By Dr. Elena RostovaThe science-backed Argonne diet and fasting protocol used by astronauts and long-haul pilots to defeat severe jetlag across 12 time zones.
Table of Contents
Developed by circadian biologists and popularized by NASA and international flight crews, the 16-hour metabolic reset protocol uses nutrient timing rather than light exposure to reset the peripheral clocks in human organs, virtually eliminating jetlag across multi-zone flights.
How the Food-Entrained Oscillator (FEO) Works
While the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain responds to sunlight, metabolic organs (liver, stomach, pancreas) are governed by nutrient intake. A 16-hour fast temporarily overrides the central clock, allowing your metabolic schedule to reset upon the next meal.
16-Hour Circadian Fasting Step-by-Step Protocol
| Phase | Timing | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Depletion | 16 hours before target breakfast | Cease all caloric intake (water, black coffee allowed) | Deplete liver glycogen stores |
| Phase 2: In-Flight Fast | During flight transition | Hydrate with electrolytes, avoid airplane meals | Prevent metabolic confusion across timezones |
| Phase 3: The Anchor Meal | First morning at destination (07:30 - 08:30 local) | Eat high-protein breakfast + daylight exposure | Signals liver clock that local day has begun |
| Phase 4: Sync Stabilization | Day 1 evening (22:00 local) | Limit blue light, sleep at regular local hour | Locks in circadian phase alignment |
Data Sources
- [1]Argonne National Laboratory Jet Lag Diet Protocol
- [2]Harvard Medical School Department of Sleep Medicine
- [3]Aerospace Medical Association Circadian Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
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Use the OmniSearch bar on the main dashboard to search for any city worldwide. The TimeCard will instantly show you the current local time for that location.
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What is the Squad Sync tool?+
The Squad Sync tool is a time shift slider that lets you visualize what time it will be in all displayed cities simultaneously when you shift the time by up to 12 hours, perfect for coordinating international gaming sessions or business meetings.