Consequences of eating heavy and late dinner

For most people, eating late and heavy has become a norm due to their busy schedules and late closing hours, but that doesn’t make it right. At night, the body automatically begins to rest from the day’s work. The recommended time for eating dinner is 7pm latest, but even if you exceed that time, you should not consume heavy foods. Eating late and eating heavy have severe effects on your health.

Heartburn and acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common condition in which stomach acid moves back up into your oesophagus after eating.

According to Mrs. Tabitha Adebayo, a dietician with Centenary Hospital, Lagos, acid reflux is often accompanied by heartburn or a burning pain in your lower or mid-chest. Eating late and heavy at night and thereafter lying down can trigger acid reflux and other symptoms.

Sleep effects

Eating heavily at night often affects your sleep, especially if you head for bed after such heavy meals. Most times, you feel heavy and stuffed and uncomfortable. This is because the digestive process is slower at night; and that is why you must eat early and light for proper digestion of your dinner.

Weight gain

This is worst for people who eat late at night even if they have had dinner. People like that often resort to treat foods in the night hours, such as ice cream or chips. Since these foods are dense in calories and low in nutrients, this can lead to excessive caloric intake and residual weight gain.