7 Reasons You Feel Tired After Eating
Feeling tired after eating is common, especially after eating meals that are high in calories. Feeling tired after meal is normal, but when it’s too frequent, you should understand the causes and what to do.
The Foods You Eat
What we eat plays a major role in becoming sleepy after a meal as certain foods have tryptophan, a sleep-inducing amino acid. The body produces serotonin from this amino acid. Turkey, eggs, cheese, spinach, soy, fish, and tofu are foods high in protein that fall under this category. Eating smaller meals and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help avoid this feeling.
Your Digestion Cycle
Your body needs energy to function — not just to run after your dog or put in time at the gym — but to breathe and simply exist. We get this energy from our food, which is broken down into fuel, or glucose, by our digestive system, and then macronutrients provide calories, or energy, to our bodies. More than just changing food into energy, our digestive cycle triggers all kinds of responses within our body.
You’re Skipping Meals
There is no excuse for missing a meal, especially breakfast. We have been told it is the most important meal of the day as it sets the tone for our energy levels. By skipping meals, we are more likely to munch on or grab unhealthy snacks and meals, such as fast food, to compensate. This will increase the feeling of sleepiness after eating.
You’re Not working out
Working out should be part of our daily routine. The benefits of working out are infinite. We need to keep moving with regular exercise in order to maintain a good energy level throughout the day, thus reducing feeling tired. Improving our physically state provides longer-lasting energy and allows for a good night’s sleep.
You don’t sleep well
Part of experiencing sleepiness after eating is dependent on the amount and quality of sleep you get each night. With the state of feeling full after a meal, your body becomes more relaxed and physically begins to unwind.
This can be avoided by maintaining a regular sleep pattern.
If possible, avoid napping during the day if you have trouble sleeping at night. On that note, it is good for overall performance if you can have a short nap during the day.
Food Intolerance
It may sound like an excuse but having sleepiness after eating may be caused by a food allergy or intolerance to a particular type of food. This is usually the case if you have drowsiness along with irregular bowel movements after a meal. Having alternating diarrhea and constipation along with bloating and gas can indicate food intolerance.