A recent study suggests that combining stress with late-night eating habits could contribute to digestive issues. Researchers analyzed over 11,000 individuals in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and discovered that those with high stress levels who consumed a significant portion of their daily calories after 9pm were 1.7 times more likely to experience constipation and diarrhea.
Moreover, data from more than 4,000 participants in the American Gut Project revealed that individuals with elevated stress levels who indulged in late-night snacks were 2.5 times more prone to bowel problems. Lead researcher Dr. Harika Dadigiri from New York Medical College emphasized the importance of meal timing, stating, “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.”
The research team recommends sticking to structured meal times to establish more consistent eating patterns. Dr. Dadigiri highlighted the significance of forming small, regular habits like following a set meal routine to improve digestive function over time.
These findings are set to be presented at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, scheduled from May 2 to May 5.
