How to beat jet lag.

If you travel for work or just have a lot of family living abroad, you may be familiar with dreadful jet lag.  Fear not, for there are some steps you can take to lessen the effects jet lag.

The condition known as jet lag is caused when you travel across several time zones.  The human body runs on a schedule or what is referred to as an "internal clock," maintained based on the pattern of sunlight, night, and day.  Jet lag tends to be worse when you cross 4 or more time zones and has a variety of symptoms including difficulty concentrating, daytime fatigue, sleep problems, and muscle soreness.

Chances are if you are traveling far you may not want to waste time when you reach your destination trying to cope with the time change and the effects of jet lag, especially if you are traveling for business purposes.  Here are a few ways you can minimize the effects and maybe sidestep jet lag altogether!

Melatonin:  When your body can detect that the day is coming to an end and the night is here, it produces melatonin which helps you fall asleep at the right time.  You can take melatonin supplements to help outsmart your internal clock and reset it once you are at your destination.  Be careful when you head to the U.K. because you must have a perscription for it.

Sunlight:  Sun exposure in reasonable doses is good for you but it can also help with adjusting your internal clock to a new schedule.  When you reach your destination, be outside during prime sunny hours and get some good exposure  to orient your body to the new day/night schedule.  If you are too restless at a late hour, turn the lights down low and close your curtains to get rested and sleepy.  Use an eye mask if needed.

Diet:  Jet lag is caused by a shift in time zones that throws off the body's internal clock due to a difference in daylight and night time hours, but the effects of jet lag can be made worse by dehydration and or toxicity.  Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat healthy leading up to and after your trip and try to avoid processed sugar, alcohol, and caffeine as they create toxicity in the body and tend to dehydrate.  Be sure to detox before you leave for the airport.

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Natural Detox and Immune Boosting Tonic

Natural Detox and Immune Boosting Tonic

A great natural detox and immune boosting tonic:

This concoction of Nature's Super Antibiotics destroys both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is also a potent anti-viral and anti-fungal/yeast formula, and will increase blood and lymph circulation to every part of the body. It is so effective that it is said to be the cure for colds and the flu, and is the herbal preparation of choice against Candida. This basic formula dates back to medieval Europe and the plagues. 

Benefit of each Ingredient: (All Organic Of Course!!)

• Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill off millions of friendly bacteria that your body needs, Garlic only targets the invading bacteria and even promotes and increases your healthy bacteria. Garlic is also a powerful anti-fungal and literally destroys any antigen, pathogen and any harmful or disease causing micro-organism. 
• Onion is Garlic's next of kin and has similar but milder action. Together they are a tremendous fighting duo. 
• Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinus and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often starts. 

• Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a tremendous circulatory stimulant.
• Cayenne (Peppers) is the most powerful circulatory propellant known. It simply sends the antibiotic and disease fighting properties of the other herbs where they're needed most.
• Turmeric clears infection and reduces inflammation inside of the body. It blocks cancer from developing. Especially helpful for those with joint pain.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Braggs Organic ACV)  There surely must be something really healthy in using apple cider vinegar, since The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. It is said that he had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar. 

DIRECTION FOR MAKING YOUR OWN!

• 1 30 oz. bottle Organic Apple Cider Vinegar(I recommend Braggs ACV)

• 1/4 cup chopped Garlic
• 1/4 cup Onions
• 1/4 cup Habanero peppers (or hottest peppers you can find)
• 1/4 cup grated Ginger
• 1/4 cup grated Horseradish
• 2 T Turmeric

1. Blend  ingredients together for a couple of minutes
2. Strain
3. Pour liquid back in bottle
4. Compost everything else!

You can store the tonic in a cupboard for long periods of time. No need to keep in the refrigerator. You can also use it mixed with olive oil for a salad dressing.  Or a shot full on your stir fry.


*For sore throat, gargle a bit in the mouth and swallow.
*For an illness, such as a cold or flu, take about 2 droppers full or a Tablespoon every couple of hours.  
*For daily immune support drink 2 droppers full/ 1Tablespoon every day. Build up tolerance to a shot glass full.
*Eat an orange, lemon, or lime slice after to ease the heat.

All About Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine.

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction.

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very helpful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains. This dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body.It is claimed that apple cider vinegar is helpful in ailments such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments. No wonder then many know apple cider vinegar as the "Wonder Drug".

With Gratitude,
   ~Alex

www.trueearthmama.com

www.facebook.com/TrueEarthMama

Alex is a renowned speaker, (R)evolutionary teacher and world traveler, having lived and studied in the United States, South Africa and Costa Rica. She has a BA in Environmental Studies, a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a qualified Yoga instructor. She is a continuous source of inspiration to thousands of women around the world and has spent her life tirelessly researching ways to maintain a fully balanced life.