Although we all sometimes feel the urge to reach for the refrigerator in the evening or even at night, late dinners should be avoided.
According to nutritionists, the body converts food into energy, which we do not use during sleep and which is stored as fat.
While there are foods that can be eaten in the evening that won't negatively impact the body, experts say that eating too late should be avoided as much as possible.
If you have trouble falling asleep, it may be best to avoid certain foods at night.
Chocolate
Many people know that it is recommended to avoid tea or coffee before bed, as the high levels of caffeine can give us energy rather than prepare the body for sleep. Chocolate also contains a large amount of caffeine, so it is recommended to avoid it before bed, and it is also a bad choice because of the sugar.
Cheese
While snacking on cheese is a favorite evening pastime for many people, it's actually one of the worst foods to eat before bed.
Old cheese contains an amino acid known as tyramine, which makes a person feel alert.
Tyramine causes the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol, which improves concentration and mobilizes the body for something other than rest.
Dried meats, smoked products and bacon also have a similar effect.
Spicy things
Spicy foods, as well as hot sauce or mustard, can interfere with body temperature regulation and create "chaos" during waking hours.
In addition to the ability to raise temperature, digesting spices requires high energy levels, making deep sleep impossible.
Ice cream
There is a term called "sugar rush". Eating too much sweet causes a spike in blood sugar levels and can disrupt your sleep.
Foods such as ice cream, candy, cakes and cookies can cause spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, which triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, leading to anxiety, hunger and irritability.
Although this may cause drowsiness later, it is fraught with the fact that in the morning you will be very sleepy and waking up will be late.
Potato chips
Chips are a favorite snack for many because they contain salt. Too much salt can dehydrate the body and cause water retention, which leads to fatigue.
Research in the field of endocrinology has shown that salty foods such as chips and nuts can lead to sleep disturbances. It is advisable to avoid salty foods at least two to three hours before bedtime.
Nutritionists recommend eating cherries or cherry juice as a healthy food before bed, as these fruits contain melatonin.
The same applies to honey, which is best consumed with warm water and lemon.
Bananas are also recommended as a bedtime snack because they contain magnesium, which, like almonds, relaxes muscles and calms the body.
They are also rich in tryptophan, which is considered a natural mood regulator.
The list of foods rich in tryptophan includes: chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel), eggs, milk and dairy products, soy, nuts (hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), bananas, apricots, peaches, blueberries, oatmeal.
Tryptophan is an amino acid from which the body synthesizes serotonin, a hormone responsible for mood and sleep.
Previously, we wrote about what to eat to improve your mood.
