Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 7/22/2009

Question
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to answer this question. Recently I have been getting extremely tired after I eat. I can't concentrate and it makes it extremely difficult during work to get anything done because I literally feel like a different person. I can try to read a book but I don't remember anything. I literally feel much more stupid after I eat. I haven't notice a trend depending on what I eat or how much. Sometimes one bite of a sandwich will do it. It just seems like whenever I eat, no matter how much or how little, I get this feeling. I don't want to talk to other people, I just want to lay down, but even when I do that I can't fall asleep. It's terrible and is seriously impairing my ability to be productive. I can't really affor a doctor. Do you know what it is or what should I do!?

Answer
Hi Tim:  Thanks for your question.

I'm not a physician, so I can't give you any medical advice.  Besides, I don't know anything about you (age, weight, activity level, etc), so advice would be very tenuous at best.

I offer three things that always make me feel better when I'm exhausted and having problems:

1.  Drink plenty of water.  Dehydration can make you very tired with trouble concentrating
2.  Get a little exercise.  I know it's hard to force yourself, but just try a little walk to the corner of your street and back every day.
3.  Eat according to the Mcdougall plan.  It's a hard plan, but will definitely get you going and feel better.  The plan itself is expensive, but there's a free version on the lower left corner.  You can join the blog and get more free information that way.

These three things should help you in about a week.  If you're still feeling bad, suck it up and go to a doctor.  Maybe there's something serious happening.

Here's the link:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/

Hope this works, write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD