While a study published in the Applied Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research(1) stated that yawning could be a means tool cool the temperature of the brain, one cannot deny that at the wrong times, it can be quite embarrassing. It could occur when you’re having a one-on-one conversation with someone, or when you’re at a meeting at work, or even at the movies.
However, aside from making you self-conscious, it is also a sign that you need to take better care of your body. Excessive yawning, can in some cases, be a symptom of a few diseases, but on other occasions, it could just be the body’s response to sleep deprivation or poor mental health.
Causes
Excessive yawning can have many causes, some of which are listed below:
- Sleep deprivation
- Tiredness
- Vitamin deficiency
- Side effects of medicines
- Bodily response to others yawning
Natural Remedies for Excessive Yawning
CURE 1: Foods
1. Bananas
Why use:
Bananas are packed with potassium, B vitamins, and magnesium and are thus great for an instant dose of energy.
How to use:
You can consume bananas plain, or even with cream or in a fruit salad.
How often to use:
Eat at least one or two bananas on a daily basis to give your body the energy it needs, and thus prevent excessive yawning from tiredness.
[Read: Natural Way to Treat Tiredness]
2. Coffee
Why use:
Coffee contains caffeine, which in moderate quantities(2) is helpful in keeping you awake and energetic. Just like bananas, it is often a go-to option for people before sports before they hit the gym.
How to use:
You can consume coffee in the form of an espresso, or by brewing it. For those who prefer keeping their dairy consumption low, black coffee is a good option.
How often to use:
You can safely consume two cups of coffee a day, one at the start and once in the evening. However, ensure that you don’t consume too much of it as it can be counterproductive and can also make your hand jittery, apart from staining your teeth.
3. Sweet potatoes
Why use:
Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates that release glucose more gradually, when compared with sugars, thus ensuring a steady supply of energy to the body. They’re also rich in iron and Vitamin C, among other nutrients like magnesium and potassium, all of which are key energy-providing nutrients.
How to use:
You can consume them boiled, and sprinkled with some salt, pepper and lemon juice, or even add them to a salad with other vegetables in order to consume a balanced meal.
How much to use:
You can consume one medium-sized sweet potato a day, as that’ll ensure a steady supply of energy.
[Read: Sweet Potatoes for Diabetes]
4. Eggs
Why use:
Eggs are a great source of high-quality proteins and fat, which, aside from keeping us satiated, is also a great source of energy. They’re also a great source of iron, Vitamins D and B-12.
How to use:
You can consume eggs in a variety of ways: scrambled, fried, as an omelette or even with salads that contain vegetables or meat.
How much to use:
Consume at least two eggs a day, as they ensure a steady supply of energy, aside from providing your body with a myriad of other key nutrients. Always eat the whole egg, as the yolk is what contains the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals.
5. Fruits
Why use:
Fruits contain a variety of Vitamins, such as A, C, D, B-12, and so on. All of these are essential in providing your body with the energy it needs to keep you going through the day, as are the other nutrients they pack, such as fibre, minerals, iron, and so on.
How to use:
You can consume fruits like avocados, watermelons, oranges, bananas, and so on, either raw, or by adding them to a fruit salad.
How much to use:
Eat at least one or two different fruits every morning to give your body the energy it needs throughout the day.
6. Dark Chocolate
Why use:
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which are great sources of energy. These flavonoids(2) help give the body the fuel it needs to get through the day without feeling overly fatigued, eventually resulting in a lower frequency of yawning.
How to use:
Dark chocolate is best had in its commercially available form: as blocks.
How much to use:
Eating a cube or two of dark chocolate a day is the ideal amount. Daily consumption in higher quantities is not recommended.
CURE 2: Herbal Treatment
1. Ashwagandha
Why use:
Ashwagandha has been hailed as an ayurvedic remedy for various diseases for over 3,000 years. It’s ability to lower the levels of cortisol in the body, further reducing stress and anxiety, and as a result, insomnia, proves to be highly helpful in preventing excess yawning.
How to use:
Ashwagandha is most popularly available in a powdered form, and is also easily available in the market. Consult a doctor on the right dosage of Ashwagandha to consume on a daily basis.
How much to use:
However, studies show that 500-600mg of ashwagandha on a daily basis, over a period of between 6-12 weeks have shown to significantly reduce stress and insomnia, thus making the subjects more energetic throughout the day.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
Why use:
The adaptogenic properties of this herb have been proven to fight fatigue, stress and anxiety, all contributing a boost in daily energy.
How to use:
This herb is widely available in the form of capsules, powders, and also as a liquid extract.
How much to use:
The daily dosage depends on the user’s age and also the brand. It’s advisable to consult a doctor before beginning a course of this herb.
Excessive yawning can prove to be a major contributor to one’s belief in their ability to perform their day to day tasks. It constantly makes you feel like you need to give up and sleep, given that it’s caused either due to a lack of sufficient nutrients in the body or due to acute fatigue. Using the above-mentioned remedies to ensure that your body gets the nutrition and rest it needs on a daily basis, can help put a stop to excessive yawning.
[Also Read: Rhodiola Health Benefits ]
FAQ’s
1. Is Excessive Yawning the Symptom of Any Major Diseases?
While excessive yawning is generally an indication of sleep disorders, fatigue or stress and anxiety, in rare cases, it could also indicate a brain tumour, a heart attack or epilepsy. However, if in doubt, it’s best to consult a doctor and not panic.
2. What Can I Do to Stop Yawning When I’m at an Important Meeting or Event?
You could: drink something cold, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, snack on cool foods such as watermelons, cucumbers, and so on.
3. How Long Will It Take for the Frequency of My Yawning to Reduce After a Change in Diet?
One cannot say for certain. However, a consistently healthy diet could start showing benefits within a few weeks.
