Have you ever thought that fatigue might be related to our diet? The following 6 major dietary mistakes can actually make you feel more lethargic in the fall!
1. Eating too little -- leads to autumn fatigue
Nowadays, some young people often diet to lose weight. People who eat little, especially those who skip breakfast, are often prone to fatigue and drowsiness. Students who need to go to school in the morning or office workers limited by work hours often skip breakfast. Skipping it once or twice becomes a habit over time. However, nutritional research has proven that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is the "switch" that starts the brain. After a night of sound sleep, hormone secretion hits a low, and stored glucose is depleted after about 8 hours. The cells of the human brain can only get energy from this one nutrient: glucose. Breakfast, like a timely rain, can quickly boost hormone secretion and provide energy for brain cells. If you eat a small breakfast, you will feel listless and your work efficiency will decrease. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, dizziness, unstable emotions, and even nausea, vomiting, or fainting, making it impossible to study and work with full energy.
2. Eating too much -- leads to autumn fatigue
After a large meal, the gastrointestinal tract has to increase blood supply to complete the task of digestion and absorption. This means a large amount of blood flows to the digestive system, and the blood supply to peripheral tissues and the brain is correspondingly reduced. The brain, in particular, cannot store energy. Therefore, once it is deprived of blood and oxygen, its energy metabolism will be disrupted, directly affecting normal brain function and making a person feel drowsy. Recent research also shows that long-term overeating can accelerate cerebral arteriosclerosis and easily lead to senile dementia. Therefore, relevant experts remind everyone that regardless of age or gender, one's diet should not be too full. For the elderly, it is advisable to eat until about 70% full.
3. Eating too much greasy food -- leads to autumn fatigue
Occasionally consuming too much fat is not a big problem for the body, but for people with high blood lipids, consuming too much fat will make their already high levels even higher. Due to the high blood lipids, the blood flow rate decreases, the oxygen supply function is reduced, and the heart will also compensate by increasing its contractile force. At this time, a person is not only prone to drowsiness, but any strenuous activity will increase the heart's load, thereby worsening the feeling of fatigue.
4. Eating too much seafood -- leads to autumn fatigue
Seafood contains a substance called monosodium glutamate, which is the main chemical component of MSG. During digestion, it can break down into glutamate. After entering the human body, monosodium glutamate can be converted to synthesize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. If too little is produced, it can easily cause over-excitement of the central nervous system, such as mania or convulsions. However, if too much is produced, it will have an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, making a person feel drowsy.
5. Excessive intake of foods containing tryptophan -- leads to autumn fatigue
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the human body. It can promote the secretion of serotonin by brain nerve cells. Serotonin has the effect of inhibiting brain activity. Therefore, consuming a diet rich in tryptophan can easily lead to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. Foods rich in tryptophan include millet, milk, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, black sesame, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, meat floss, fried tofu, eggs, etc.
6. Drinking large amounts of acidic beverages after exercise -- leads to autumn fatigue
After intense or strenuous exercise, the body accumulates a significant amount of lactic acid. At this time, drinking large amounts of acidic beverages will cause acidic metabolic products to build up in the body, worsening the feeling of fatigue. The correct approach at this point is to eat more light, easily digestible foods, with alkaline foods like vegetables and fruits being the best choice.