The body's biological clock...a key to understanding the dangers of night eating

It seems that eating before bed is very harmful to human health. A recent study has found that eating late may increase the risk of fatty liver and cirrhosis, according to the Everyday Health website, which specializes in medical news.

The study issued by the American University of Oregon, which included nearly 200,000 people, pointed out that eating regularly at night may raise the risk of liver disease, including fatty liver and cirrhosis, by between 20 and 30 percent compared to people who do not eat during that period of the day, according to what the German magazine “Focus” reported.

It is noteworthy that the liver follows an internal biological clock like many other organs of the body. At night, metabolism shifts to rest mode, while the body becomes less efficient at processing food.

In-depth study

The results were based on an analysis of nutritional and health data from previous American studies. The study supervisors believe that eating late means eating after dinner or after the usual bedtime.

The results showed that people who used to eat at these times were more likely to develop fatty liver associated with metabolic disorders or cirrhosis.

Dr. Robert Wilichansky, one of the study participants, said: “We know that the liver is closely linked to the body’s biological clock, so we are interested in changing the timing of food intake in a way that might make a difference in health status, without having to change the type of food that people eat.”

Real danger

Previous research has found that the liver may be highly sensitive when eating times do not coincide with sleep rhythms. In the current study, its supervisors examined the relationship between night-time eating habits and liver disease.

It is reported that the liver regulates blood sugar levels, processes fats and stores excess energy. Many of these processes change throughout the day.

The study reported that the relationship between late-night eating and liver disease remained even after taking factors such as body mass index, diabetes, physical activity, alcohol consumption, total calories, and diet quality into account.

Previous research has linked eating at night to a decrease in the body's efficiency in utilizing nutrients. In the long term, this may contribute to weight gain and diabetes.

Fatty liver may develop into cirrhosis!

The German magazine "Focus" explained that in the case of fatty liver associated with metabolic disorders, excessive amounts of fat accumulate inside the liver cells. This disease is often associated with weight gain or insulin resistance.

The disease may last for years without causing symptoms. But if the condition develops into inflammation and scarring of the tissues, permanent damage to the liver may occur.

In advanced stages, the disease may develop into cirrhosis of the liver, as this important organ gradually loses its ability to perform its functions. However, only a small portion of people with fatty liver develop this serious disease.

Therefore, it is recommended to always eat early, and to take into account that the biological clock affects digestion, as the body processes food less efficiently during the night.

Dr. Andrew McHale, one of the study’s supervisors, said: “We repeatedly observe that the timing of behaviors, whether related to sleeping, eating, or exercising, is critical.”

He added that the liver may be particularly vulnerable when eating patterns lack harmony with the body's rhythms (circadian clock), according to the Everyday Health website.