Researchers say it may not be what you eat, but when
Stress paired with late-night snacking could lead to bowel problems, according to a study. Eating late at night may “deliver a double hit to gut health” among those who are already under pressure, experts said.
For the study, US researchers looked at data from more than 11,000 people taking part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that those with high allostatic load scores – which indicate the impact of chronic stress on the body – who also reported eating a quarter of their daily calories after 9pm were 1.7 times more likely to have constipation and diarrhoea.
Elsewhere, analysis of data from more than 4,000 people in the American Gut Project found those with high stress levels who snacked late at night were 2.5 times more likely to have bowel issues. Lead author Dr Harika Dadigiri, of New York Medical College at Saint Mary’s and Saint Clare’s Hospital, said: “It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it.
“And when we’re already under stress, that timing may deliver a ‘double hit’ to gut health.”
Researchers suggest that maintaining structured meal times could help people eat at more regular times.
Dr Dadigiri said: “I’m not the ice cream police. Everyone should eat their ice cream – maybe preferably earlier in the day. Small, consistent habits, like maintaining a structured meal routine, may help promote more regular eating patterns and support digestive function over time.”
The findings will be presented at Digestive Disease Week, which takes place in Chicago from May 2 to May 5.
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