Health for All says
Eating before bed has always been a controversial topic. Some people believe that eating before bed helps them fall asleep, while others believe that doing so may lead to indigestion or other health problems. So, is it good or bad to go to sleep with "hunger"?Let's take a look at it from the perspective of TCM theory.
According to TCM, the body's digestive system excretes waste products and repairs them at night, so it is recommended that dinner be completed before sunset to allow sufficient time for digestion. The absorption of nutrients mainly occurs during deep sleep. In other words, the feeling of hunger before falling asleep helps the body to better excrete and repair waste products, while aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
However, there are also some findings in the scientific community that call into question this view. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that going to bed immediately after dinner was associated with a risk of developing stomach problems. This has led people to wonder if they should eat a late-night snack or avoid it
In TCM theory, supper is not recommended, because according to the operation of the internal organs, the liver is in a state of repair and detoxification at night, while the stomach is in a state of being responsible for digestion. If you eat a late-night snack after dinner, it will make the stomach work all the time, and affect the repair and detoxification function of the liver, which will have a negative effect on the health of the whole body.
That said, sometimes we can't help but get "hungry", especially after a long period of not eating or exercising vigorously. As a TCM practitioner, I can provide you with some traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
First, for some mild hunger, try using crispy noodles or sugar-free biscuits to alleviate them. These foods are rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy quickly, relieve hunger, and don't put too much of a burden on the stomach.
Secondly, if you are an athlete or someone who does strenuous exercise, you can consider some Chinese herbal formulas, such as angelica ginger and jujube soup. According to ancient records, angelica ginger and jujube soup can tonify the spleen and stomach, increase appetite and digestion, and at the same time have the effect of warming and nourishing qi. It is a relatively mild and nourishing Chinese herbal formula, which can increase energy and relieve hunger for people after exercise.
Finally, keep in mind that whether you go to bed with "hunger" or choose to eat a late-night snack should be decided based on the individual's physical condition and needs. If you have a healthy gastrointestinal and digestive function, and you have a long period of starvation, then try to go to sleep with "hunger pangs". However, if you have stomach ulcers, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal issues, or if you have endured hunger pangs for a long time leading to severe malnutrition, then it is best to choose to eat some light foods to relieve hunger.
Before making any decision, the most important thing is to listen to your body, respect its needs, and seek the advice of a professional doctor or TCM practitioner. Only then will we be able to better manage our diet and sleep, and maintain good health.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. I wish you all the best!
References: 1 li y, et al. association between eating beh**iours and obesity in suzhou adolescents in china. nutr j. 2018; 17(1):91.