Have you ever experienced uncontrollable urges to sleep after eating? If so, you already know the famous "mal del puerco".

Although this situation occurs very often, really few people know what causes it. At Kiwilimón, we took on the task of investigating the true origin of mal del puerco so you can enjoy your meals during these holidays without falling asleep.

Learn more about the mystery of mal del puerco.

Before continuing, it's important that you can distinguish mal del puerco from simple indigestion or laziness. If you're unsure whether you're experiencing this particular discomfort, ask yourself the following questions:

Did I just eat carbohydrate-rich foods?
Did I consume excessive amounts of food?
Do I feel sleepy right after eating?
Do I feel heavy and weak?

With these energy-giving foods, you'll make the most of your day. If your answer is Yes to these questions, you're probably going through the hell of any office worker (is there anything more complicated than surviving at work after lunch?).

Once we clearly understand what's happening to your body, it's time to explain this annoying process. After a binge, your body's priority is to digest those abominable amounts of carbohydrates. This means that your entire system enters a state of rest, making you feel drowsy. Are you falling asleep at the office every day? Try these remedies. You may have heard that this feeling of drowsiness is due to decreased blood circulation to the brain to pump more to the stomach. Well, this is partially correct.

Yes, it's true that the digestive system needs more blood to process all that food, but the blood doesn't come from the brain, it comes from the muscular system. For this reason, it's a bad idea to exercise right after a heavy meal. These foods will help you perform better during your workout. It's also true that there are some foods that induce sleep due to their natural components, such as tryptophan; however, the amounts are minimal. You would have to eat a lot of turkey or nuts to feel that sleepy.

If you often feel the effects of mal del puerco every other day, we suggest moderating your portions and reducing carbohydrates. If you couldn't resist the dish of the day, and still have a few hours left at the office, look for white light bulbs with blue tones. Believe it or not, this small detail can make a big difference. Enjoy these delicious light menus and forget about mal del puerco.