A recent study suggests that combining stress with late-night snacking may contribute to digestive issues. Researchers found a correlation between eating late at night and high levels of stress leading to a negative impact on gut health, especially for individuals with elevated allostatic load scores.
The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, revealed that individuals who consumed a significant portion of their daily calories after 9pm were 1.7 times more likely to experience constipation and diarrhea if they had high allostatic load scores. Additionally, an investigation involving more than 4,000 subjects in the American Gut Project showed that those with heightened stress levels who indulged in late-night snacks were 2.5 times more prone to bowel-related problems.
Lead author Dr. Harika Dadigiri from New York Medical College at Saint Mary’s and Saint Clare’s Hospital emphasized the importance of not just what but when individuals eat, particularly when facing stress. Dr. Dadigiri suggested that establishing structured meal times could assist in promoting more regular eating habits, thereby supporting digestive function in the long term.
The study’s outcomes will be shared at Digestive Disease Week, scheduled to be held in Chicago from May 2 to May 5. Researchers recommend adopting consistent meal routines to improve eating patterns and enhance digestive health over time.