What can happen if you eat after 8 PM? I mean, what could possibly go wrong? More than half of our country’s population must be eating dinners post 8. Then why is it considered that it is unhealthy to eat after 8?
Basically, the idea here is not the time of eating but the time of sleeping. Confused? It is generally advised to have your last meal of the day at least 2-3 hours prior to hitting bed. There are enormous reasons why you should not go to bed right after eating, which will be explained in this article.
To get a better understanding on this, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari, Clinical Nutritionist at Artemis Lite, New Delhi.
Dr Tiwari said, “The timing of meals is of prime importance as it can impact several health aspects like digestion, metabolism, and overall well being. The idea that eating after 8 pm is unhealthy is a widespread belief and is said to have detrimental effects on weight and overall lifestyle.”
Can Lead To Weight Gain
I know the question popping in your mind right now is “Wait! Wasn’t the excessive quantity and eating junk, fried food the factor leading to weight gain? When did time come in the picture?” It does come in the picture. Let’s understand what Dr Tiwari has to say about it. “Eating late can indeed cause weight gain. Late-night eating often leads to excess calorie consumption which disrupts the weight management system. However, the timing of meals is not the only factor contributing to weight gain. The overall quantity and quality of food consumed, metabolism of an individual, activity level, and genetic factors also matter,” Dr said.
People who stay up till late night for work purposes or probably binge watching series or movies are likely to feel hunger pangs. Talking on this, Dr Tiwari said, “Late-night snacking is generally driven by stress and boredom and is often the result of that boredom rather than actual hunger. Preferring nutritious snacks and practicing mindful eating can help mitigate the negative effects of late-night eating of weight.”
Poor Digestion
When you hit the bed right after eating, your digestive system may not work properly on the food you just pushed in. On this Dr Tiwari said, “Impacting the digestive system is another major concern associated with late-night snacking. One of the major reasons why it is advised to refrain from eating after 8 pm is that the body's digestive processes slow down naturally at night so that rest and recovery can be facilitated.” Dr further said, “However, it's important to understand that the individual responses to late-night eating can vary. Some people can tolerate eating closer to bedtime and don't experience any digestive issues or discomfort. Some people on the other hand experience extreme discomfort and digestive issues. Factors like meal composition, portions, and personal tolerance play a significant role in determining how late-night eating affects an individual.”
Disruption Of Sleep
Dr Tiwari said, “Consumption of large and heavy meals close to bedtime disturbs this process and results in discomfort, indigestion, and other related issues that make it difficult to fall asleep.”
Also read: Sleep Deprivation: Tips To Recover From Sleepless Night
Affects Metabolism
According to Dr Tiwari, some evidence suggests that eating late at night is likely to have implications on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Various studies have shown that consuming carbohydrate-rich meals after 8 pm can result in heightened sugar levels and hinder glucose tolerance in some individuals, especially those who have metabolic conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance.
Concluding Dr Tiwari said, “Eventually, the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just to focus solely on the timing of meals but to also have a balanced approach to eating that emphasizes nutrient rich foods, mindful eating practices, and regular physical activity if you have some specific concerns about late-night eating or the effects that it has on your health then it is advised to consult a healthcare professional for tailored advice.”