My friend and colleague, Christopher Babayode has written a tour de force in business travel wellness, singling out the challenge of airplane travel in Farewell Jetlag: Cures From a Flight Attendant. He changes the conversation and understanding of jet lag.

First he explains that we need to ditch the notion that jet lag is inevitable and that we are simply victims of body clock disruption and time zone changes. Instead, he instructs us to think about jetstress—the physical stress imposed on the body from being in a less oxygenated, dry, vibrating metal tube (aka an airplane) traveling at an altitude of over 36,000 feet. Secondly, he boldly states that unmanaged jetstress is self-inflicted jet lag; we are mostly responsible for the depleted energy and disorientation that is often associated with jetlag. While he implores us to develop our own immunity shield, he doesn’t let the airlines off the hook for contributing to the unhealthy cabin environment.

Did you know that frequent flying can result in hormone imbalances, thyroid challenges, fertility problems, weight problems, insomnia, narcolepsy, extreme fatigue and sexual problems? After flying for British Airways for over 17 years, and being a nutritional naturopath, Chris has discovered that there isn’t a one-size fits all solution to jetlag. So, forget the pills that are being marketed to cure jet lag. The secret to managing jetstress and avoiding jet lag is in building your own immunity shield to the hazardous health environment called the airplane cabin.

Those of us who travel often know that airplane travel is physically tiring. Chris tells us why:

  • Dehydration due to dry cabin air;
  • Cellular destruction due to radiation exposure;
  • Compromised body functions due to less then ideal oxygen;
  • Build of toxins due to acidity and body stress;
  • Disrupted central nervous system due to noise pollution and plane vibration; and
  • Destruction of the natural electrical balance within the body due to disconnection from the Earth.

He repeats himself often throughout the book to get his point across– that jetlag can be avoided, if and only if, you prepare yourself for the harsh airplane cabin environment, which he compares to crossing the desert. He says that you would never enter such a harsh, debilitating environment without proper preparation and gear.

His secret to thriving on frequent flying is healthy flying–hydration, proper nutrition, and restoration of the of the body’s natural electrical balance. You won’t find that anywhere in a pill. He gives specific advice on how to properly hydrate, how to eat to create immunity to this harsh environment, and how to ground yourself to restore your body’s natural rhythms.

The other big message is don’t drink and fly—stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and sugary soft drinks, especially when on board.

This book is well researched, and you will be amazed at what you did not know! There is a big difference between being on the ground and at 36,000 feet in terms of the impact on your body, which means rethinking a lot of what you may already know about eating healthy and recharging your batteries.

I always suffered severe jet lag flying east, back home from Europe or Asia. Traveling west was always easier. I already followed much of what Chris suggests from a nutrition perspective and I thought I properly hydrated myself in the air. Well, I am pleased to report after mega-hydrating per Chris’ guidance, I think I am now super human! Zero jet lag on my recent trip back from London. I was tired from lack of sleep from a long travel day with three connections; but no jet lag!

If you just want to take a pill and wish jet lag away, then this book is not for you. If you don’t like being a victim, and want to take control of your health then you need to read this book. If you are worried about family and friends who fly frequently, you need to give them this book.

You can pre-order it here. Or better yet for instant gratification get the Kindle version.