Ever find yourself opening the fridge late at night or sneaking into the kitchen for snacks?

You’re not the only one!

Lots of us do it, but it’s important to know how this habit can affect our health, especially our hearts.

When you’re munching away late at night, chances are you’re not going to prefer a bowl of carrots or a piece of fruit, right?

It’s usually the chips, cookies, or other “not-so-healthy snacks” – which are usually packed, processed, junk, or sugary food items.

Moreover, it worsens when you watch series/movies while snacking because you will not really pay attention to how much you’re eating.

Did You Know The Reasons For Midnight Cravings And Its Impacts On Health?

If our meals don’t have the right nutrients, including a source of protein in your diet, we’re more likely to crave snacks at midnight.

And another reason could be – when you feel bored, stressed, upset, or watching TV shows/movies/series.

Eating a snack now and then late at night might not seem like a big deal. But, doing it often can cause health issues, particularly chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart problems and gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or acid reflux.

And if we lie down right after snacking, it can make us wake up more during the night, making our sleep less restful.

In addition to this, eating a lot of calories late at night can make us gain weight because our bodies aren’t as good at using up energy at night as the body’s metabolism slows down gradually from day to night. 

Here’s How Midnight Snacking Impacts Heart Health

Heard about the circadian rhythm?

It’s a 24-hour cycle – like your body’s internal clock, which helps to regulate key functions such as your sleep-wake cycle and even your heart rate & blood pressure.

When you eat at odd hours and that too unhealthy foods or snacks, it resets your clock to the wrong time. So, your body gets confused and starts sending mixed signals to your heart and other organs too.

Over time, your heart might start beating irregularly, and your blood pressure could spike unexpectedly.

 No Worries..

You Can Tackle Midnight Cravings!

The key is…

Nutritious Breakfast. Balanced Lunch. Light Dinner.

Moreover, avoid binge-watching at night, finish your dinner 2 hours before bedtime, and sleep at the same time every day to make it your routine.  

This is how you can keep your heart healthy and pace yourself for overall wellness.

When You Have To Be Concerned Is?

If you experience frequent digestive issues, noticeable changes in blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes), or persistent sleep disturbances, you have to consult a healthcare professional. Dr Mehta’s medical experts are here to assess your overall health, provide personalized guidance on nutritional imbalances, and address any underlying medical conditions.