Study Finds Late-Night Eating May Worsen Gut Health Under Stress

NEW DELHI — Eating late at night may worsen digestive issues, particularly for people under chronic stress, according to a new study analyzing U.S. health data.

Researchers examined information from more than 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the relationship between stress, eating habits, and bowel function. The findings suggest that meal timing plays a significant role in digestive health.

Individuals with high levels of physiological stress — measured through indicators such as body mass index, cholesterol, and blood pressure — who consumed more than 25 percent of their daily calories after 9 p.m. were 1.7 times more likely to experience symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea compared to those with lower stress levels who did not eat late.

“It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it,” said Harika Dadigiri, a resident physician at New York Medical College at Saint Mary’s and Saint Clare’s Hospital and the study’s lead author. “And when we’re already under stress, that timing may deliver a ‘double hit’ to gut health,” she added.

The study also drew on data from more than 4,000 participants in the American Gut Project, which showed that individuals with both high stress levels and late-night eating habits were 2.5 times more likely to report bowel problems.

Researchers found that this group also had significantly lower diversity in their gut microbiome, suggesting that eating patterns may amplify the effects of stress through the gut-brain axis — the communication system linking the nervous system, hormones, and gut bacteria.

The study emphasizes that the findings show associations rather than direct cause and effect, and further research is needed to better understand how stress and eating patterns interact to influence gut health.

Dadigiri acknowledged that late-night snacking is common, especially for people with demanding schedules, including medical professionals.

“Small, consistent habits, like maintaining a structured meal routine, may help promote more regular eating patterns and support digestive function over time,” she said. (Source: IANS)