RIO Fitness Chicago® Exercise & Nutrition Blog

RIO Fitness Chicago® Tip:

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? One cause could be the foods you're eating close to bedtime. Here's some foods that could be the culprit.

1) AGED CHEESE. Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and other hard cheeses have high levels of the amino acid tyramine which is known to keep you up.

2) SPICY FOODS. Hot wings may taste good during the football game, but they aren't going to feel so great come bedtime; especially if you're prone to heartburn, since lying down only amps up its side.

3) PROCESSED/SMOKED MEATS. Processed meats contain high levels of tyramine and makes the brain release a chemical that makes us feel alert.

4) ALCOHOL. Many people use alcohol to help them relax, but it actually prevents your body from entering the deep stages of sleep.

5) MILK CHOCOLATE. The average milk chocolate bar contains tyrosine, which is converted into dopamine, a stimulant. This causes alertness and restlessness, which can keep you up at night.

6) TOMATO SAUCES. Tomato-based foods have a tendency to cause acid reflux and heartburn, which will prevent you from having a good night's sleep.

7) GINSENG TEA. Herbal teas are great for sleeping, but steer clear of ginseng. It acts as a stimulant, and some may experience insomnia and hypertension.

8) SOY. 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.