Saed News: A new study suggests that eating late at night, especially when combined with chronic stress, can significantly affect digestive health and increase the risk of problems such as constipation and diarrhea.
According to SAEDNEWS, researchers presented a study at the “Digestive Disease Week 2026” scientific meeting, analyzing data from more than 11,000 people. The results showed that individuals who consume more than one-quarter of their daily calories after 9 p.m. and are also under high stress are about 1.7 times more likely to experience digestive problems compared to others.
In another part of the study, data from over 4,000 people were analyzed. The findings showed that individuals with both chronic stress and a habit of late-night eating were up to 2.5 times more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal discomfort.
Researchers also found that these individuals had lower diversity in their gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a collection of billions of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that play an important role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Reduced bacterial diversity can contribute to inflammation, infection, and digestive disorders.
Experts believe there is a direct connection between the brain and the gut, known as the “gut-brain axis.” When a person is under stress, the body enters a “fight or flight” state. In this condition, digestion is disrupted, stress hormones increase, and the balance of beneficial gut bacteria is disturbed.
These changes can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
According to researchers, the timing of meals is as important as the type of food. The body’s biological clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates sleep, metabolism, digestion, and hormone secretion.
Eating late at night conflicts with this natural cycle, and when combined with chronic stress, it places additional pressure on the digestive system. This can intensify the negative effects of stress on gut health.
Experts offer several simple recommendations to reduce these risks:
Eat main meals earlier in the day.
Set a fixed time for dinner and evening snacks.
Avoid using food as a way to cope with stress.
Use relaxing activities such as walking, reading, meditation, or a warm shower at the end of the day.
Researchers emphasize that although this study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the evidence suggests that managing stress and avoiding late-night eating may play an important role in maintaining digestive health and improving gut function.
