5 foods you shouldn't eat for dinner

If you do not pay due attention to the products that you eat at dinner, then you are making a big mistake. Many consider breakfast the most important meal of the day, ignoring the rules for eating dinner.

But eating certain foods at dinner time can cause health problems, including heartburn, gas problems, restless sleep, weight gain, etc.

Starch is found in many foods and plays an important role in the energy metabolism of the body. But it is better not to eat them for dinner, because they can adversely affect your digestion and sleep quality. The reason is that starch is difficult to digest and absorb in our body, especially at night when the metabolism slows down. This can lead to a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, bloating and insomnia.

In addition, starchy foods such as white bread, pasta, potatoes, and certain grains cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Eating starchy foods late can lead to unexpected spikes and drops in glucose levels, which in turn can disrupt sleep. Eating a large amount of starchy foods before bed can contribute to weight gain, because the body does not have time to fully expend the energy received.

Fatty foods (fast food, fried foods, or foods high in animal fats) when eaten before bed can interfere with gastrointestinal function. It takes the body much longer to digest fatty foods. And this means that, going to bed after such a dinner, you run the risk of heartburn or other digestive problems. Plus, eating a large amount of fat heavily loads the liver, which actively works at night. As a result, this will worsen the rest and recovery of the body at night.

Additionally, regularly eating fatty foods for dinner can lead to weight gain. In the evening, a person's metabolism slows down, and calories from fatty foods do not have time to be burned as efficiently as during the day. This creates conditions for the accumulation of fat in the body. Thus, moderation and choosing less fatty foods for dinner will help keep your health and figure in order.

Spicy food is known to stimulate the production of gastric juice and activates the digestive process. Eating spicy food right before bed can cause not only stomach discomfort, but also sleep problems due to the increased work of the digestive system. In addition, people with a sensitive stomach or a tendency to heartburn may experience pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, as spicy foods can exacerbate these problems.

Another aspect concerns the effects of spicy food on the nervous system. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, causes an increase in body temperature and an acceleration of metabolism, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and insomnia. Thus, even if you are a fan of spicy food, it is better to limit the use of such food before bedtime in order to provide yourself with quality and deep rest.

Simple carbohydrates are fast-digesting carbohydrates that instantly raise blood glucose levels, resulting in a spike in insulin. Too much insulin before bed can contribute to fat storage and hormonal imbalances. These carbohydrates are often found in high glycemic foods such as sweets, baked goods, and some fruits.

Consuming simple carbohydrates in the evening can also disrupt the process of falling asleep and the quality of sleep. After all, maintaining a stable level of sugar in the blood plays a key role in the regulation of biological rhythms of the body. What's more, eating sweets before bed can cause insomnia or frequent awakenings during the night, which can adversely affect your overall health and energy levels the next day.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that can make it difficult to fall asleep. Caffeine is known for its stimulant effect on the central nervous system, which can cause insomnia or light sleep. It is also associated with problems such as anxiety, nervousness, nausea, stomach irritation, heart palpitations, etc.

In addition, chocolate, especially in large quantities, increases the production of gastric juice, which in turn can cause discomfort or even heartburn, especially if you eat it before bed. It is also worth considering that many types of chocolate contain sugar, which affects the level of insulin in the blood and can cause sudden awakenings during the night.