Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and, of course, a whole lot of food. But with all that feasting comes a familiar feeling: the dreaded “turkey coma.” You know, that post-meal drowsiness that makes you want to do nothing but curl up on the couch and take a nap.
But is the turkey coma really caused by the turkey itself? Or is there something else at play? Let’s dive into the science behind this Thanksgiving phenomenon and uncover the truth.
The Science Behind the “Turkey Coma”
While the turkey itself isn’t directly to blame for your post-meal slumber, there are a few factors that contribute to that sleepy feeling:
- Tryptophan: Turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey isn’t enough to significantly impact your sleepiness.
- Large Meal: Eating a large meal, regardless of the main course, can make you feel tired. This is because your body diverts blood flow to your digestive system to help with digestion, leaving less blood flow to your brain.
- Carbohydrates: Thanksgiving meals are often loaded with carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, leading to fatigue.
- Alcohol: Many people enjoy alcoholic beverages with their Thanksgiving meal. Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel drowsy.
So, What Can You Do to Avoid the “Turkey Coma”?
While you may not be able to completely avoid that post-meal drowsiness, there are a few things you can do to minimize it:
- Eat smaller portions: Instead of piling your plate high, try to eat smaller portions and savor each bite.
- Choose lean protein and vegetables: Opt for lean protein sources like turkey breast and plenty of vegetables to fill your plate.
- Limit carbohydrates: Be mindful of your carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains over refined carbohydrates.
- Skip the alcohol: If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation.
- Get some exercise: Take a walk after your meal to help your body digest and get your blood flowing.
- Take a nap: If you’re feeling tired, don’t fight it. Take a short nap to recharge your batteries.
The Bottom Line
The “turkey coma” is a real phenomenon but it’s not caused solely by the turkey. It’s a combination of factors including the size of your meal, the types of food you eat, and your alcohol consumption. By following the tips above, you can minimize your chances of succumbing to the post-meal drowsiness and enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the “turkey coma” dangerous?
No, the “turkey coma” is not dangerous. It’s simply a feeling of drowsiness that usually goes away within a few hours.
- What can I do to wake up from the “turkey coma”?
If you’re feeling tired after your Thanksgiving meal, try taking a short walk, drinking some water, or having a cup of coffee.
- Is there anything I can take to prevent the “turkey coma”?
There is no magic bullet to prevent the “turkey coma,” but following the tips above can help minimize your chances of experiencing it.
Additional Resources
- Is the “turkey coma” real? (Mount Saint Vincent University)
- Don’t blame the turkey. Here’s what experts say is really behind your food coma (WLWT)
Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, and don’t let the “turkey coma” get the best of you!
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Do you believe in the holiday food coma?Many people do. Turkey is a staple on the dinner table this time of year because it contains tryptophan, which is commonly thought to be the cause of the sudden snoozes and uncontrollable yawns that occur after large family feasts. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid needed to make serotonin, a hormone that has many functions in our body, including balancing mood and sleep. Watch the related video above to avoid making these common food safety mistakes with your turkey. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “The byproduct of the tryptophan-to-serotonin process is melatonin, another hormone that regulates our sleep cycle,” he said. “Our bodies do not naturally produce tryptophan, so we have to get it through the foods we eat. But according to the National Library of Medicine, a variety of foods besides turkey also contain tryptophan, including cheese, chicken, egg whites, fish, milk, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soybeans, and sunflower seeds. Why we feel drowsy after a heavy Thanksgiving meal: One of the “feel-good” hormones, serotonin, has the ability to relax and calm the body. But even if we go back for seconds, we don’t eat nearly enough turkey during a holiday feast to produce the necessary amount of serotonin to induce sleep, according to Steven Malin, an associate professor at Rutgers University’s Department of Kinesiology and Health in New Jersey. He said we would need to consume about 8 pounds of turkey meat, or about half of a normal bird meant to feed a large gathering, to obtain the quantity of tryptophan needed to induce a food coma. The U. S. Department of Agriculture recommends planning for 1 pound of turkey meat per person when preparing a holiday meal. Malin stated, “It is unlikely that tryptophan from turkey will enter the brain and produce enough serotonin to put us to sleep.” According to Kristen Knutson, a sleep specialist and associate professor of neurology and preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, you cannot solely attribute your sudden tiredness to the gobbler on your table. “Turkey doesn’t really make us sleepy,” Knutson said. “It’s probably because we didn’t get enough sleep in the days before the big event and weren’t able to unwind after dinner that we feel drowsy after a big meal.” ”Overeating in general is also a major culprit for the fatigue one feels after eating, Dasgupta said. “Remember all the delectable side dishes, like sweet potato pie, casseroles, and delicious desserts, that surround the turkey centerpiece,” he said. “These tasty dishes contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which also contribute to post-meal sleepiness. “A shift in blood flow from the head to the digestive system could also be the cause of your post-meal drowsiness.” Dasgupta explained that having a large holiday dinner increases blood flow to the stomach to aid in digestion, which lowers blood flow to the brain and leaves you feeling drained and ready for bed. And don’t forget the impact of holiday drinking either. Many meals served at this time of year are washed down with wine, cocktails and champagne. Then there’s the omnipresent beer (or two or three) that often accompany the afternoon ball games. “Let’s be honest. Because of the holidays and potential family stress or travel exhaustion, it’s possible that you drank more than you usually would have, Dasgupta said. “Alcohol slows down your brain and relaxes your muscles, so after a few drinks you’ll likely feel sleepy. ”.
Do you believe in the holiday food coma?
Many people do. Turkey is a staple on the dinner table this time of year because it contains tryptophan, which is commonly thought to be the cause of the sudden snoozes and uncontrollable yawns that occur after large family feasts. Advertisement.
Related video above: Don’t make these common food safety mistakes with your turkey
“Serotonin, a hormone that has many functions in our body, including balancing mood and sleep, is made by the essential amino acid tryptophan,” said sleep expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.
“The byproduct of the tryptophan-to-serotonin process is melatonin, another hormone that regulates our sleep cycle,” he said. “Our bodies do not naturally produce tryptophan, so we have to get it through the foods we eat. ”.
However, many foods besides turkey contain tryptophan, including cheese, chicken, egg whites, fish, milk, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soybeans and sunflower seeds, according to the National Library of Medicine.