What’s really going on when you get a food coma following lunch

Advertisement

There isn’t an official medical ‘food coma’, but there are many factors explaining the reason you start to doze off after you eat.

When you get your meal, (especially that heavy, carbohydrate filled version), blood flows to your digestive system where your body works to properly metabolize it.

Hormones such as insulin rise in the body as you eat and your body adjusts to the new influx of calories and nutrients.

This is natural and happens to your body at certain times – the lowest dip in wakefulness is typically between 1 PM and 4 PM, which you might be more prone to experience when you have recently had a meal.

Some of the worst offenders when it comes to sleepiness after eating can depend on what foods you consumed, particularly sugary snacks like pastries, refined carbohydrate dishes such as pasta or white bread, as well as fatty foods.

Advertisement

In foods high in protein is an amino acid named tryptophan, which your body utilizes for building the serotonin and melatonin hormones, both known to help induce a sleep state.

If you also got a poor night’s sleep, you are sure to be a good candidate for the post-meal drop.

If you have food coma tendency, here are a few tips to prevent yourself from falling asleep at your desk: Eat balanced meals of whole grains, lean protein, vegetables and heathy fats rather than massive portions of refined carbohydrates.

Go for a short stroll after your midday meal.

Also read: Are Your Eyes Giving You Some Serious Health Signals? Check These Out

Advertisement