Why Do I Feel Bad After Eating Fast Food? Fast food is often the easier route for many people to take when they are hungry.
But, did you know that it can also be bad for you? There are several reasons that fast food might make you feel like crap afterwards.
It’s possible that the feeling may be due to eating too much fat or sodium. There could also be mental factors at work; fast food is sometimes linked to depression and poor moods in some individuals.
10 Reasons Why People May Feel Bad After Eating Fast Food:
1. High Salt Content:
Fast food is high in salt content which can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. Too much salt in the body leads to fluid retention and bloating, making you feel physically uncomfortable. You may also suffer from headaches due to unhealthy sodium levels.
2. Fast food is high in fat and sodium
The type of ingredients used in fast food products is often high in fat and salt content. Such elements can satisfy hunger but can also lead to feelings of sluggishness later on because these elements can cause frequent bloat.
You might also feel anxious or sluggish after eating fast food because these foods are high in calories, so if you have a sedentary lifestyle, you could easily consume too much of the wrong type of food.
3. Fast Food is bad for your brain chemistry
It is said that fast food affects our moods to have negative effects on our brain chemistry. Our brains are filled with neurotransmitters that affect our moods and emotions.
Still, the chemicals in fast food may influence serotonin levels, triggering feelings of sadness or depression up to three hours after you eat them.
Researchers think that this happens because processed foods are low in tryptophan and high in carbohydrates, which cause the body to produce excess insulin. Insulin is a hormone that can reduce tryptophan within our bodies and may result in the brain lacking sufficient amounts of serotonin.
4. Fast Food can make you feel sick or tired
Your mood might be affected after eating fast food because you might still feel queasy or tired even though you have just eaten a lot. This can happen because processed foods lack fibre and protein, which increases your metabolism and helps your digestion process.
When you don’t eat those elements, symptoms such as fatigue or brain fog may occur due to the effects of high sugar intake.
5. Fast Food causes a blood sugar spike
You feel hungry shortly after eating fast food because this type of food is rich in carbs, which can cause a sudden increase or decrease in your blood sugar levels. This increase and decrease do not occur at the same intervals as if one had balanced meals, so you should reduce the number of carbs you eat.
High blood sugar levels can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can trigger headaches or dizziness.
6. Fast Food usually comes with fries!
French fries are often included in fast food meals, so if you have side effects afterwards, this could be why. The fried foods found in fast food are usually high in fat, which can slow down your metabolism.
The sodium content is also often high, which means you may become bloated after eating these foods. If you experience headaches or nausea after eating fries, it could be due to their hardness which can cause problems for your jaw and teeth if they are chewed too quickly.
7. Increased Fat and Saturated Fat Level:
The first problem with fast food is that it has a high level of calories and fat. This excessive amount of fat can lead to other health problems such as weight gain and heart disease. Trans fats can also cause problems with your cholesterol levels.
8. Excessive Calories:
A huge plate of fries or a cheesy hamburger may not seem unhealthy due to the small portion size, but they still contain many calories. This can add up to a lot in one sitting, and eventually, when eaten regularly, it will cause obesity and other health issues related to weight gain, such as sleep apnea.
9. Caffeine:
Caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee, which you find in fast food restaurants, can cause dehydration. When your body lacks water, you feel sleepy and tired. You may also get headaches from the caffeine or refined sugar content in these caffeinated drinks.
10. Poor Dental Hygiene:
Finally, people who eat more fast food tend to practice improper dental hygiene and may suffer from tooth decay and bad breath.
How To Stop Feeling Bad After Fast Food?
AVOIDING HIGH-FAT FOODS: Fast food is notorious for its high-fat content, leaving you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable. Try opting for healthier menu options to avoid feeling bad after a fast-food feast. Choose grilled over fried items, skip the extra cheese and mayo, and opt for salads or wraps whenever possible. Reducing your intake of saturated fats can significantly improve your post-fast-food experience.
AVOIDING ALCOHOL: Pairing fast food with alcohol can exacerbate the following unpleasant feelings. Alcohol can slow down digestion and contribute to feelings of discomfort and bloating. So, if you’re planning to indulge in fast food, it’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent compounding the issue.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER: Water is your body’s best friend when processing fast food. High sodium in many fast-food items can lead to dehydration, making you feel even worse. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your fast-food meal. This will help your body flush out excess sodium and improve digestion.
GET A BETTER DIET PLAN: Long-term solutions to feeling bad after eating fast food involve adopting a healthier diet. Consider consulting a nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan that suits your lifestyle and dietary preferences. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly affect how you feel after indulging in fast food occasionally.
How Long Does It Take Fast Food To Leave Your System?
The time it takes for fast food to leave your system can vary depending on several factors, including your metabolism, specific foods, and overall health. Generally, it takes 24-48 hours for your body to digest and eliminate fast food. You may experience discomfort and fatigue during this time, but these symptoms should gradually subside.
So What Can You Do To Stop Feeling Bad After Fast Food?
To minimize post-fast-food discomfort, consider these tips:
- Moderation: Enjoy fast food in moderation rather than making it a regular habit.
- Chew Thoroughly: Take your time to chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion.
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger cues and stop eating when satisfied.
- Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to support overall digestive health.
The Best Way To Stop Feeling Bad After Eating Fast Food?
The best way to stop feeling bad after eating fast food is to balance indulgence and mindful eating. While fast food can be a tempting treat, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being.
Opt for healthier menu options, stay hydrated, and focus on making nutritious choices in your daily diet. Remember, it’s okay to enjoy fast food occasionally, as long as it’s part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
As you now know, fast food can cause many health problems that are detrimental to your well-being. If it’s not the high sugar content or overconsumption of saturated fat and sodium, then it might be the way these foods affect how your gut bacteria reacts with each bite.
The bottom line is this: Fast food shouldn’t be eaten regularly because there are so many healthier options for all types of diets. What do you think? Have any questions about what we talked about today? Please leave them in the comments below!
