Study: Eating after 9pm may double the risk of digestive disorders
2026-06-10 11:40:44
TiranaPost
New research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026 shows that the combination of chronic stress and late-night eating can have a strong negative impact on digestive health.
Analyzing data from more than 15,000 participants from two large national studies, researchers found that people who consume over 25% of their daily calories after 9 p.m. and who experience high levels of stress are up to 2.5 times more likely to suffer from intestinal problems, such as constipation and diarrhea.
The findings suggest that it's not just what we eat that matters, but also when we eat. The timing of meals appears to influence how the body processes nutrients and manages waste elimination.
The effects aren't limited to digestive issues. According to researchers, eating late at night can also reduce the diversity of the gut microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria that play a key role in our health.
This influence also affects the so-called "gut-brain axis", the communication network between the nervous system and intestinal bacteria, indicating that the body's biological clock is very sensitive to mealtimes.
Experts advise consuming calories earlier in the day, in line with the body's natural circadian rhythm. Even small changes in eating schedule can significantly improve long-term digestive health and the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
