In this podcast, we’re going to talk about why you’re sleepy after eating, or you feel like you really need an afternoon nap.
The main reason you feel tired after eating is because of carbohydrates.

There are many countries that take a siesta, such as:
• Mexico
• Italy
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Certain Mediterranean countries
• Southern Europe
• Spain

Is feeling sleepy after a meal normal? No.

There is actually a name for feeling sleepy after eating. It’s called postprandial somnolence. Basically, this refers to the food coma you get every day. This is a common feature of diabetes. When you have the combination of refined carbohydrates and the volume of calories, this can cause a blood sugar spike and an insulin spike. Both of these can make you tired.

Why does this cause you to be tired after eating? There are several things going on:
• You activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
• You decrease the blood to the brain.
• You decrease the arousal pathways of the brain.
• A high carb diet causes you to absorb certain amino acids but not others like tryptophan, which will be absorbed through the blood-brain barrier. Tryptophan will then directly turn into serotonin and melatonin (the sleep hormone).

If you live in a country where people typically take a siesta, consider trying not to consume carbohydrates with your lunch for one week. At the end of the week, see if this little experiment has helped you feel less sleepy after eating.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 51 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional & natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. His clients include senior officials in the U.S. government & the Justice Department, ambassadors, medical doctors, high-level executives of prominent corporations, scientists, engineers, professors, and other clients from all walks of life. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning.

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