Is it just us or is everyone sleep-deprived these days?
The shocking answer that came back time and again?
A lowly baked potato.
Read on to find out exactly why, and their other picks as well.
The foods with complex carbohydrates stimulate the release of serotonin that calms the brain.
High-protein foods, whether meat or beans, do the opposite.
Remember, one potato, two potato, three potato, snore.
One specific food on my favorites list for a great night’s sleep is a baked sweet potato.
They are rich in potassium, which helps your muscles relax.
They also have magnesium, which promotes GABA secretion in the braina relaxation-inducing neurotransmitter.
Also, having a healthy starch and fat in the evening can put the body in sleepy mode.
Think: sweet potato drizzled with some avocado oil.
These nuts are high in Vitamin B6 and tryptophan which support the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Low levels of serotonin can prevent us from falling asleep and staying asleep.
Almonds are a natural way to boost mood and increase serotonin for a restful night’s sleep.
Tiffany Lester, M.D.
I prefer to eat almonds that have been sprouted because thisdeactivates something called phytic acid.
This way you have a better shot at absorbing all the nutrients in the almonds.
Ellen Vora, M.D.
I also see to it to getplenty of magnesium.
That is easy for me.
I have a plate of salad greens or cooked greens every day.
Or you could have a green smoothie using parsley and green grapes.
A couple of drops of lavender essential oil in the bath water is a lovely addition.
Finally, I enjoy a cup or two of chamomile tea with supper and/or after supper in the evening.
I often put in a bit of coconut milk and a touch of cardamom or nutmeg.
It is a delicious top to my evening meal.
Terry Wahls, M.D.,mbg class instructorand author ofThe Wahls Protocol: Cooking For Life
