Cutting evening snacking habit

hearingyou2

It takes about 8 hours for the average meal to digest, not two. The only issue I know of in terms of eating close to bed time in terms of the digestive track is for those with acid reflux. They should not eat within a few hours of going to bed because it will make their reflux worse when they lie down. If a person does not have reflux, it is personal preference. Many people sleep better with a fuller stomach.[/quote]

Just an FYI... I work for an ENT. Many people have silent reflux meaning that they do not realize they have it. They may have slight throat or voice or coughing issues and just think it's allergies. Anyone with asthma or reactive airway disease should definitely avoid late night eating because you could be triggering reflux or silent reflux which is then inhaled into your airways. For those who do eat within two hours of bedtime, do yourself a favor and either quit the habit or consider if you should be taking ranitidine or prilosec or something to avoid causing damage to yourself.

Also, night time snacks should probably avoid spices, fat, chocolate, caffeine, tomato, citrus... for those of us who are concerned about acid reflux potential. For those of us with acid issues, better to have those things many hours before bed, not just 2 or 3 hours before. To avoid problems I try to avoid sugar at dinner or in the evening because it triggers hunger for me and then I end up wanting a snack. I try to have enough protein at dinner to hold me without a snack. Easier said then done but that's what I'm trying to do.

This is my opinion, my best understanding. I am not a physician. Please take what you like and leave the rest. This is meant in the spirit of helpfulness and please don't give me push-back or criticism. This doesn't apply to everyone.