It happens to us countless times in different ways: The daily marathon keeps us up past midnight and then the pattern begins – it’s as if our stomach is programmed to feel hungry precisely at that moment, so it starts growl. And when that happens, we understand that this is not the time to speak to it, and try to reason with it or explain to it why eating at night is unhealthy. When the stomach growls, it means that it must be instantly satisfied, otherwise the entire content of the fridge would be in danger of complete elimination.
Many of us follow a certain regimen in our meals and do not eat more than what the body requires, and yet, when nighttime comes, we attack the fridge without mercy. How is eating at night harmful to us and how critical is it?
Well, it turns out that not only are we affected by the amount of calories we consume, but also by the time in which we eat. Many studies that have examined timing suggest that our modern lifestyles also play a role in our reckless attitude towards food, and contribute to the damage caused by eating at night.
According to researchers, skipping breakfast, overworking, stress and anxiety are only some of the things that cause us to look for high calorie snacks at night. Keep in mind that eating at night significantly reduces the production of melatonin; a hormone that affects blood pressure, body temperature and normal glucose levels. This habit also reduces the energy regulating hormone, leptin, and the general health of the immune system. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the shortage of these two hormones in the body causes problems in different areas.
Another reason we put our health at risk and eat at night is because the later it is, the more acutely resistant the cells become to insulin. Why is that so problematic? Because insulin regulates our blood sugar level, and without it, the level of fat will increase in our body, not to mention all the diseases that can develop as a result.
Oddly enough, the solution is much easier than we think: First of all, we must drill this into our heads; no matter how tight our schedule or how hectic life is, breakfast is never to be missed. Second, we must try to balance the amount of food we consume during the day – not only will this give us a sense of control over what goes into our mouths and when, but will also help us regulate our food intake at the proper times. Following these simple strategies, will surely promote good health and well-being.
