Natural Gluten Free Foods That Promote Sleep

Can’t sleep? Learn the foods that promote sleep. There are specific minerals and other ingredients found in natural gluten free foods that aid sleep. Some of these foods that are high in what you may need, may not make the ideal bedtime snack. Avoid high fats, highly acid foods, chocolate and other foods containing caffeine. Choose wisely by learning the right ones for you.

What Foods Promote Sleep?

Whole grains (gluten-free), gluten free oats and pumpkin seeds all contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin. Artificial forms of serotonin may be found in antidepressants, but in its natural form (the kind your body makes) is healthy for you. It may relax and destress you so that you can get a better night’s sleep.

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Milk, yogurt, and dark leafy greens all contain calcium which can convert tryptophan into melatonin. Calcium also helps regulate nerve impulses. For both of these reasons, foods with calcium can help you sleep..

Nuts, seeds, whole grains (be sure they are gluten-free), leafy greens, beans and fruit are all rich in magnesium, which relaxes muscles and nerves and detoxifies the body’s high levels of cortisol. Skip the sugary fruits at bedtime and high fat nuts, but reach for all of the others, including almonds. Skip the almonds if you have digestive issues with heavy foods at bedtime.

Oats and cherries, particularly Montmorency cherries, all contain melatonin. Rather than take melatonin in a pill form, which is often too strong a dose for your body, try these natural forms instead. Cherries in the form of fresh, dried, or juice all promote a great night’s sleep.

Bananas and potatoes contain plenty of potassium which helps those with muscle spasms or soreness. Rather than consume high carbs (sugar) at bedtime, skip the white potatoes and reach for sweet potatoes instead. In addition, vegetables such as leafy greens, mushrooms, tomatoes and cauliflower are rich in magnesium. However, skip high acidic foods at bedtime such as tomatoes and citrus fruit. Fish and beans are also an excellent source of magnesium. Again, if you cannot tolerate heavy foods, bananas and potatoes may not be the ideal way to go.

Chamomile in the form of tea, extract or topical ointment all help aid sleep. Studies on animals show chamomile to be an effective and safe sleep aid.