https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13870329/understanding-glucose-tired-meals.html

The science behind post-meal tiredness

Do you often find yourself in a ‘food coma’ after meals? That sluggish feeling can be frustrating, but understanding your glucose response to the food you eat can play a crucial role in preventing post-meal fatigue.

Lingo, a biosensor, app and coaching programme from global healthcare leader Abbott, is designed to empower people to better understand their body’s glucose levels and help them to create meaningful and healthier habits – including ones that could help keep those energy levels steady after eating!

Below, Dr Amy McKenzie, Director of Clinical Research at Lingo, shares the reasons you might be experiencing an energy slump after eating and offers up tips on how to fight it.

Why you might feel tired after eating and how to combat the post-meal slump is closely related to your body’s glucose levels

The science behind post-meal tiredness

Feeling tired after eating, known as postprandial somnolence, is commonly linked to fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.

Dr McKenzie explains: ‘When you consume food, particularly carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. This glucose enters your bloodstream, leading to a spike in energy.

‘However, if the increase is too sudden, it can trigger a feeling of fatigue as your body responds to the high levels of glucose by releasing insulin, which helps shuttle glucose to your cells.’

The types of food you eat matter. Diets high in processed carbohydrates and sugars can lead to rapid glucose spikes, causing you to feel tired shortly after eating. In contrast, meals that are balanced with healthy fats, fibre and protein can help promote stable glucose levels, keeping your energy steady.

By using a biosensor like Lingo – you can gain insights into your body’s unique response to different foods and make meal choices that can help maintain more consistent energy levels

How monitoring your glucose can help

To better understand how your diet affects your glucose levels, consider using a biosensor like Lingo.

This tool can provide real-time insights into how different foods impact your glucose, allowing you to adjust your eating habits accordingly.

‘By tracking your glucose responses to the food you consume, you can identify which meals lead to energy dips and which keep you feeling alert,’ says Dr McKenzie.

Tips for maintaining steady energy levels

Dr McKenzie swears by five top tips to keep those energy levels steady: ‘Number one. Choose the right foods – incorporate plenty of vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. These foods help maintain stable glucose levels and can prevent that sluggish feeling from creeping in after you’ve eaten.

‘Next – avoid heavy meals: Large, rich meals can cause significant glucose spikes. Where possible opt for smaller, balanced meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels steady.’

According to Dr McKenzie, staying hydrated is one key ingredient to avoiding higher glucose levels and feelings of fatigue.

She says we should aim to drink adequate water daily – about six to eight glᴀsses per day as recommended by the NHS, although water needs do tend to vary between people and are influenced by many factors, such as activity levels and the environment.

The Lingo sensor sends data directly to the app, which not only monitors your glucose levels in real time – but gives you coaching advice on how to help bring any spikes back down

Moving your body after meals may not only stop you feeling sluggish but can give you an extra boost of energy.

‘A gentle walk post-meal can enhance glucose metabolism, reducing the risk of feeling tired. This simple activity can help keep your energy levels up,’ Dr McKenzie says.

‘Finally, it’s important to mind your meal timing. Eating too close to bedtime can have an impact on your sleep and subsequently your energy the next day. Try to finish your last meal a few hours before turning in for the night.’

By paying attention to how your body responds to different foods, particularly by monitoring your glucose levels, you can make more informed dietary choices that can help to keep you energised and avoid post-meal fatigue. Embracing this understanding not only enhances your overall wellbeing but can also transform how you feel after meals.

Dr McKenzie adds: ‘By utilising tools like continuous glucose monitors such as Lingo and adopting mindful eating practices, you can help to maintain your energy levels and say goodbye to those pesky ”food comas”.’

Lingo consists of a biosensor, an app and a coaching programme, which provides personal insights into your body

Lingo benefits from more than two decades of research in continuous glucose monitors conducted by Abbott’s teams of scientists.

Over 10 years ago, Abbott introduced FreeStyle Libre — a continuous glucose monitor now used by 6 million** people worldwide. Lingo is made by Abbott, built on that proven technology.

Visit hellolingo.com/uk TODAY to find out more

*The Lingo system is not for medical use and is intended for users 18 years and older. Lingo is not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease, including diabetes.

The Lingo programme does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same results as individual responses may vary. It is best to speak to your doctor for advice on starting any diet or exercise regime or if you have an eating disorder or a history of eating disorders.

**Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. Based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading personal use sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.