Here’s Why You Feel Tired After Eating Bread

Bread is the most convenient food. It is a staple in most households as it is the a go-to breakfast option when you have nothing in the pantry and running late to brainstorm on what to eat. A quick sandwich, toast or bread-butter seems the most feasible option at times but some people feel tired or fatigued after eating bread. They are unable to figure out why this happens. If you also experience this, you must read this article to understand why this happens.

According to Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS, Nutritionist and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle, often we do not have balanced meals with bread, and the meal predominantly becomes rich in refined carbs. Even the ingredients we commonly have with bread like eggs, cheese, peanut butter, chicken all add up to sleepiness because they are high in protein and fats. 

Let’s know why it happens

When you eat bread there’s a quick release of insulin into your body, which gets triggered by refined carbs. The hormone that triggers our body to go to sleep is melatonin. This melatonin is produced more when our meal has high amounts of refined carbs. Similarly, the common food items consumed along  with bread like cheese, eggs, peanut butter, also trigger a hormonal response to convert tryptophan present in them into melatonin.

Also Read: Multigrain Bread Vs Whole Wheat Bread Which One Is Healthier

Another reason why bread makes you feel sleepy is that it is a high glycemic food. This means it will rapidly increase your blood sugar level, which will give you energy only for a short period of time. Thus, making you feel sluggish. 

The gluten that is found in wheat and other grains, gives your dough its elasticity, and makes it easier to bind together. Many people aren’t able to digest gluten fully, so it’s not surprising if people experience symptoms like feeling tired, lethargic, and experience brain fog after eating bread.

You are also most likely to feel tired and dizzy after eating bread if you consume a diet that lacks protein or healthy fats, or if the bacteria in your body and gut are fighting to digest energy for any reason.

Does this mean we should stop eating bread?

You don’t necessarily have to give up on bread even if it triggers lethargy in you. You can choose whole grain options that trigger a slower release of insulin, which can stabilise blood sugar, releasing serotonin gradually, and keep your energy level higher. This way, you can enjoy bread without feeling fatigued.(click here to know 5 Healthy Breads)

Alternatively, you can switch to other alternatives of white bread for a healthy and wholesome meal. There are several alternatives to bread that you may consider. Have oats, quinoa, muesli, smoothie bowls, fruit yogurt, etc. in breakfast to stay energised and lead a healthy lifestyle.

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