You’ve probably experienced this before: After a protein-rich meal, you feel hot flashes or sweat profusely.
This event, called “meat sweats,” is often the perfect time for grilling after a holiday meal or, in the summer, into the night.
To avoid the consequences of these lavish feasts, here are some tips to combat that “meat hangover”.
Our stomachs often have difficulty metabolizing meals that are rich in meat or fish. We naturally think of winter, with its constant ballet of dishes, each more bountiful than the last, including stuffed capons, foie gras, turkey with chestnuts and other raclettes.
Contrary to popular belief, summer doesn’t have to be mild! While some eat mainly fruit and mixed salads, for others, barbecue reigns supreme! Chipoltas, merguez, pork ribs, all drizzled with sauces… grill time is a time of joy, but in our bellies, it’s sometimes a battleground. But as you consume all this protein, the heat suddenly invades your body, you start sweating profusely… then you experience what we call “meat sweat”, also known as “meat hangover”. is said to cause significant digestive discomfort.
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“Meat sweat”, this excess of protein that makes you feel hot
Consuming large amounts of eggs, fish or even meat can make you feel overheated. If we sweat naturally in summer, this is even more true after consuming large amounts of protein present in these foods. The problem is that these biological molecules are relatively difficult for many people to digest. So your body will need more energy to absorb and digest them: this process will produce heat in the body, called “thermogenesis”.
According to Press Center, body heat increases “Especially when you consume 30 grams or more of protein in one sitting” The mechanism behind “meat sweat” can also be accentuated by the consumption of alcohol or spicy dishes.
How to cure it?
This “meat sweat” sometimes goes hand in hand with other digestive disorders, such as abdominal pain or flatulence, which are often associated with the presence of nitrates, sodium and additional preservatives. First tip: Avoid processed meats and cold cuts as much as possible, which are also bad for the heart.
To aid in detoxification, drink plenty of water! If you’ve had a good meal, don’t hesitate to take a walk instead of plopping down on the sofa after your meal. In addition to limiting alcohol and spices that can increase sweating and keep you from sleeping, serve yourself wisely.
As bedtime approaches, in particular, it’s better to be content with 80-200 grams of meat or fish per meal, Pres Sante adds. On the other hand, there is no contraindication to stocking up on vegetables and starchy foods in case of cravings. Another tip: Try to space meals at least three hours apart to allow your body to recover.
