Food comas are a common experiencehere’s what can trigger them (and how to prevent them).
Food comas are pretty common, especially aftereating large meals.
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What Is a Food Coma?
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Its a real thingmeaning theres a scientific explanation behind the sensation.
A food coma wont change your mental status or require a trip to the hospital, she explains.
Instead, a food coma causes extreme tiredness and lethargy that can trigger a deep sleep.
What Causes Post-Meal Drowsiness?
There are many scientific reasons as to why you feel fatigued after eating a big meal.
Here’s what’s happening to your body when a food coma strikes.
Digestion
Our bodies are primitively trained to slow down and relax once they’ve found food.
So much of the post-meal drowsiness has to do with the natural digestion process, according to Carli.
This diverts blood away from other systems, including the brain, which can lead to lethargy.
This often follows with a blood sugar crash, causing feelings of extreme tiredness.
CCK [regulates] appetite and digestion.
This hormonal response can contribute to feelings of sluggishness and lethargy.
This increases theproduction of tryptophan, an amino acid, in the brain.
From there, tryptophan increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and sleep.
Eating a big meal in the middle of the day can be particularly triggering.
They can also range in severity, depending on the individual and meal.
Rich dessertssuch as cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and ice cream sundaeshave a similar effect.
This is due to the release of CCK, which slows down the digestive process.
How Long Does a Food Coma Last?
In other words: It happens!
You may just need to wait it out until you’re feeling better.
Taking a nap if you’re feeling sleepy can help you kick it faster.
If your symptomsdolast longer than several hoursor if you continue to experience extreme sluggishness after eatingtalk to your doctor.
This may indicateunderlying digestive issues,food sensitivities, or another concern, which will benefit from medical attention.
To prevent a food coma in the first place, consider these tips.
Eat Smaller Meals
Avoid eating until you feel sick.
They also provide your body with a steady source of energy, helping prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Mix up the Nutrients
Choose amix of nutrients.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep before eating can help prevent sleepiness after eating.
Being well-rested allows your body to process food more efficiently, reducing post-meal drowsiness.
Plus, a lack of sleep can worsen that fatigue feeling after eating.
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