What’s In Chinese Food That Makes You Sleepy

Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by

Don’t you just love a good Chinese food delivery?! All that greasy (but tasty) goodness! What happens to some people is that they’ll have Chinese food and 30 minutes later, they can’t keep their eyes open. I can now tell you what’s in Chinese food that makes you sleepy — and it might surprise you!

Ever wonder why you feel sleepy after eating Chinese food? That’s because of the garden variety of ingredients in most Chinese foods. Let’s learn more about the side effects of Chinese food with this infographic.

You’ve probably experienced the stereotypical drowsy feeling after an elaborate Chinese lunch. But is there really something in the food that causes this phenomenon?

What’s In Chinese Food That Makes You Sleepy

People report various health issues that they associate with MSG. According to a Korean study from 2014, the most common complaints were: thirstiness (84.5 percent) drowsiness (55.7 percent)

Why does Chinese takeaway make me sleepy?

What doctors used to call ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’ is actually a reaction to monosodium glutamate (MSG), a seasoning commonly used in Chinese food. Now renamed MSG symptom complex, it happens when the flavouring causes symptoms like headache, sweating, nausea, tiredness or a rapid heart rate.

Does MSG in Chinese food make you sleepy?

In the nineties, after receiving reports of foods with MSG causing symptoms such as headache and nausea, the Food And Drug Administration requisitioned a study, which found that some people had side effects like numbness, tingling, and drowsiness after consuming more than 3 grams of MSG at a time.

What causes Chinese restaurant syndrome?

This problem is also called Chinese restaurant syndrome. It involves a set of symptoms that some people have after eating food with the additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is commonly used in food prepared in Chinese restaurants.

Can’t sleep after eating Chinese food?

5. Processed snacks and Chinese food: As much as most of love it, Chinese takeaway often contains hight amounts of processed monosodium glutemate (MSG). The side effects of MSG include insomnia, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain.

Why does soy sauce make me sleepy?

Fermented soy products have some of the highest amount of tyramine — meaning soy sauce, tofu, miso, and even teriyaki sauce should be avoided hours before snoozing. The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to increase your melatonin intake, recommends Michelle Dudash, registered dietician, chef and freelance writer.

Why does my heart race after eating Chinese food?

You could have palpitations due to a food allergy or sensitivity. Eating spicy or rich foods can also trigger heart palpitations. High sodium foods can also cause palpitations. Many common foods, especially canned or processed foods, contain sodium as a preservative.

Can MSG keep you awake?

Some sensitive individuals experience unpleasant side-effects after consuming MSG which can include insomnia-inducing palpitations, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain.

How do you counteract MSG?

Drinking several glasses of water may help flush the MSG out of your system and shorten the duration of your symptoms.

Why does restaurant food make you sleepy?

After a heavy meal, our insulin levels spike. … The heavier the meal, the greater will be the production of insulin. With the increased secretion of insulin, our body produces the sleep hormone which where it gets metabolized into serotonin and melatonin in our brain and they induce drowsiness.

Does Chick Fil A use MSG?

MSG Is More Common in Your Food Than You Probably Realize. The new chicken sandwiches at McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Chick-fil-A all contain the MSG flavor enhancement chemical. Experts say MSG can enhance the so-called umami flavor of a food.

Why does Japanese food make me sleepy?

There can be a large amount of carbohydrates from the rice and it’s in the form of very high starch which can raise your blood sugar and then make it crash causing you to become fatigued.

Why do I feel weird after eating Chinese?

Chinese food and soups contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) as the main addictive ingredient. A sensitive individual may suffer from headache, giddiness, sweating, abdominal pain, and urticaria within a few hours of consumption of MSG.

What are the symptoms of MSG intolerance?

  • Headache.
  • Flushing.
  • Sweating.
  • Facial pressure or tightness.
  • Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas.
  • Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
  • Chest pain.
  • Nausea.

Can you get addicted to MSG?

The glutamate in MSG activates pleasure centers in the brain and actually has addictive properties. When you couple hunger with MSG’s addictive potential, you have a substance that you may very well start consuming more and more of on a daily basis.

What foods cause restless sleep?

  • Tetra Images/Getty Images. Sleep Better. En español l The foods you eat for dinner or shortly before bed can prevent you from getting some much-needed zzz’s. …
  • Getty Images. Grapefruit. …
  • Istock. Celery. …
  • Istock. Tomatoes. …
  • Istock. Cheese Pizza. …
  • Istock. Alcohol. …
  • Istock. Black-bean chili. …
  • Istock. Dark chocolate.

Does soy sauce give you insomnia?

When it comes to specific foods that might be triggers for sleeplessness, Dr. … Tyramine is an amino acid found in fermented foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and soy sauce. It can increase brain activity and is potentially linked with sleeplessness.

Why does soy sauce keep me awake?

Foods containing tyramine (bacon, cheese, ham, aubergines, pepperoni, raspberries avocado, nuts, soy sauce, red wine) might keep you awake at night. Tyramine causes the release of norepinephrine, a brain stimulant.

Does soy disrupt sleep?

Soy – With some of the highest levels of tyramine found in foods, fermented soy products should be avoided in the hours before bed. … High Fat, Greasy Food – It’s ok to indulge in greasy and fried foods on occassion; but research shows that eating high-fat foods before bed can disrupt your sleep cycles.

What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?

“Avoid any foods that have the words ‘trans,’ ‘hydrogenated,’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ on the label [indicating bad fats], often found in commercially fried foods, donuts, cookies and potato chips,” advises Dr. DeVane. “Also, be aware of how many calories are coming from sugar.

How much MSG is too much?

Although research is mixed on how MSG may affect overall health, it’s clear that consuming high doses of 3 grams or higher of MSG per day is likely to lead to adverse side effects, including headache and increased blood pressure ( 24 ).

Is MSG unhealthy?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in all types of food, ranging from konbu to packaged chips. There’s a popular misconception that MSG is particularly bad for your health. MSG is generally regarded as safe in moderation by the FDA and other expert organizations.

Can MSG cause anxiety?

Regular consumption of MSG, which is used to enhance the taste of many snacks, processed foods, and pre-cooked ready meals, has been linked to fatigue, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Some food dyes used in drinks, candies, cheese, and other processed foods have also been associated with anxiety symptoms.

Does McDonald’s use MSG in their burgers?

McDonald’s does not use MSG in products on its national menu currently and lists ingredients in its national menu on its website, according to the company. … “We’re passionate about our food and take great care to offer delicious, quality menu options to our customers that are produced and sourced in a responsible way.”

How long does it take for MSG to leave your system?

MSG-induced symptoms are typically not severe and subside on their own entirely within 72 hours. 3 However, if your symptoms do not appear to resolve or continue worsening after 48 hours, speak to your healthcare provider, as it may be something more serious.

Does soy sauce have MSG?

Condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and salad dressings have been known to contain MSG to boost flavor. Many types of chips and related snacks include MSG to enhance the salty, savory flavors that they’re known for.

Why do I gain weight after eating Chinese food?

Unfortunately, MSG in Chinese food can make you feel hungry, often very soon after you have consumed it and this lead to eating more food and weight increase. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) triggers your pancreas to release insulin, which makes you feel hungry.

Why do fried foods make me sleepy?

Fried foods will make you sleepy because your digestive system has to work harder than usual to process the fats in them. … Loaded with oil and trans fats, fried foods can clog arteries and stiffen blood cells, which makes skin appear wrinkled and worn out. Caffeine, too, should be avoided.

Why does fast food make me sleepy?

Junk food is also usually high in added sugars, salt and saturated or trans fats. The “quick spike in your blood sugar from eating junk foods, high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can cause a surge in insulin, leading to a quick drop in blood sugar” that leaves you feeling tired, cranky and hungry for more.

Why do I fall asleep after I eat carbs?

When glucose formed by foods high in carbohydrates, the sugar causes insulin production to increase, resulting in a decrease in energy and an increase in tiredness. The amino acid, tryptophan, is also a well-known food ingredient that causes increased chances of being tired and falling asleep after eating.

Does Chick-fil-A soak their chicken in pickle juice?

But don’t just take it from me — this is the (not-so-secret) secret that’s fueled the love affair so many people have with Chick-fil-A. It’s the pickle brine! Well before being fried to perfection, the chicken breasts are brined with pickle juice for super-juicy, tender meat.

Does Taco Bell use MSG?

They’re common ingredients also found in food items at your grocery store.” In addition, Taco Bell states that it uses only USDA-inspected, 100-percent premium real beef with no MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer.

Does Popeyes chicken use MSG?

Positively good food. We’re working hard towards removing all colors, flavors, and preservatives from artificial sources from our fried chicken menu items in the US by the end of 2022, and it’s our goal that by this time, our chicken in the US will also have no added MSG.

Is it OK to sleep after a meal?

Lying down with a full stomach too soon after a meal can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and may worsen symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — hardly a recipe for restful sleep. What you eat at night also matters.

Why do diabetics sleep after eating?

When blood sugar is still very high after excessive food intake, it permits more tryptophan, which is renowned for causing drowsiness, to cross from the circulation into the brain. Once in the brain, tryptophan can be converted to serotonin and then melatonin, which encourages sleepiness.”

Is a food coma real?

But if you’ve ever found yourself exhausted after a particularly large meal, you’re definitely not alone. Postprandial somnolence, otherwise known as a food coma, isn’t just in your head (and heart). “Food comas are real!” says Dr. Jennifer Haythe, an internist and cardiologist based in New York.

Is MSG worse than salt?

Surprise, surprise, seems like salt is actually worse! … MSG, on the other hand, is not only salty but it also gives an “umami taste” (a more complete, savoury taste). So MSG – 1, Salt – 0. In addition, MSG contains about one-third of the sodium found in table salt.

Is there MSG in KFC?

Here are a list of foods that contain added MSG: Doritos. Flavoured pringlesKFC fried chicken.

What are the symptoms of Chinese restaurant syndrome?

The syndrome only seems to occur in some people. Their symptoms may include headache, throbbing of the head, dizziness, lightheadedness, a feeling of facial pressure, tightness of the jaw, burning or tingling sensations over parts of the body, chest pain, and back pain.

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