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How to Make Jet Lag Suck a Lot Less
This article was created in partnership with Delta x Equinox Sweatlag.
So you saved up, made plans, packed your bags, and finally landed at your destination… first up on the agenda? Spend the next few days as a walking zombie fighting off a bout of jet lag so strong it feels like you popped a sleeping pill and washed it down with a shot of whiskey.
Is this how you really want to spend your vacation? Or worse, the first few days back when your mile-long to-do list means you need to be alert more than ever? We didn’t think so.
We teamed up with our friends at Delta to figure out what exactly jet lag is, what causes it, and how to fight it. Delta is now flying its new A350 plane, which actually reduces jet lag's impact through wider windows, improved air quality, and fancy LED lighting technology. To arrive even more refreshed, reserve a Delta One seat, where direct aisle access, fully reclining seats, and sliding doors let you snooze in comfort. Because travel is supposed to be full of fun, not fatigue.
Delta is also partnering with Equinox to create a jet lag-busting workout class called Sweatlag, which you can take at participating Equinox clubs in L.A. (your recent boarding pass gets you in for free!).
So What Exactly Is Jet Lag?
Ever wonder why you generally wake up and get tired around the same time every day? That’s thanks to circadian rhythm, an internal biological clock set on a 24-hour loop. It’s mostly impacted by sunlight (there’s a reason curtains were invented) and our daily routines, and it’s what keeps us on a regular schedule. Unsurprisingly, when we cross several time zones quickly, our body clocks need time to catch up and adjust to the new destination. The time it takes for our bodies to make that adjustment—and the resulting symptoms from our schedule being out of whack (fatigue, headaches, irritability, sleep disruption)—is our dear friend jet lag.
While it’s not entirely avoidable, there are plenty of crafty, science-backed ways to lessen jet lag’s effects. Since the intensity of your symptoms depends on how far you’re traveling (we’re talking the difference between a mild wine headache and a full-on hangover), we created the map below to help you better prepare for your next trip. Choose one of Delta's destinations in the time zone you'll be traveling to—we'll show you what you’re up against and give you some handy tips for kicking jet lag to the curb.
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Science-Backed Ways to Treat Chronic Inflammation
It might sound strange, but if you twist your ankle, and it swells up to the size of a small chihuahua, that's actually a good thing. Inflammation helps wounds heal, and our body would be pretty screwed without it. Of course, if the swelling never went down, problems would arise. One, it would be ever-so-hard to find knee-high boots. And two, that chronic swelling would damage the tissues around the ankle, causing pain and lack of mobility.
Now, there are different types of inflammation, and in the case of a sprained ankle, chronic inflammation is very rare. But chronic inflammation inside your body may be more common than we thought. When your insides are constantly aflame, it can cause symptoms like digestive issues; rashes; fatigue; and joint, chest, or abdominal pain. Even depression has been linked to inflammatory problems.
Unfortunately, inflammation is mysterious: Until recently, the medical community only cared about inflammation in conditions like lupus or inflammatory bowel disease. But growing evidence shows that inflammation could be a factor in a wide variety of diseases. From cancer to diabetes to ALS, studies are beginning to show that inflammation could be an underlying cause of many illnesses.
But please don't panic: If you have joint pain or another mild symptom, that doesn't mean you're going to get cancer. In fact, inflammation is tricky because it's not always linked to disease. And to be clear, there is not enough evidence to prove that inflammation has a solid link to cancer. Still, the fact that inflammation keeps showing up to the terrible-illness party means we should take it seriously.
Fortunately, there are a few remedies that can help symptoms of chronic inflammation. Most are available over-the-counter, and if you're pill-averse, there are even some natural remedies that show real scientific promise.
Is This Burning an Eternal (In)Flame(ation)?
It's hard to know how long your inflamed organs will stay, uh, aflame—mostly because it's hard to tell what's causing the inflammation in the first place. "Chronic inflammation is such a broad topic that it can be difficult to pin down to one or two distinct causes," says Holly Lucille, ND, RN. "Constant oxidative stress, genetics, and of course, daily physical activity can all be causes of inflammation."
Inflammation doesn't always make itself known—and pain is far from the only symptom. "Even though it's happening every day, you may not notice the effects until they manifest themselves in more visible signs of aging, or as a serious health condition like heart disease, arthritis, or cognitive challenges," Lucille says.
That all sounds super scary. But again, a little inflammation doesn't mean you're going to get cancer with a side of Alzheimer's. It's best to pay attention to your body, and if you're experiencing signs of chronic inflammation, see a doctor. In the meantime, there are a few remedies to treat your symptoms—and hopefully, help ease inflammation before it causes any major problems.
Corticosteriods
This is not an over-the-counter option. In fact, this is usually prescribed for people with diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and lupus. For less severe chronic inflammation, steroids usually aren't the best choice.
Though corticosteroids like prednisone are good at relieving swelling and suppressing inflammation, they can come with unpleasant side effects. With chronic use, you can get brittle bones, reduced immune capacity, high blood sugar, bruising, and behavioral problems.
Another counterintuitive effect: weight gain. Yeah, even though you're reducing inflammation, steroids can cause swelling in other areas of the body—or just straight up weight gain. Of course, having brittle bones and a higher risk of infection and diabetes is way worse than gaining a little weight, but it doesn't mean this problem isn't annoying.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with inflammation. I mean, they are called anti-inflammatory drugs, so it's really the least they could do.
Anyway, this stuff is best used when inflammation is causing pain or a lack of mobility. When I was 16, I had a doctor tell me to take four ibuprofen pills four times a day to fight off cramps, so I'm quite familiar with their bloat reducing, pain-relieving qualities.
Turns out, my doctor's advice may not be ideal. Though it's perfectly safe to use NSAIDs on occasion, consistent use can cause intestinal bleeding, according to a study from the American Gastroenterological Association. That doesn't mean that taking ibuprofen for your cramps is bad, but if you're taking it every day to stave off inflammation, that could lead to some real problems.
Diet
Since the most common anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, steroids) have bad side effects with persistent use, it's no wonder that doctors are starting to recommend more holistic treatments. "Eating a diet low in refined carbohydrates and high in fruits and vegetables—as well as avoiding saturated and trans fats—can reduce inflammation," says Ann Shippy, M.D.
Lucille agrees. "We know that refined sugars, fried foods, alcohol, and many other popular foods are inflammatory," she says. Yeah, of course, all the best-tasting things are bad. No surprise there. But Lucille says you don't have to cut out everything at once. "One easy way to address that is by replacing one inflammatory food each week with something more helpful, like fresh fruits or vegetables."
Shippy also recommends eating a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids to ward off inflammation: Omega-3s inhibit the production of prostaglandins—a lipid that triggers the inflammatory response. Foods like walnuts, salmon, chia seeds, and sardines are all good sources of omega-3.
Even if you're not into a dinner of sardines and seeds, simply adding in leafy greens and removing or reducing fried and refined foods can make a big difference. Though the occasional French fry won't kill you, keeping fries out of your daily diet will definitely help.
Curcumin
Though it sounds like a distant cousin of Kirk Cameron, curcumin is actually found in the spice turmeric. You may know turmeric from curries or from turning your hands bright yellow whenever you touch it. The spice is easy to find, and there's growing evidence that it could be a great tool in fighting inflammation.
This spice has been shown to greatly reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis—without any bad side effects. Compiling information from a range of studies, a meta-analysis in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal found that curcumin has the potential for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis (though they recommend further scientific study). Curcumin has also been found to be a useful anti-inflammatory agent. Though there aren't tons of studies on curcumin yet, there's enough to show it has potential.
Lucille recommends taking a curcumin supplement to get the best results. "The reason that I don't recommend plain turmeric powder is because it may only contain about two percent curcumin per dose, and curcumin is one of the main compounds in the botanical that stops inflammation." A supplement, especially one that includes turmeric essential oil for absorption, will give you a higher dose of the active ingredient, she says. Plus, you won't have to worry about dyeing your teeth bright yellow every time you want to reduce inflammation. Win/win!
Cannabidiol
Before you get too excited, I'm not telling you to smoke weed to reduce inflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of cannabis that contains no psychoactive properties. In other words, it doesn't get you high.
Though you won't feel like reenacting Cheech & Chong sketches, CBD may greatly relieve pain and inflammation. Blake Pearson, M.D., an expert in the field of cannabinoid medicine, says it has changed patients' lives—he's seen people get pain relief from CBD when other pharmaceuticals stopped working. In fact, he sees CBD as a potential replacement for NSAIDs, especially for patients with NSAID allergies or sensitivities.
How does it work? "CBD works by modulating the immune system at the cellular level to suppress proinflammatory cytokines and reduce inflammation," Pearson says. Since cytokines hang around to produce inflammation, blocking them will help calm the flame.
Pearson has seen countless patients thrive with CBD, but there's more than anecdotal evidence to support this claim—a study published in Neurotherapeutics found that CBD reduces neuroinflammation and pain, and could be used as a treatment for epilepsy.
Sadly, there aren't many other studies to prove the potential of CBD because of its ties to marijuana. Since marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug (meaning the government says it has no medicinal use and high likelihood of addiction), it's a real pain in the A to get a clinical study approved.
Thankfully, in December 2017, the World Health Organization classified CBD as safe with no likely potential to cause abuse or harm. With that proclamation, there will hopefully be more studies to prove (or disprove) the effects of this very promising drug. In the meantime, there are several studies on CBD in progress, and doctors like Pearson will continue to use it for inflammation and pain.
If you'd like to try CBD, it's legal in all 50 states. And while it won't give you dry mouth or the 3 a.m. munchies, it's always best to consult your doctor before trying any new treatment. Though inflammation now has some scary connotations, don't worry if you have a symptom or two. If you're feeling the pain or experiencing significant fatigue, moodiness, rashes, or joint soreness, it's best to see your doctor and try to soothe inflammation before it gets serious. Or, use inflammation as an excuse to eat more curry. Both are great ideas.
Amber Petty is a freelance writer in Los Angeles.
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Can You Really Do Whole30 As a Vegetarian?
The first time I did Whole30, I was overwhelmed by the amount of animal protein I was consuming. Eggs for breakfast, salmon for lunch, chicken for dinner… Though I’m not a vegetarian and the protein was high quality—Whole30 guidelines recommend eating grass-fed, organic, and pastured meat—I wasn’t used to eating that much of it. And I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. As a former vegan who eats a mostly pescatarian diet, it seemed like too much of a departure from my regular eating habits.
Food preferences aside, I stuck to the rules. And 30 days later, I have to admit, I felt great. But despite the positive changes—I had more energy, wasn’t craving sweets, and felt slimmer—I quickly went back to eating less meat and more vegetarian proteins like quinoa and hummus, which are both eliminated during Whole30.
After a recent trip to France for two back-to-back weddings—think free wine galore, daily baguettes, and hefty portions of butter and cheese—the prospect of Whole30 was tempting. But I didn’t want all that meat. It got me thinking: Is it possible to do Whole30 as a vegetarian?
Back Up: What Is Whole30?
For those unfamiliar with Whole30, it’s a popular clean-eating plan designed to reset your health by eliminating foods like sugar, dairy, gluten, soy, legumes, and alcohol for 30 days. Though there are many rules that are quite specific—cheating is not allowed!—the easiest way to remember is that the focus is on eating *whole* foods for 30 days, hence the name Whole30.
While a life without cheese may not feel like one worth living, the list of things you can eat during Whole30 is long. And the recipes are incredibly delicious. We’re talking meat, poultry, fish, veggies, fruit, and fats. (Oh, and black coffee too.) For those already partial to a Paleo diet, it can feel like a breeze. For those who aren’t so meat inclined, that’s where it can get tricky.
But before we dive into that, why do people even do it? It’s likely you’ve gone on vacation and indulged a bit too much. (Or is that just me... ?) Or you’ve hopped from one holiday party to the next and suddenly found yourself feeling sluggish. Or you’re simply looking to kick-start new, healthy habits. People often turn to Whole30 for a quick reboot—not to mention possible benefits like weight loss, improved digestion, surging energy levels, clearer skin, and more. Tempting, right?
Can Vegetarians Do Whole30?
When I started masterminding how to do Whole30 as a vegetarian, I quickly lost hope. If I wanted to stay away from meat and fish completely, eggs would be my primary source of protein. And as much as I love eggs, eating them every day—and at every meal—felt far too limiting.
And nutritionists agree.
“While the Whole30 program can be done as a vegetarian, it is rather difficult due to the exclusion of beans, grains, and soy-based proteins, which are staples in the vegetarian diet,” says Stacie Hassing, RDN, LD, of The Real Food Dietitians.
Some even go so far as to say doing Whole30 as a strict vegetarian—meaning your diet is limited to eggs, fats, fruits, and veggies for 30 days—simply isn’t healthy.
“I do not agree with the concept of taking out so many foods from an eating plan,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, author of Smart Meal Prep for Beginners. “This is a red flag and can result in a lack of nutrients because you aren’t eating the foods you need to keep your body healthy.”
Considering seitan, tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa are some of the best plant-based protein sources for vegetarians, which are all off-limits during Whole30, it’s easy to see why not all nutritionists are jumping for joy at the prospect of such a limited eating plan.
“When you remove processed foods, grains, sugars, and dairy products, you’re potentially removing a significant portion of calories from the diet that need to be replaced with other foods,” says Jessica Beacom, RDN, also of The Real Food Dietitians.
So, yes, it is possible to do Whole30 as a vegetarian by seriously upping your fat intake—think avocados, nuts, coconut, and other oils. But is it healthy? That’s up for debate.
What’s a vegetarian-inclined, Whole30-intrigued eater to do?
Animal-Style: A Slightly Modified Eating Plan
According to the Whole30 website, if you’re vegetarian and truly want to give the eating plan a go, the best way is to reintroduce fish to your diet (and other lean proteins, if you’re up for it).
But is it safe to reintroduce a food your body isn’t used to?
“Adding quality sourced animal protein is safe if that’s what the individual feels is best for their personal health,” Hassing says.
But Beacom cautions, “Consider working with your healthcare provider or dietitian/nutritionist, who can help guide your choices and recommend certain supplements like digestive enzymes to help make the transition easier.”
In fact, when it comes to any drastic change in diet, or even if you consider taking a new supplement, it’s always important to consult medical professionals before taking the plunge. Every body is different, and it’s safest to trust science and the professionals who rely on it.
That said, if you’re all for experimenting with new animal proteins and have the go-ahead from your doctor or nutritionist to do so, there are some helpful ways to reintroduce them without too much body backlash.
“If a vegan or vegetarian does choose to introduce animal proteins in their diet, they should do so at their own pace,” Amidor says. “Start with a small amount and slowly increase portions.”
In the case of Whole30, it may actually be best to start the reintroduction process before you begin Whole30 so your body is ready for regular consumption before you up your intake.
The animal protein you choose and how it's prepared may also matter.
“Some people like to ease into things by starting with fish, shellfish, or pre-cooked poultry that just needs to be reheated (think: rotisserie chicken),” Beacom says. “Others find that ‘hiding’ meat in dishes like stir-fry, casseroles, soups, or stews is the way to go.”
As with any eating plan, listen to your body. Only you know what feels (and tastes) right and what doesn’t.
Animal-Free: Can Vegetarians Break the Rules?
It’s a-OK if fish and meat aren’t for you. But that also means that Whole30 may not be a viable eating plan. The eating plan is exception-free, meaning that if you choose to stick to some of the rules but not all of them, then it’s simply not Whole30.
“If an individual, whether someone is vegetarian or not, does not have the desire to exclude grains and beans for the 30 days, then Whole30 may not before them,” Hassing says. “And that’s OK! It’s not for everyone, and if someone feels great eating grains and beans and they want to continue, then they should.”
That said, Whole30 has developed vegetarian and vegan eating plans that stay true to some of the core ideologies behind the 30-day eating plan. But the Whole30 website is quick to note that if you’re cutting out animal protein, it’s technically not Whole30.
The Takeaway
While Whole30 may work wonders for some, it’s certainly not for everyone. So don’t feel like you have to try it if it doesn’t fit with your lifestyle and dietary preferences.
There are plenty of ways to implement healthier eating habits—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, gluten-free, etc.—and there are plenty of medical professionals who’d be more than happy to help you craft a 30-day plan that can become your own version of Whole30.
But if Whole30 is what you’re aiming for, play by the rules and embrace that animal protein. After all, it’s just 30 days.
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Breakups Suck—Here are 6 Ways to Move On
Whether you've just pulled the plug on a relationship or your former paramour has ripped your broken, still-beating heart straight from your chest, mixed metaphors aren't helping the fact that breakups suuuuck.
It's amazing that for all the dating books and apps out there, there are so few guides for what to do when things don't work out. But know that you're not alone in wondering how to get over an ex and move on with your life—and this can be your place to begin.
1. Don't avoid the grieving process.
It's totally normal to feel like someone died when you're getting over a very meaningful romantic relationship. When she discusses breakup recovery, Fran Walfish, Psy.D., a Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist, even refers to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. That's why Walfish suggests you deal with the pain head-on.
"If you distract yourself, you're feeding the denial, and that's not helpful," Walfish says. "Allow yourself to feel anything genuine that comes up and do not censor."
There's also real value in allowing yourself those good, long crying jags. "Tears contain cortisol, so when you cry, you really are literally getting it out," says Chloe Carmichael, Psy.D., author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.
2. Relieve your pain.
Although it may sound odd, relationship pain isn't just metaphorical—you may be able to treat it as you would a physical ache.
"I've seen some studies that have shown that taking Tylenol in the early stages can help because some of the same pain receptors that are activated by physical pain can also be activated by the emotional kind," Carmichael says.
Massage, which has also been shown to reduce levels of that stress hormone cortisol, is another way to potentially ease your pain. "One thing that we miss when we go through a breakup is being touched and held, having this positive human contact," Carmichael says. "A massage isn't the same as a romantic experience, but it is a positive, intimate, compassionate form of touch that can really help people."
3. Reach out to friends and family.
Besides just listening to you cry (and rage) about your ex, the right people can do two things for you at this crucial period: Keep you company and—after the first wave of grief—distract you from your ex.
Carmichael suggests you tell your friends what's up and ask them to help you out by having someone come around every day of the week (or whatever amount of people-time is comfortable for you).
"I've even had clients who wanted to have a friend stay over with them for a night or two, especially if they were going through a breakup with someone they used to live with," she says. But make sure these are people who will add some positive energy to your life, Carmichael says—the last thing you need is someone who might bring you down further.
"Gravitate toward people who will just listen compassionately without telling you what to do," Walfish says. You may be surprised to find that you don't need to avoid your friends who are coupled up, however. "A lot of happily married couples will take you under their wing, invite you as a third, and won't care that you don't have a fourth partner."
If revealing your vulnerabilities to friends is hard, or if you're concerned that this breakup is part of a pattern, therapy may be a good alternative to see you through this period. "You might give yourself a safe and supportive space that doesn't carry any other emotional baggage with it by seeing a professional," Carmichael says.
4. Unfriend the ex.
It can be particularly tricky to get over someone you work with and still have to see every day, or someone whose friend group overlaps with your own.
"It's almost like a dieter who is working in a bakery—it's very tempting," Carmichael says. But it's up to you to remove yourself from that temptation in the most polite way possible. Explain to your ex that, though you like and respect them, you will be doing your best to be distant and cordial. You can say, "Since we can't be together, I need to try to have some really strong boundaries."
That goes for social media too. If you're trying to get over someone you love, you don't need all of your devices bringing their name and face to the forefront of your brain all day long. Don't let the fear of offending your ex stop you from hitting "unfriend."
Explain to your ex that, though you like and respect them, you will be doing your best to be distant and cordial.
"You can send a note explaining that this is not anything hostile; in fact, you like the person very much, and this is just helpful for you as you try to move forward," Carmichael says.
5. Distract yourself.
After a period of grief, you can try to be proactive about digging yourself out of those wallowing depths and living life as though you don't care about the ex—even if you do (and of course you do).
"Go to movies, dinners, restaurants, theater, museums, go to the spa, get out of your environment, go on vacations," Walfish advises. Not only does this get you unstuck from your rut, but it also sets you up for the next step "because you're more desirable when you're busy, and you have a lot going for you."
As much as heartbreak might turn you into a champion binge-watcher, you can also try to get up and do things while bingeing on audiobooks and podcasts. "An audiobook can actually help you to feel less alone, and you can have a positive message running in the background, even if you're not paying super-close attention to it," Carmichael says.
6. Find your rebound.
While "rebound" can sound like a pejorative term, we all know someone who found epic love right after a breakup. (Raises hand.) Whether you're truly looking for the next candidate or not, Carmichael says there is value to putting your profile back up on dating sites.
"There's nothing wrong with setting up a profile and starting to accrue the attention of some other people who might be noticing you," she says. "There's no law that says you have to respond to people right away. Being on a dating site can make you feel better about yourself and reminds you of the reality, which is that there's a whole big world out there full of people who would like to meet you."
When you are ready to jump back into the game—either for a fling or something deeper—be as self-aware as possible. Walfish warns: "I think it's wise to take your time and choose wisely and carefully. It decreases the chances of repeating the same mistakes that got you in trouble the first time."
Exactly how long does it take to get over someone?
Don't stress out about reaching some sort of time limit on this. There is no right answer.
"It's so different for everyone," Walfish says. "It depends how much of your heart and soul you gave and how long it takes you to heal. I don't think the answer is easy or tangible. You just have to know yourself well."
Sabrina Rojas Weiss lives in Brooklyn, surrounded by her fellow freelance writers and competitive stroller-pushers. Follow her on Twitter @shalapitcher.
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