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When stress becomes chronic, the gut often feels the effects. New findings suggest the gut-brain axis, which links the brain, hormones, and gut bacteria, may become highly sensitive under prolonged stress. Combined with late-night eating it may interfere with the body’s natural slowdown process, reducing the digestive system’s ability to maintain proper gut movement and microbial health.
Researchers studying more than 11,000 participants found that people with high chronic stress levels and a habit of eating late at night faced a significantly higher risk of bowel dysfunction. Those consuming more than 25% of daily calories after 9 p.m. were 1.7 times more likely to experience constipation and diarrhea. The habit can disrupt gut health and the microbiome, while also contributing to weight gain.
The health risks of nighttime snacking may stem from both the late hour and the stress-related habits that often accompany it. It was found that late-night snacking under chronic stress may take a “double” toll on digestion, demonstrating the close connection between the body’s internal clock, stress responses, and gut function.
The results indicate that when people eat may be just as important as what they eat in influencing the gut-brain axis under stress. Late-night eating can disturb digestive function and disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, even in the absence of processed foods. Past studies have connected circadian disruption with a higher risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
To support digestion, it is advised to sticking to a consistent eating schedule during stressful periods and favoring earlier meals when possible. Although calories, food type, and late-night eating all affect the gut, timing may be the most impactful factor.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Combined High Stress and Late-Night Eating Linked to Bowel Dysfunction, Gut Dysbiosis
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