An expert has warned that three common lunch foods could be behind that familiar afternoon energy crash. Even a seemingly nutritious meal might leave you feeling drained by 3pm, according to Oliver Goble, deputy head of nutrition at food intolerance testing firm Supply Life.
Oliver explained: "Many people think brain fog is just tiredness, but it can actually indicate something more serious. The gut and brain are closer than people realise. Any inflammation in the gut sends distress signals to the brain, even from foods that look healthy on paper."
Dairy
A cheese sandwich or pot of yoghurt might be a typical midday meal, but it can prove particularly troublesome for those with a dairy intolerance. Oliver said: "For those with a dairy intolerance, the body will create antibodies against the protein in an attempt to rid it from the body, as a result, individuals can begin to experience uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive gas, bloating, and difficulty concentrating."
Bread
If you're unknowingly dealing with a yeast intolerance, your regular sandwich could be the culprit. Certain breads may disrupt your digestive system hours after consumption. Oliver noted: "Yeast intolerance reactions aren't immediate, symptoms can appear several hours later, which makes it really hard to connect them to what you ate at lunch. Bloating, abdominal pain, and brain fog are all common, and most people never think to blame their bread."
Protein bars
Despite being seen as a handy health snack, protein bars often contain refined carbohydrates, dairy, and gluten. These can cause more harm than good if you have a sensitivity to any of these ingredients. For those seeking a protein boost, Oliver suggests sourcing it from whole foods like eggs, chicken, and nuts, which don't come with the added extras.
