According to experts, the ideal time for dinner is between 6 and 7 p.m., followed by bedtime four hours later. This allows sufficient time for digestion, as food requires a minimum of four hours to be fully broken down. After 8 p.m., it is advisable to refrain from consuming any snacks except for fluids.
Partaking in frequent late dinners increases your risk of developing the following serious health conditions:
1. Late dinners can lead to obesity
Statistics reveal that 90% of obesity cases are attributed to late dinners and excessive eating habits, coupled with reduced nighttime activity levels.
Nutrition experts explain that our body’s metabolic rate tends to slow down towards the end of the day. Consequently, consuming a large meal late at night challenges the body’s ability to efficiently digest the food.
Additionally, the nutrients from the late dinner may not be converted into energy but instead transformed into unhealthy fats. Over time, these fats accumulate, resulting in weight gain and obesity.
2. Late dinners may cause acid reflux
According to specialists, consuming a late dinner consisting of heavy, fried, or sugary foods and immediately retiring to bed can contribute to acid reflux issues.
As your stomach requires several hours to digest the food, lying down soon after a meal allows acid to escape from the stomach and leak into the esophagus.
To prevent acid reflux, it is recommended to maintain a habit of eating dinner before 7 p.m. and avoiding any subsequent snacks.
3. Late dinners can disrupt your sleep quality
Numerous studies have indicated that late dinners can negatively impact your sleep quality. The process of digestion close to bedtime interferes with your sleep cycles, resulting in more frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep.
Consuming sugary or grilled foods further exacerbates the problem. Opt instead for a warm glass of milk or chamomile tea to promote better sleep.
4. Late dinners are linked to an increased risk of stroke
According to Livestrong, a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Annual Meeting in 2011 established a connection between the habit of late dinners and the occurrence of strokes.
The researchers explained that symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux could lead to sleep apnea, a significant risk factor for strokes.
Additionally, late dinners can adversely affect your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. These fluctuations collectively elevate the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
5. Late dinners are associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer
One of the most evident consequences of late dinners is the development of stomach ailments, including stomach cancer.
Consistently eating dinner late and then remaining inactive places a substantial burden on the digestive system. Over time, this prolonged strain increases the likelihood of stomach ailments and even stomach cancer.
This correlation was substantiated in a study conducted by the University of Tokyo in Japan. The researchers found that 38.4% of the population who ate very late dinners developed stomach cancer.
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