the plane. Those snack foods will boost your immune system.
Skip caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, and go for water or cranberry juice.
And to lessen the chances of traveler's tummy, drinking ginger tea can help.
During your trip, and when you arrive at your destination, stretch and start moving.
"Getting some movement, helps move that sewer system, that lymphatic system and also seems to help kind of recheck the organs getting back in sync with one another," Milligan says.
Patti also suggests eating yogurt while your away, because it helps your digestive system.
And at least for the first few days, try to eat lightly and avoid heavy meals.
Also if you land and it is daytime, do you best to get out in the sun. It helps your body clock re-adjust to the local time.
