HealthEating late and stress might be causing your stomach problems, a new report suggests

Eating late and stress might be causing your stomach problems, a new report suggests

Some habits can seriously damage the stomach.
Some habits can seriously damage the stomach.
Images source: © Getty Images | PRAMOT

6:22 AM EST, January 11, 2024

Medical experts discourage consuming meals right before going to bed as this habit disrupts our body's digestive processes. For the sake of our well-being, we should eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before sleeping. Furthermore, the final meal of the day shouldn't be heavy, overly lavish, or packed with simple sugars. Late dinners can lead to heartburn and sleep disturbances while also increasing the risk of gastroesophageal reflux, excess weight, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and pre-diabetic conditions.

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress contributes to many health issues, including gastric neurosis. This digestive ailment can result in annoying symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, constipation, appetite loss, stomach pain, and indigestion. People enduring high-stress levels produce excessive amounts of the stress hormone (cortisol), which stimulates hydrochloric acid production in gastric juice, thereby exacerbating ulcer disease symptoms.

Painkiller Overuse

Intense pain sometimes leads us to opt for a pain-relieving tablet. Sadly, many people overuse these drugs, eventually overworking their liver and stomach. Unwarranted consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), or naproxen, can result in membrane inflammation and stomach ulcers. Such health complications can cause nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach cramps, foul taste, diarrhea, and constipation.

Consuming Coffee on an Empty Stomach

While no scientific research conclusively states that drinking coffee on an empty stomach is harmful, we should consider that consuming this popular stimulant before breakfast could lead to digestive discomfort like reflux or heartburn.