Many of us experience a post-meal slump but in some cases it could be real cause for concern.
A nutritionist has warned that constantly feeling tired after eating could be an “underlying” sign of a potentially dangerous health condition. The expert explained that while drowsiness after a large meal is quite common, “excessive fatigue” following food could warrant a visit to your GP.
Many of us experience some form of an energy tip immediately after a big plate of food. Actually, around 20 per cent of people report falling into a “food coma” following a meal.
Medically this is known as post-prandial somnolence or post-prandial fatigue. This can lead to sleepiness, low energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of focus.
While this is not usually something to worry about, it could indicate a problem. Writing for BBC Good Food, nutritionist Fiona Hunter explained more.
She said: “The exact cause is not fully understood but there are several theories. One is that is it’s your body’s natural response to digestion.
“After eating, the body redirects blood flow to the digestive system, this temporary shift in blood away from the brain can leave you feeling tired and sluggish.
“Another explanation is that we are programmed to feel sleepy after eating. In prehistoric times, as soon as our ancestors had caught and eaten food it was time for them to sleep, so it could well be a throwback to this.”
She warned that while feeling a bit tired after eating is normal, excessive fatigue could be a sign of an underlying health condition. These include:
- Diabetes or prediabetes – This may cause someone to experience blood sugar fluctuations 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 will help you to identify problem foods
- Anaemia – A lack of iron or vitamin B12 can contribute to persistent tiredness
- Hormonal issues such as an underactive thyroid – This can affect energy levels and metabolism.
She added: “If you’re consistently feeling exhausted after meals, talk to your GP or a registered dietitian. They can help identify any potential health concerns and provide personalised advice on optimising your diet for sustained energy.”
According to Fiona, certain nutrients in foods may be more likely to contribute to sleepiness. This includes meals high in sugar or refined carbohydrates like mass-produced white bread, rice and pasta, and biscuits and cakes, as well as proteins that contain tryptophan like turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, fish, nuts and seeds.
If this is a common problem for you but it is not linked to a health issue, Fiona recommended you:
- Get some fresh air or go for a short walk outside after eating
- Avoid large meals
- Choose wholegrain carbs over refined
- Skip the carbs at lunch
- Stay hydrated
- Eat regularly and avoid eating late at night.