Why Do I Get Tired After Eating A Lot?

  • Thread starter JerryClower
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In summary, eating food high in sugar and carbohydrates causes a rise in blood glucose levels, triggering the production of insulin. Insulin does not have an effect on the amino acid tryptophan, which leads to an increase in its levels in the blood. This causes the neural amino acid transport to shift towards transporting tryptophan to the brain, leading to the production of serotonin and ultimately melatonin. This can result in feeling sleepy after a meal. However, during prolonged exercise, the body is able to absorb sugar without causing this effect.
  • #1
JerryClower
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1
My theory is that my body is putting more energy into breaking down foods and converting the food into energy my body can use. What do you think is the reason for this?
 
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  • #2
It has more to do with insulin, and blood sugars. High blood glucose levels, can switch off the brain cells{orexin neurons} that normally keep us awake and alert.
I believe it occurs in all mammals.
 
  • #3
hypatia said:
It has more to do with insulin, and blood sugars. High blood glucose levels, can switch off the brain cells{orexin neurons} that normally keep us awake and alert.
I believe it occurs in all mammals.
Eat thanksgiving meal, get dozy. It's probably a good thing that male African lions always feed first. They get fat and dozy and forget to kill the cubs.
 
  • #4
I've heard that it is low glucose levels, not high ones that are responsible. After we eat, our blood glucose levels are elevated causing the release of insulin. Sometimes, if the blood glucose levels are high enough, the body will overcompensate with the insulin resulting in a period of low blood sugar after the insulin has done its work. It's this low glucose period that causes the "food coma."
 
  • #6
The fancy name is "Postprandial somnolence". What happens is that when you eat food high in sugar and carbohydrates (which are converted into sugar), your blood glucose levels rise. This causes the body to respond with insulin production, which takes the sugar and amino acids out of your blood.

What happens is that insulin does not have an effect on the amino acid tryptophan, which relative levels in the blood will rise. This causes the neural amino acid transport to shift to transport of tryptophan to the brain, the brain responds in making serotonin (causing the happy feeling), which can be metabolized into melatonin (which regulates circadian rhythm).

Article http://wurtmanlab.mit.edu/publications/pdf/178.pdf"
 
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  • #7
Monique when you say insulin increases amino acid uptake, are you talking about muscle cells where gluconeogenesis can not occur?
 
  • #9
Monique said:
The fancy name is "Postprandial somnolence". What happens is that when you eat food high in sugar and carbohydrates (which are converted into sugar), your blood glucose levels rise. This causes the body to respond with insulin production, which takes the sugar and amino acids out of your blood.

What happens is that insulin does not have an effect on the amino acid tryptophan, which relative levels in the blood will rise. This causes the neural amino acid transport to shift to transport of tryptophan to the brain, the brain responds in making serotonin (causing the happy feeling), which can be metabolized into melatonin (which regulates circadian rhythm).

Article http://wurtmanlab.mit.edu/publications/pdf/178.pdf"

So eating sugar actually makes one feel sleepy rather than giving a "boost up"?
Don't sportsmen eat sugar while in a prolonged effort? Before a marathon I can understand eating carbohydrate that will later be converted in sugar... but during the run, eating (or drinking) sugar will actually makes the runner sleepy? I just want to be sure I'm not misunderstanding.
 
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  • #10
I realize that this is very late but I'll post the answer anyway...

When sportsmen consume sugar during exercise the system is able to absorb the sugar without the need to balance it. This is because there is a need for it. They will take it during or post exercise only and never pre because before exercise insulin is produced by the body which reacts in the way outlined above (removing many amino acids allowing tryptophan to predominate and later causing melatonin in the brain) and also other unwanted effects.
 

FAQ: Why Do I Get Tired After Eating A Lot?

Why do I feel sleepy after a big meal?

Feeling sleepy after eating a big meal is a common experience and is often referred to as postprandial somnolence. This is because when we eat a large amount of food, our body diverts energy towards digestion, which can make us feel tired and drowsy.

Is it normal to feel tired after eating a lot?

Yes, it is normal to feel tired after eating a lot. As mentioned earlier, the body uses a lot of energy for digestion, which can make us feel tired. Additionally, certain foods, such as carbohydrates and tryptophan-rich foods, can also contribute to feelings of sleepiness.

How much food is considered a "big meal"?

The amount of food that is considered a "big meal" can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as individual metabolism, body size, and the types of food consumed. Generally, consuming more food than what your body needs can lead to feelings of fatigue.

Can certain foods make me feel more tired after eating?

Yes, certain foods can make you feel more tired after eating. As mentioned earlier, carbohydrates and tryptophan-rich foods can contribute to feelings of sleepiness. Foods high in sugar and fat can also cause a spike in blood sugar levels followed by a crash, which can make you feel tired.

How can I prevent feeling tired after eating a lot?

To prevent feeling tired after eating a lot, it is important to practice mindful eating and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods can help prevent feelings of fatigue. It is also recommended to avoid eating large meals right before bedtime and to stay hydrated throughout the day.

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