Experts warn not to go to bed on an empty stomach, because the hormone cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can stimulate, and at the same time they advise that a meal before bed be light.
What’s new, according to Mind Your Body Green, is that eating certain foods, even if they are light, before bedtime can lead to insomnia.
As advised by nutritionist Julie Stefansky, there are 5 foods and drinks that should be avoided before bed, as follows:
1. Spicy foods
Stefansky explained that it’s best to eat spicy foods at lunch or dinner as early as possible because curry, for example, can complicate digestion even in the middle of the night following already sleeping.
Spicy foods also contain high levels of capsaicin, a phytochemical that increases metabolism and burns calories for heat, which can make some sleepless.
As explained by clinical nutritionist Uma Naidoo, “2.5 milligrams of capsaicin per serving (7.68 mg/day) has been shown to restore the body’s energy balance,” which one does not need when sleeping.
2. Fried and fatty foods
Stefansky added that fried and fatty foods are also known to disrupt digestion at night, and you can only eat healthy fats such as nuts, seeds or avocados.
3. Acidic foods
One of the best tips for eating in the evening, Stefansky said, is to try to reduce stomach acid production. Of course, avoiding acidic foods is a good decision, including all foods and drinks that contain sugar, baked goods, grains, and some dairy products.
4. Soft drinks and caffeine
Many people know that coffee isn’t the only caffeinated beverage to avoid before bed. Sodas and caffeinated tea can also cause insomnia. Stefansky noted that soft drinks can also disrupt digestion.
5. Big meals
Finally, as a general rule, you should avoid eating large amounts of any food before bed, Stefansky says, as trying to sleep following a big meal keeps digestion going through the night, which requires energy.
Eating larger lunches and lighter dinners helps promote sleep quality. Stefansky advised choices that might actually support sleep rather than discourage it, such as magnesium-rich foods like bananas, chickpeas, nuts, seeds and dark chocolate.