Khaberni - Dr. Ekaterina Ladigina, an internal medicine specialist, points out that there is no scientific basis for the idea that eating after 6 PM is harmful to health.
According to the doctor, the basic rule is to have dinner at least three hours before going to sleep.
She explains: "It is possible, and indeed advisable, to eat after 6 PM, but to normalize digestion, it is recommended to have the last meal at least three hours before sleep. This is important. However, no two bodies are the same, so dietary recommendations are often individualized."
The doctor notes that individuals with poor glucose tolerance may wake up at night due to low blood sugar levels, and therefore, it is advised to have a light meal before bedtime, such as one or two boiled eggs or a handful of nuts. Breastfeeding mothers can also have a light meal at night to maintain the quality of their milk and ensure their child sleeps peacefully.
Regarding intermittent fasting, Dr. Ladigina says it may be beneficial for some people over the age of forty, provided there are no health contraindications. She emphasizes the importance of considering individual needs, as extended periods of fasting can be risky for those with Gilbert's syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or those who have had their gallbladder removed.
The doctor adds that the ideal dinner three hours before bedtime should be rich in protein, with carbohydrates in the form of non-starchy vegetables. Examples include a piece of fish with a green salad, or a piece of white meat with cooked vegetables, with the portion not to exceed 350 grams depending on stomach capacity.
The doctor also recommends walking after eating sweets or fast food, to prevent the storage of energy from glucose as fat.
