Long-Haul Flying Messing with Your Hormones?

OK my lovelies, let’s talk about something that’s almost as shocking as those 80’s neon leg warmers—how your choice of holiday destination might be messing with your hormones!

I know, it sounds wild, but it’s true. And trust me, you’re going to want to pay attention because this could be the reason why you’re feeling off-kilter after a long-haul flight.

Dr. Natasha Fernando, the brilliant mind at Medichecks, has been dishing out some serious tea on how all that jet-setting is impacting your body in ways you never imagined.

You see, it’s not just about picking the perfect bikini—oh no, the stress of flying, time zone changes, and disrupted sleep patterns can send your hormones into a tailspin!

Cortisol: The Hormone with an Attitude

First up, let’s talk about cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone.” Dr. Fernando explains that cortisol is the queen bee of hormones, regulating everything from your metabolism to your immune system. But here’s the kicker—long-haul flights can throw this diva into a frenzy.

When you’re hopping across time zones, your cortisol levels can go bonkers. Normally, this hormone gives you that early morning zing, helping you strut out of bed like a pop star on a comeback tour.

But with your internal clock all out of sync, you might find yourself feeling tired, cranky, and totally not in the mood to face the day.

Melatonin: Your Sleep’s BFF

Now, let’s not forget about melatonin—the hormone that helps you catch those all-important Z’s. Melatonin is like that friend who always knows when it’s time to call it a night.

But when you’re jetting off to exotic locales, your sleep-wake cycle can get totally messed up.

Dr. Fernando warns that those sudden changes in light and dark can confuse your body’s natural rhythm, making it harder to drift off when you hit the sheets. And we all know, a pop icon without her beauty sleep is a disaster waiting to happen!

Ghrelin and Leptin: The Hunger Games

And if that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the hunger hormones—ghrelin and leptin. Think of ghrelin as the one always tempting you with snacks, while leptin is the one reminding you to put down the doughnut.

But guess what? Long-haul flights can totally mess up this dynamic duo.

Flying can make you feel hungrier than ever, and let’s be real, airplane food is hardly the healthiest option. Dr. Fernando says the carb-heavy, sugary options on planes can spike your insulin and send your hunger hormones into overdrive. No wonder you’re reaching for that second in-flight snack!

Tips to Keep Your Hormones in Check

But fear not, my loves! Dr. Fernando has some fab tips to help you keep those hormones in check while you’re jet-setting:

1. Plan Your Sleep: Start adjusting your sleep schedule before you fly to match your destination’s time zone. And honey cut back on the caffeine and cocktails before bed—you’ll thank me later.
2. Stay Hydrated: Keep that water bottle handy! Dehydration can make jet lag worse, so drink up before, during, and after your flight.
3. Eat Smart: Skip the in-flight junk food and go for healthier options. Keeping a regular eating schedule will help keep your hunger hormones in balance.
4. Chill Out: If flying makes you nervous, try some deep breathing or meditation. A little relaxation can go a long way in keeping your cortisol in check.
5. Light It Up: Get plenty of natural light during the day and avoid blue light at night. This will help regulate your melatonin levels and keep your sleep on track.
6. Get Moving: Light exercise can help reset your body clock and reduce stress. Once you arrive, stay active during the day, but avoid working out too close to bedtime.

So there you have it—everything you need to know about keeping your hormones happy while you’re living your best life on holiday.

Because let’s be honest, the only thing that should be out of balance on your trip is how many times you hit the beach versus the dance floor!