Why Do I Feel Lethargic After Lunch? - #37644
I feel extremely lethargy and sleepiness after taking lunch at office. I am a psychotherapist and have to see patients immediately after lunch . What’s happening ? Also I am not able to sleep well . I am a 57 year old tall healthy woman
How long have you been experiencing this lethargy after lunch?:
- 1-4 weeksWhat type of food do you typically eat for lunch?:
- Balanced meals (proteins, carbs, veggies)How would you describe your overall sleep quality?:
- Poor, I wake up frequently or can't sleepShop Now in Our Store


Doctors’ responses
It’s due to slow metabolism. Avoid oily, spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Sy. Gason 15ml after meal Follow up after 1week.
It can be due to stress and work load which slows down the digestion and metabolism. Start with- 1. Abhayarishtam 15ml-0-15ml with 15ml water before food 2. Manasamitra Vatkam 2tab at Night before bedtime.
Diet Advice Warm water (8 glasses/day); ginger or cumin tea 2x/day post-meals. Avoid: Cold/spicy/oily foods, caffeine, late dinners. Timing: Last meal by 7 PM; don’t skip breakfast.
Lifestyle Hacks Move Gently: 20 mins daily yoga (e.g., Pavanamuktasana) or walking to ease bloating and lethargy. Sleep Routine: Bed by 10 PM; 7-8 hours. Try warm milk with nutmeg pinch before bed. 5-10 mins deep breathing or meditation to calm Vata for better sleep. Warm sesame oil massage on feet daily at night
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
It may be due to slow metabolism or nutritional deficiencies I will recommend you to get tested for S. Vit B12 S. Vit D S. Ferretin LFT
Hello I can understand your concern and how frustrating it must feel to experience sleepiness and sluggishness after lunch, especially when your professional responsibilities require alertness and focus but dont worry we are here to help you out 😊
After-lunch drowsiness is often a sign that your digestive fire is unable to transform the meal efficiently.
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT
✅Regulate Digestive Fire (Agni Deepana & Ama Pachana)
1 Jeerakadi Vati 1 tablet after meals with warm water (Improves digestion & prevents gas)
2 Trikatu Churna (Dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper) ¼ tsp before lunch with honey or warm water (Stimulates metabolism, prevents post-meal dullness)
Warm water sipping Every 15–20 mins after meals Prevents Kapha accumulation & aids digestion
✅Adjust Meal Type and Timing
Keep lunch lighter but nourishing — moong dal khichdi, steamed veggies, ghee, and warm water.
Avoid combining heavy proteins and carbohydrates (e.g., dal + paneer + rice together).
Avoid curd, buttermilk, or cold salads during lunch hours at the office.
Chew food slowly and avoid discussing stressful topics while eating.
👉Try adding a pinch of roasted cumin + black salt + lemon juice to your meal to boost post-lunch alertness.
✅Correct Sleep Disturbance
Ashwagandha Churna – ½ tsp with warm milk or water at night for restful sleep and reduced fatigue.
Rub a few drops of Ksheerabala Taila on the soles and temples before sleeping.
✅Daily Routine Support
Walk slowly for 5–10 minutes after lunch instead of sitting immediately.
Avoid tea/coffee right after food — have herbal tea (ginger–lemon or mint).
Keep your lunch timing fixed (preferably between 12–1:30 pm).
Avoid daytime naps if possible; if needed, take a 10–15 min power nap only.
Practice Anulom Vilom Pranayama for 5 minutes post-lunch to boost oxygen and focus.
✅ Favourable Foods
Light dals, lauki, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, moong, red rice, ghee in moderation. Herbal teas: cumin–fennel–ginger or cinnamon–clove–tulsi. Fruits (taken mid-morning): apple, papaya, pomegranate.
❌ Avoid
Cold, heavy, oily, or leftover foods. Sugar-loaded sweets or milkshakes after lunch. Excess coffee or caffeinated drinks to fight drowsiness — they worsen Vata at night.
By supporting digestion during the day and calming the nervous system at night, you will notice a marked improvement in energy, focus, and sleep quality within 2–3 weeks.
Warm regards, Dr. Snehal Vidhate
HI,
ITS really got hectic with letharginess to see patients and daily when it got the same routine, dont worry its due to improper sleep which also causing slow digestion and metabolism .
oral treatment- 1) avipattikar churn 1 gm twice a day before meal 2) dadimashtak kwath 20 ml twice a day with equal amount of water after meal. 3) tab mansmittra vati 2 tab before 1 hr of sleep ( try to sleep before 11 PM)
THANKU
Start with Tablet Liv-52 1-0-1 after food with water Avipattikar tablet 1-0-1 after food with water Have small quantity of lunch , do not have high carbohydrates and starchy food as lunch Take buttermilk with pinch of asafoetida black salt and roasted jeera powder after lunch daily.

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