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Feeling tired after eating is normal, whereas excessive fatigue can be a sign of a certain health condition
Have you eaten your lunch and feel drowsy? Fatigue after a meal can be a signal of health problems that should not be ignored. The Good food website reports that.
Why fatigue occurs after a meal
Nutritionist Fiona Hunter has warned that a persistent feeling of fatigue after eating could be a major sign of a potentially dangerous health condition.
In medicine, this is known as postprandial sleepiness. It can lead to drowsiness, low energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. According to an expert, the exact cause is not fully understood, but there are several theories. One is that it is the body’s natural response to digestion.
After eating, the body redirects blood flow to the digestive system, and the temporary movement of blood away from the brain can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
Feeling tired after eating is normal, whereas excessive fatigue can be a sign of certain health conditions. These include:
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes – this can cause fluctuations in blood sugar after meals, which can cause fatigue
- Food intolerances or allergies – these can cause fatigue and other symptoms after eating certain foods. Keeping a food diary can help you spot problem foods
- Anaemia – iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies can contribute to persistent fatigue
- hormonal problems – this includes an underactive thyroid gland, which can affect energy levels and metabolism
Certain nutrients in foods may be more likely to contribute to sleepiness. These include foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates such as white bread, rice and pasta, biscuits and cakes, and proteins containing tryptophan such as turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, fish, nuts and seeds.
What’s worth doing
If this is a typical problem for you, but it is not related to a health problem, then follow these tips:
- Get some fresh air or go for a short walk outside after a meal
- avoid large meals
- choose whole-grain carbohydrates over refined carbohydrates
- cut out carbohydrates at lunch
- stay hydrated
- eat regularly and avoid eating late at night
If you constantly feel exhausted after eating, it’s worth seeing your doctor for help.
