Dietitian Zuhra Pavlova explained how a protein-rich diet contributes to improving sleep quality.
What to Eat for Dinner
Recent studies have shown that a protein-rich diet can help combat insomnia. This was stated by endocrinologist and dietitian Zuhra Pavlova:
- Consuming foods high in protein (meat, eggs, dairy products) promotes the release of the peptide CCHa1 in the intestines. This peptide activates neurons in the brain responsible for regulating behavior during sleep, - she noted in her Telegram channel.
Why Protein is Important for Good Sleep:
Protein is the main building material for hormones, body cells, enzymes, as well as for bones, skin, muscles, and the immune system.
When there is a lack of protein, the body begins to use its own muscles, which leads to a shortage of resources for other needs. This creates stress for the nervous system, which, in turn, negatively affects the quality of sleep.
Sleep problems can lead to memory deterioration, reduced learning ability, and slowed reaction times.
Moreover, sleep disturbances can cause changes in eating behavior: a tired body will crave food to gain energy and positive emotions.
This can lead to weight gain, decreased immunity, and other health issues.
Doctor's Recommendations for Dinner
How to properly calculate the daily protein norm? On average, it is 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight.
- If you love fish, a salmon steak 3.5-4 hours before sleep will make an excellent dinner and help improve sleep quality. Protein is also found in chicken and turkey meat. The necessary amount of protein can be obtained from 100-150 grams of chicken breast, - recommended Dr. Pavlova.
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