Many people do this: Common bedtime habit that harms your heart
A harmful evening habit for heart health has been identified (photo: magnific)
Evening snacks such as fast food and sugary treats may negatively affect cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart-related conditions, especially when this habit becomes routine, according to Eating Well.
Why late-night snacking may increase heart disease risks
Regularity
Consuming ultra-processed snacks such as chips, packaged cookies, and pastries at night poses a significant risk to heart health.
Occasional late-night eating is generally fine, but turning it into a daily habit can lead to cardiovascular problems.
Experts recommend choosing healthier snacks rich in fiber and protein when the urge to eat at night arises.
Circadian rhythm disruption
The body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is best known for regulating sleep-wake cycles, but it also plays an important role in digestion.
The body is designed to digest food earlier in the day, when metabolism and insulin sensitivity are higher. Eating late at night can lead to spikes in blood sugar, insulin, and triglyceride levels, as well as stress levels.
Late-night snacking can also interfere with quality sleep, as it goes against the body's natural rhythms. This may result not only in daytime sleepiness but also in the need for an extra cup of coffee.
Damage to arteries
Cardiovascular disease affects not only the heart but also the vascular system. Consuming a large portion of daily calories after 7 p.m., especially from red meat, refined grains, and wine, may gradually damage the arteries and increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Other tips to maintain heart health
After-dinner walk. After eating, consider a light 10–15 minute walk, even just around your home.
This can help clear triglyceride-rich particles from the bloodstream, potentially lowering residual cholesterol levels and supporting healthier triglyceride and cholesterol balance.
Establish wind-down routine. Create a relaxing evening routine to reduce stress after the day and prepare the body for restorative sleep.
Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels, which may worsen sleep quality and signal the liver to produce more cholesterol-containing lipoproteins.
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Better heart health: 4 evening routines that can make big difference
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
