Evil Pork and Other Foods Which Cause Nightmares

When Jesus casts out the demons from a man in the book of Matthew he sends them into a herd of pigs. Maybe this is why pork is notorious for causing nightmares when eaten too closely to bedtime. Either way, the link between foods and nightmares is irrefutable and patterns have shown that certain foods are more likely to cause nightmares than others. There are some foods and spices you should avoid before bedtime to decrease the possibility of nightmarish dreams.

Pork is a common culprit in the nightmare inducing diet plan. Specifically cuts of pork that come from the area near the spine like ribs and bone-in pork chops. Leaner meats like tenderloin or ham are not linked with nightmares.

Whether or not you buy into the idea of demonic pork, scientists agree that rich, fatty foods can cause bad dreams. Suppers based on protein-rich meals are harder for the body to digest. This increase of stress on your digestive system leads to the mild hallucinations of nightmares. Rich creams, high-fat foods and grease are also nightmare causing foods, especially if your body is not used to rich foods.

To avoid nightmares, keep your suppers light and easy to digest. Stick to rice or pasta with vegetables and a minimum amount of proteins. If you plan to indulge in a rich meal, try to eat earlier in the evening. Give your body a few hours before bedtime to digest the harsher parts of your supper.

Indigestion is usually ignited by fatty and spicy foods which cause gas. Skip the fast food meals and fried foods. Take a gas reliever, like Beano or Gas X, before your supper to decrease the risk of gas and indigestion ruining your night with bad dreams.

Unless you are used to eating the spices used in Indian, Mexican or Cajun cooking, they can also ignite bad dreams. Anything your body is not used to digesting can be stressful on the digestive tract which alerts the brain. Stress causes the brain to release chemicals which translate into nightmares when you are sleeping.

Raw onions can spark horrible indigestion and cause nightmares. However, cooked onions release a different chemical chain which can induce sleep.

A diet consistently high in sugar can cause poor sleep habit in general, which in turn leads to nightmares and bad dreams. Replace processed foods with fresh, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to allow your body to detox. Also, skip carbonated drinks, like sodas, before bedtime.

Children may experience nightmares if they become allergic to certain foods. Pay attention to your child's diet and see if you can detect a certain pattern. Sometimes children will get nightmares if they develop a lactose intolerant condition as well.

If nightmares continue to be a concern, try using food proactively to calm your system. Drink something warm and soothing to relax your mind and body before bed. Warm milk is usually recommended because it releases sleep inducing chemicals when warmed. However, warm milk is not always appetizing, especially for people who haven't developed a taste for plain milk. Instead, try warming a cup of milk on the stove. When it is hot, but not boiling, add a package of instant cocoa for a soothing, delicious treat that will help you relax before sleeping.