Many people now frequently eat late at night, whether it’s because of habit, stress, or job schedules. But over time, those late-night food binges and fatty snacks can seriously harm your health. “Most people are unaware that this innocuous habit is causing the body to suffer from numerous digestive issues, such as indigestion and acidity,” stated Dr. Surakshith T.K., senior consultant for gastroenterology and hepatology at Fortis Escorts, Okhla, in an interview with HT Lifestyle. Understanding the causes of late-night eating’s negative effects on the body will help you make better decisions for your digestive system.
How eating late at night might harm your health and cause acidity and indigestion:
1. Interference with the cycles of normal digestion
Numerous bodily processes, including digestion, are impacted by the circadian cycle that occurs naturally in the human body. Because the metabolism slows down when we sleep, eating late at night reduces the effectiveness of the digestive process. Ineffective digestion leads to bloating, pain, and an overabundance of acid production by keeping leftover food in the stomach for long periods of time.
2. An excess of gastric acid
Foods consumed later in the evening, especially those that are fatty or spicy, cause the stomach to produce more acid. The body has fewer opportunities to neutralize or absorb the acid because digestion is nearly finished for the night. Acid reflux, another name for heartburn, is the burning pain that results from acid reflux returning to the esophagus.
3. Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) relaxation
The sphincter that separates the stomach and esophagus is known as the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES can relax further and permit the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus if you lie down after eating, particularly after a large meal. The backflow creates acid reflux, which causes indigestion and heartburn, two excruciating symptoms.
4. The possibility of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
Eating late at night is a regular and widespread occurrence. The development of GERD, a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs regularly and irritates and even damages the esophagus, might be triggered by repeated night eating in the early morning. Long-term GERD that is left untreated can cause ulcers, chronic pain, and possibly irreversible harm.
5. Sleep issues and digestive distress
Eating at night interferes with sleep. The body uses its energy for digestion rather than slumber, which throws off your sleep schedule. Additionally, eating right before bed causes unnecessary strain on the digestive system, which exacerbates indigestion, gas, and bloating at night.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
