Eating Late Can Make Stress‑Related Stomach Issues Worse

People who keep snacking after nine o’clock are more likely to have tummy troubles, a new study claims. The research will be shared at the Digestive Disease Week conference in Chicago.

The lead scientist, Dr. Harika Dadigiri, explained that the problem isn’t only about what you eat but also when you eat. “When we’re already stressed, eating late can hit the gut twice,” she said.

The team examined data from over 11 000 participants in a national health survey. Those who took more than a quarter of their daily calories after 9 p.m. and had high stress markers—like elevated cholesterol, blood pressure or body mass index—were 70 % more prone to constipation or diarrhea than less‑stressed people who ate earlier.

In a separate group of 4 000 participants, the same pattern appeared: high‑stress individuals who ate late were 2.5 times more likely to report bowel problems. Their gut bacteria showed less variety, hinting that meal timing may worsen stress effects on digestion.

The researchers advise that people need not eliminate snacks entirely, but shifting them to earlier in the evening could help. “Everyone can enjoy ice cream; just try to have it earlier,” Dr. Dadigiri added. Small, steady habits such as keeping a regular meal schedule may support better digestion over time.