Recent research suggests that the combination of stress and eating more than 25% of daily calories after 9 p.m. can significantly increase the risk of intestinal disorders, including constipation and diarrhea.

Stressed participants who eat late are up to 2.5 times more likely to experience these problems, highlighting the need for greater attention to nighttime eating habits.

The study was presented in May at Digestive Diseases Week, a prestigious annual meeting for professionals in gastroenterology, hepatology and related fields, CNN reported.

It differs from other research, in that most studies on the health effects of eating late focus on sleep, diabetes, obesity and acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“I myself usually eat late at night, so I did it out of simple curiosity, and I didn't find many articles about it,” explained Dr. Harika Dadigiri, lead author of the study, justifying her research.

“Few previous studies have explored meal timing, or the combination of stress with late-night food intake, in relation to gut function,” added Dr. Geoffrey Preidis, associate professor of pediatrics in the division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, in an email.

Impact on gut microbiome diversity

The study indicates that late food consumption, in conjunction with stress, can negatively affect the diversity of the gut microbiome.

A diverse microbiome is essential for overall health, allowing for more effective recovery from disturbances.

The researchers noted that those with nocturnal eating habits and high stress load showed significantly lower bacterial diversity.

Consequence of eating behaviors

Although the research does not establish a direct causal relationship, experts suggest that there is a detrimental interaction between stress, nighttime eating, and gut health.

Changes in diet and circadian rhythms can alter gastrointestinal health, impacting hormonal regulation and communication between the gut and the brain.

Recommendations to improve digestive health

Specialists advise avoiding meals in the three to four hours before going to sleep to allow the digestive system to function optimally.

If nighttime eating is unavoidable, opting for small portions and easily digestible foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help mitigate digestive problems corresponding to stress and late eating.