Right diet the defence for jet-lag

THE phone rings loudly next to the bed; it's your wake-up call, telling you it's time to get up for that early morning breakfast meeting. So, why is your body clock telling you it is still the middle of the night? This is a familiar scenario for many business executives whose work involves long-distance travel. But it does not have to be, according to naturopath Dr Alexander Yuan of the Optimum Health Centre.

He recommends following a dietary method devised by molecular biologist Charles Ehret to combat the unwelcome effects of jet-lag.

The programme must be started three days before the flight. It basically involves eating a high-protein breakfast and lunch (for example, steak, eggs, omelette, lean sausage, cheese, fish steak, tofu or milk) and a dinner rich in complex carbohydrates (such as whole-grain pasta, brown rice, cereal, bread, fruit) and alternating feasting and fasting days.

''Protein provides up to five hours of energy,'' explained Dr Yuan, ''whereas carbohydrate provides about an hour of energy, then invokes sleep.'' On the first and third feasting days, calorie intake is unlimited, but on day two it must be restricted to only 800 calories.

''Fasting helps the liver to store carbohydrates and prepares the body's clock for resetting,'' said Dr Yuan.

During this time, anything that contains caffeine, such as tea, coffee or chocolate, is to be avoided - until early morning on the day of the flight.

''Xanthines [of which caffeine is one] taken in the morning tend to set body clocks earlier, but these effects are apparent only if the person has abstained for three to four days before,'' said Dr Yuan.