Research Highlights Impact of Late-Night Eating on Gut Health Amid Stress
Recent research presented at Digestive Disease Week has highlighted the potential negative effects of late-night eating on gut health, particularly when combined with stress. The study, led by Dr. Harika Dadigiri, analyzed data from over 11,000 participants and found that consuming more than 25% of daily calories after 9 p.m. while stressed significantly increased the likelihood of abnormal bowel habits. The research, which is observational and not yet peer-reviewed, suggests that the combination of stress and late-night eating may lead to lower diversity in gut microbiota, which is crucial for maintaining gut health. The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the American Gut Project, focusing on the relationship between meal timing, stress, and gut function.