Understanding the Causes of Postprandial Fatigue: Excessive Carbohydrate Intake, Late Lunch, Insulin Changes, and More

We recharge our energy by eating meals or snacks. However, sometimes there are times when you feel tired and lethargic after eating.

Overall, there are many reasons why you may feel tired or sleepy after eating. Some causes can be easily improved by adjusting meal times or nutritional habits. Men’s Health, an American men’s health media, covered four potential causes of postprandial fatigue.

1. Eat a lot of fat and carbs

If you want to avoid feeling sleepy after eating, eating foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates at lunchtime may not be a very wise choice. Additionally, eating large amounts may require more energy to digest, which can lead to fatigue.

“After eating these types of foods, certain hormones, such as cholecystokinin, can spike and cause drowsiness,” says Dr. Soma Mandal, an internal medicine specialist. “These foods also promote more inflammation in the body and make you feel tired.” said.

It is desirable to have a balanced intake of good fats, complex carbohydrates, and protein at each meal. For example, you can choose brown rice, a whole-grain turkey sandwich, or a salad with nuts and olive oil dressing.

2. High insulin levels

When you eat, insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar control, increases. When digestion ends, insulin decreases, which can lead to fatigue. “This could have a more severe impact on people with type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Mandal said.

It is good to avoid fasting for a long time and eat at regular intervals to prevent rapid rise and drop in blood sugar.

3. You have an underlying health problem

Feeling tired after eating can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem. For example, fatigue after eating can be a mild symptom of celiac disease, in which the body cannot process gluten. In this case, eliminating gluten from the diet improves the condition.

Other potential underlying conditions, including insomnia, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnea, can also cause more fatigue after eating. If you suspect a problem with your overall health, it is a good idea to consult your doctor.

4. Circadian rhythm turned off

Being awake during the day and sleeping at night for 24 hours a day is called circadian rhythm. You usually experience normal sleep stages at night, but around mid-afternoon there is also a small sleep stage, usually between 2 and 4 p.m. Eating lunch too late can cause increased fatigue at this stage.