No doubt you’ve realised that some types of food have a boosting effect, like eggs, oats and avocado for example. That’s because they contain tyrosine, an amino acid which is a precursor to dopamine, making them an ideal breakfast option. At the other end of the scale, some foods are better suited for preparing our bodies to go to sleep, by bringing on certain chemical reactions.

In terms of what not to do, it’s most important not to eat anything too rich, not to eat meals that are too large, and not to eat too close to bedtime. You should aim to end dinner at least two hours before going to bed. That’s to limit any potential nighttime discomfort from indigestion or heartburn. On top of that, our body temperature needs to drop when we go to sleep, but digestion does the exact opposite.

So what are the better options available to us then? Why is the role of amino acids so important? What about simply skipping dinner; does that work? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to more episodes, click here:

Do "light" food products really help you lose weight?

Are budget food brands really worth the savings they offer?

How can I best preserve food in my freezer ?

A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 7/1/2023.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices