The foods and drinks to avoid if you want to have a good sleep

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REVEALED: The foods and drinks to avoid if you want a good quality sleep – and the three nutrients that will transform your rest for the better

  • A Sydney nutritionist has revealed the foods and drinks to avoid before bed 
  • Anthia Koullouros said processed foods, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided 
  • These foods and drinks can keep you up late at night and impact sleep
  • It’s recommended consuming foods rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:


A naturopath has revealed the foods and beverages to avoid for a better night sleep.

Anthia Koullouros, resident naturopath at Mecca Australia’s George Street store in Sydney, said it’s ideal to stay clear of processed foods that do not contain any nutritional value and opt for fresh, healthy food instead.

Ms Koullouros also recommended avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks before bed, as this could keep you awake late at night. 

Anthia Koullouros, resident naturopath at Mecca Australia’s flagship store, said it’s ideal to stay clear of processed foods that do not contain any nutritional value and opt for fresh, healthy food instead

‘Look for where caffeine is found in food and drinks, like cola, energy drinks, chocolate, green tea, black tea and in supplements,’ Ms Koullouros told Mecca.

‘Caffeine has a half-life of about six hours – in other words, after around six hours half of that caffeine is still swirling around in your brain: it’s a psychoactive stimulant, which means it increases activity in the brain.’

According to Healthline, caffeine can also impact your body in other ways and can lead to headaches, heartburn, irritability and jitters.

While many enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, alcohol can also impact your sleep in a negative way.

‘Alcohol fragments your sleep, so you wake up many more times throughout the night – and you wake up feeling unrefreshed,’ Ms Koullouros said. 

While many enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, alcohol can also impact your sleep in a negative way

While many enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, alcohol can also impact your sleep in a negative way

In addition to consuming less processed foods, alcohol and caffeine, it’s recommended to consume foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

Hulled tahini, dairy products and sardines with bones are high in calcium, while leafy greens and almonds are high in magnesium.

High-quality pastured chicken eggs are also high in vitamin D.

NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS 

Vitamin A – eggs, milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe

Vitamin C – oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, broccoli, and red and green bell peppers

Vitamin E – avocados, nuts, seeds, whole-grain foods, and spinach and other dark leafy greens

Calcium – non-fat and low-fat dairy, dairy substitutes, broccoli, dark, leafy greens, and sardines

Magnesium – spinach, black beans, peas, and almonds

Fibre – legumes (dried beans and peas), whole-grain foods and brans, seeds, apples, strawberries, carrots, raspberries, and colorful fruit and vegetables 

Potassium – bananas, cantaloupe, raisins, nuts, fish, and spinach and other dark greens

Source: Family Doctor