I have always been told that its bad by my mom. You finish your meal and you start to feel sleepy… and the couch/bed looks like a great place to catch a snooze or siesta. Is it really the case though?
But, hold on a second, why do we feel drowsy after a meal? People frequently experience sleepiness and exhaustion after eating, which interferes with their post-meal responsibilities. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is the rise in insulin levels after a large meal. Additionally, foods that are more nutritionally balanced and light in general make us feel more invigorated rather than exhausted.
Our brain releases sleeping molecules called serotonin when insulin levels rise, resulting in drowsiness. Melatonin is released in response to food. Melatonin is produced when the body transforms the amino acids tryptophan and serotonin to melatonin. These modifications cause the body to slow down in order to aid digestion. Aside from hefty meals, different foods elicit varied reactions, as different mineral-rich diets have different impacts.
Now, let’s get back to the question. It appears to be the case. This is due to the fact that your body can only absorb meals properly when you’re standing up. Indigestion can be caused by lying down after a meal. After a meal, you should wait at least 2 hours before retiring to your bed.
If you have a tendency of lying down immediately after eating, you may develop gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when your lower esophagus fails to shut properly after you consume something. After a meal, lying down makes it easier for stomach acid to rise, which can lead to a variety of digestive problems. Staying upright after eating can help prevent GERD symptoms.
So, after you’ve finished your dinner, what should you do? Don’t eat the fruit! Yes, fruit is good for you, but not after a meal. This is due to the fact that fruit digests more quickly than other foods, so it is more likely to sit on top of your meal and even ferment there. This will result in gas and maybe weight gain. To receive the most advantages from fruit, eat it at least 3-4 hours after your last meal to avoid bloating, gas, and other discomfort.
Even when you have taken a light meal, you should still avoid working out right after you’ve finished eating. Strenuous exercise makes it difficult for your body to digest your food because it uses some of the body’s resources required for proper digestion. That’s why you’re more likely to experience issues like cramps, nausea, or even diarrhea when working out after eating.
Your stomach requires oxygenated blood to complete digestion, but when you begin working out after eating, your body will begin transferring blood and oxygen to your hard-working muscles. This causes your digestion to slow down, which can lead to a variety of digestive issues. As a result, always give your body time to digest food before exercising. It’s much better to work out first and then eat.
You might not notice any problems if you drink a little water with your meals, but you should avoid downing a large glass of water afterward. It dilutes digestive fluids and makes food digestion difficult in the stomach. Similarly, sipping ice cold water after a meal will help your stomach calm down. If you wish to drink something after your meal, drink hot herbal tea instead; however, you should avoid drinking too much liquid after eating.
Live well.
Check out my related post: Does chicken essence have health benefits?
Interesting reads:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/556026-the-disadvantages-of-sleeping-immediately-after-a-meal/
https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/is-it-bad-to-lay-down-after-eating
https://www.33rdsquare.com/is-it-bad-to-sleep-after-a-meal/
https://andytherd.com/2019/07/17/is-it-bad-for-your-health-to-lie-down-after-you-eat/
https://www.healthline.com/health/lying-down-after-eating#indigestion-treatment
https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-before-bed-3014981
https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/Lying-Down-After-Eating.html
https://medcline.com/blogs/sleep-science/laying-down-after-eating
A Better Man 