Stress and late-night meals may disrupt gut health, new study finds

A new, not-yet-peer-reviewed abstract presented at Digestive Disease Week suggests that stressed individuals who eat more than 25% of their daily calories after 9 p.m. are up to 2.5 times more likely to experience abnormal bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). The study analyzed data from the US NHANES (2005–2010) and the Microsetta Initiative (2013–2017) and is observational, so it cannot establish causation. Experts note reduced gut microbiome diversity with the late-night eating/stress combo and highlight several unknowns, including dietary factors. Practical takeaways include avoiding meals 3–4 hours before bed and opting for lighter, easier-to-digest foods if eating at night.