Snacking at specific time increases risk of constipation and diarrhoea

A recent study has found that late-night snacking combined with high stress levels significantly increases the risk of bowel problems such as constipation and diarrhoea. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and discovered that individuals with high allostatic load scores—indicating chronic stress—who consumed at least 25% of their daily calories after 9 p.m. were 1.7 times more likely to experience these digestive issues. Additional analysis of more than 4,000 people from the American Gut Project showed that stressed individuals who snacked late at night were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from bowel problems. The study highlights the importance of not only what people eat but also when they eat, especially for those under stress. Lead author Dr. Harika Dadigiri from New York Medical College emphasized that late eating may deliver a “double hit” to gut health by disrupting digestive function in stressed individuals. The findings suggest that maintaining structured meal times and consistent eating patterns could help mitigate these risks and support better digestive health. Experts recommend that people adopt regular meal routines to avoid the negative impact of irregular eating habits on the gut. While the study does not discourage enjoying snacks like ice cream, it suggests consuming such foods earlier in the day to reduce potential harm. These insights contribute to a growing understanding of how lifestyle factors, including stress and meal timing, influence gastrointestinal health. The research will be presented at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, underscoring the ongoing interest in the relationship between diet, stress, and digestive disorders. This study adds to the broader conversation about the importance of holistic approaches to managing gut health through both dietary choices and behavioral habits.