Spicy food has been a part of the human diet for centuries. It’s an acquired taste that many people enjoy, and it has many health benefits such as boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion.
However, eating spicy food close to bedtime may not be a good idea. In this article, we’ll explore why you shouldn’t eat spicy food close to bedtime and what alternative foods you should eat instead.
Why you shouldn’t eat spicy food close to bedtime:
1. Sleep Disturbances:
One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t eat spicy food close to bedtime is that it can cause sleep disturbances. Spicy food contains capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat and spiciness of the food.
Capsaicin can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause heartburn, which can lead to discomfort and pain when lying down. It can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can cause acid reflux and interfere with sleep.
2. Nightmares:
Another reason why you shouldn’t eat spicy food close to bedtime is that it can cause nightmares. Capsaicin can increase the body’s temperature, which can cause vivid dreams and nightmares. This can interfere with the quality of sleep and leave you feeling tired and groggy the next day.
3. Increased heart rate:
Eating spicy food close to bedtime can also increase your heart rate, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Capsaicin can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the “fight or flight” response in the body. This can cause your heart rate to increase and make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
Alternative foods to eat before bedtime:
1. Milk:
Milk is a good alternative to spicy food before bedtime. It contains tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep. Milk also contains calcium, which can help the brain use tryptophan to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
2. Turkey:
Turkey is another good alternative to spicy food before bedtime. It contains tryptophan, which can help the body produce serotonin and melatonin. Turkey is also a good source of protein, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent hunger pangs during the night.
3. Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea that is known for its calming properties. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that can bind to certain receptors in the brain and promote sleep. Chamomile tea also contains glycine, an amino acid that can relax the muscles and promote relaxation.
4. Almonds:
Almonds are a good source of magnesium, a mineral that can help promote relaxation and sleep. Magnesium can help relax the muscles and promote relaxation. Almonds are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent hunger pangs during the night.
5. Bananas:
Bananas are a good source of potassium, a mineral that can help regulate the body’s fluid balance and prevent muscle cramps during the night. Bananas are also a good source of vitamin B6, which can help the body produce melatonin.
To ensure a good night’s sleep, it’s best to avoid spicy food before bedtime and choose alternative foods that can promote relaxation and sleep. By making small changes to your diet, you can improve the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
