Does eating late at night increase the risk of stroke?

I often eat at night, if I don't eat anything before going to bed I feel very uncomfortable. Does this habit increase the risk of stroke? (Vu Thi Hong, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Eating late at night or close to bedtime does not directly increase the risk of stroke. However, eating late at night increases the risk of certain underlying conditions or health problems that can lead to stroke.

For example, eating at night can cause uncontrolled weight gain, overweight and obesity. Eating at night, the body takes in energy but does not exercise to burn it, so it accumulates into excess fat. Being overweight and obese affects cardiovascular health, increases the risk of atherosclerosis, reduces the strength of blood vessel walls, and creates plaque in blood vessel walls.

When you eat late at night, your body has to produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar, affecting the function of sugar metabolism. As a result, excess energy in the form of fat accumulates, affecting cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of stroke.

This habit causes the stomach to secrete gastric juice to digest food, which can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, stomach pain and sleep apnea. These are all factors that increase the risk of stroke.

The body needs to rest at night. Eating late at night can cause insomnia and difficulty sleeping. Poor sleep quality increases the risk of nervous breakdown and memory loss, causing fatigue and stress. These factors increase blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke.

People should limit late-night eating, avoid eating foods high in fat, sugar and starch for dinner. The last meal of the day should be at least two hours before bedtime. You should choose snacks after dinner such as skim milk, low-sugar milk, yogurt, low-sugar fruits, whole grains, and drink relaxing herbal teas...

Some natural active ingredients from blueberry and ginkgo biloba can help fight free radicals, increase blood flow to the brain, support good sleep, reduce headaches, and are good for brain health.

You should see a nutritionist for advice on a scientific diet, including eating at night. The risk of stroke can be caused by many different factors. The best way to prevent it is to have regular health check-ups and stroke screenings at the neurology department.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

Readers can ask questions about neurological diseases here to get answers from doctors.

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