Should you visit a doctor if you feel tired after meals?

Your body runs off on what you feed it. The best way to get the most energy from your food is to make sure you’re giving yourself the best food possible. Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy. Did you ever notice how you feel sluggish after a big lunch or dinner? That’s because your body is using its energy to digest that big meal instead of powering the rest of your body.

Foods rich in protein and carbohydrates can make people feel sleepier than other foods. Some researchers believe that a person feels tired after eating because their body is producing more serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in regulating mood and sleep cycles.

An amino acid called tryptophan, which occurs in many protein-rich foods, helps the body produce serotonin. Carbohydrates help the body absorb tryptophan. For these reasons, eating a meal rich in both protein and carbohydrates may make a person feel sleepy.

Tryptophan occurs in foods that are rich in protein. These include:

• salmon

• poultry

• eggs

• spinach

• seeds

• milk

• soy products

• cheese

Foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates include:

• pasta

• rice

• white bread and crackers

• cakes, cookies, donuts, and muffins

• corn cobs

• milk

• sugar and candy

When to see a doctor

If a person is continually tired after eating, and it is affecting their quality of life, they should speak to a doctor. If your fatigue gets worse or lasts longer than a week or two, it's time to see your doctor.

The following medical conditions could contribute to excessive tiredness after eating:

• food intolerances or allergies

• celiac disease

• anemia

• diabetes

Many people experience a dip in energy after eating. Large meals and meals rich in protein and carbohydrates are most likely to make people feel sleepy. In most cases, a dip in energy after eating is a natural biological response. However, if this is getting in the way of daily activities, a person may benefit from changing the contents and timing of their meals. If these types of changes do not help, see a doctor.

• Endocrinology

• Gastrointestinal / Gastroenterology

• Nutrition / Diet

• Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia