The feeling of slightly hungry belly when lying down on the bed often makes many people worried. However, according to nutritionists, going to bed with slightly hungry (not craving) can bring some benefits to weight control and sleep quality.
Many online health coaches believe that not eating close to bedtime creates a mild calorie deficiency, forcing the body to use energy reserves at night.
Edwina Raj, Head of Clinical Services - Nutrition & Diet at Aster CMI Hospital (Bangalore, India), said this view is "partly correct, but needs balance".
According to Ms. Raj, when you stop eating a few hours before bed, insulin levels in the blood will gradually decrease. Low insulin helps the body switch to using stored fat instead of continuing to accumulate fat.
Meanwhile, when sleeping deeply, growth hormones are secreted more, supporting the fat burning process, muscle recovery and cell regeneration.
A slight feeling of hunger can also help the digestive system'rest', thereby improving sleep quality. Many people wake up feeling lighter, more alert and controlling hunger better the next day," Ms. Raj said.
However, experts emphasize that a slight famine does not mean fasting. If you go to bed in a state of being too hungry, the body will react in reverse.
When you are severely hungry, stress hormones like cortisol can increase, causing sleep disorders, making it easier to wake up early and craving more the next day," Raj warned.
Poor sleep not only reduces the effectiveness of fat reduction but also adversely affects overall health.
In the opposite direction, eating too much or eating too late before bed also poses many risks. A sumptuous dinner will keep insulin high, promoting fat storage.
At the same time, the digestive system still has to function during sleep, easily causing bloating, acid reflux, heartburn and interrupting sleep.
Dr. Jinal Patel, a nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospital (Mumbai, India), said that eating close to bedtime can slow down metabolism and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
The body finds it difficult to process carbohydrates at night, leading to weight gain, abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, and in the long run can cause GERD," Ms. Jinal Patel said.
In addition, the habit of eating late, especially fast foods rich in fat and sugar, is also related to obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
According to Dr. Patel, bad fats can accumulate in the lumen, increasing the risk of arterial blockage.
Going to bed on an empty stomach can help reduce fat and improve sleep if dinner is eaten early, balanced, rich in protein and fiber.
The most important thing is to listen to the body, because a quality sleep is no less important than a scientific diet.
(The article is for reference only, not to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you have health questions).
