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What’s your bedtime routine like? From putting away the phones to taking a warm bath, we prepare for bed, hoping to rest well and sleep peacefully. But as soon as your head hits the pillow, hunger pangs spring up from nowhere, and you find yourself standing in front of the fridge, looking for a quick bite.
We’re here to tell you, ‘Beware of what your hand reaches for, or be prepared for a restless night!’ The wrong food choices at night can not only disrupt your sleep but also negatively impact your digestion and overall health. So, what are the best foods to eat at night for digestion? Sit tight as we mount on this toothsome journey to discover the best foods for digestion at night!
How does digestion affect your sleep?
An early, light dinner might seem uninteresting. Some people have differing views about having a bowl of salad or avoiding the sugary treat after the meal. After all, what good does it do to give up these tasty nibbles? A lot of benefits, actually! Choosing the best food for digestion at night is as important as picking the right outfit that matches your style, fit, and shape.
Do you take those midnight bathroom trips or experience gassy cramps and heartburn ? If so, the food you had—oily, low-fiber, and sugary foods—might be the culprit. When the sun goes down, the brain sends signals to your body to wind down, slowing the digestive process. So, if you eat a heavy meal, your digestive system works overtime, disturbing your sleep and causing digestive distress.
But what if you've had an early dinner and feel like having another bite before hitting bed or crave a snack due to stress or mood swings? Does that mean you have to go to bed hungry? Absolutely not! The key is to choose the right foods that can satisfy your hunger and promote a good night's sleep.
Don’t trouble yourself; we’ve compiled a list of the best foods to eat at night for better digestion and sleep. Complementing your diet with probiotic and prebiotic-rich products from The Good Bug can further support your goal.
Top 5 foods to eat at night that aid digestion
Do you struggle to sleep at night? Did you dig into that leftover pizza slice before going to bed? Then, your body might have difficulty digesting it, leading to complications like indigestion , weight gain, or nausea. So, switch to better health by eating nutritious meals. Though we can find many healthy food options that are light, delicious, and easy to prepare, we’ve chosen the top foods that help you sleep better by improving your digestion. Here are the best foods to eat at night for digestion:
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Beetroot
This earthy, ruby-red vegetable is at the top of our list of best foods for digestion at night. Beyond its vibrant colour and texture, it's a powerhouse of nutrients that can make your tummy happy. Here’s why beetroots are a great option for nighttime meals:
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Packed with nutrients: Beetroot boasts a treasure trove of essential vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals that help support your overall health, from boosting immunity to metabolism.
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Gut-friendly: Beetroot's high fiber content acts like a broom, sweeping through your digestive system and promoting a smooth night's sleep—no more tossing and turning because of uncomfortable constipation .
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Inflammation fighter: Beetroot gets its gorgeous crimson hue from special compounds called betalains. These betalains help reduce inflammation, giving your digestive system a much-needed break.
Grate the reds for salads or prepare a soup for relaxed digestion and comfortable sleep. Let the mild, sweet beets beat you at the dinner table!
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Yoghurt
Before you shrug off thinking about how this cold and creamy delight betters your sleep, know that yoghurt is an excellent supplement for your gut health. Though it does not directly offer you peaceful sleep, yoghurt contains probiotics or beneficial bacteria that support your gut health. A healthy gut is a sign of improved digestion, translating to quality sleep without midnight tummy surprises. So, yoghurt is considered one of the best foods to eat at night for digestion.
A simple salad dressed with yoghurt's goodness can benefit digestive health. You can also get plain yoghurt and top it up with fresh fruits for a light snack. So, ditch the worry and embrace the creamy delight! Yoghurt is a delicious and tummy-friendly way to end your day.
Are you not a fan of yoghurt or curd? No worries! Probiotic supplements offered by The Good Bug contain carefully selected strains of good bacteria that help you steer clear of unwanted digestive symptoms.
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Kiwi
Say hello to our next superstar—the fuzzy little champion known as the kiwifruit! Don't let its unassuming appearance fool you; this tiny fruit packs a punch for nighttime digestion. Let’s see what makes kiwi the best food for digestion at night:
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Vitamin hub: Kiwifruit is bursting with vitamins C and K, essential nutrients that play a vital role in overall health.
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Light on calories: If you're counting calories before bed, fear not! Kiwifruit is a low-calorie champion, making it a perfect guilt-free nighttime snack for weight management .
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Fiber: Kiwi is packed with high fiber content, making it best for digestion. It acts like a gentle nudge, helping move things along smoothly and promoting a comfortable night's rest. It’s like a natural laxative that works magic without harsh side effects!
The fuzzy fruit isn’t fuzzy for your tummy at all! Scoop up the soft green pulp and enjoy its unique flavour and benefits.
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Spinach
Calling all sleep-seeking sailors: Tonight, we set sail on a journey to a restful night's sleep with a leafy green hero: spinach! Like Popeye got his strength from this mighty green, you can also arm yourself for a proper fight against tummy troubles with spinach. How does spinach become the best food to eat for digestion at night? You’ll find the answer below:
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Iron-clad choice: Spinach is a rich source of iron, an essential mineral that keeps your energy levels up and your gut functioning smoothly. It's also brimming with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps keep your whole body healthy.
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Fiber: Spinach is a champion of insoluble fiber. This fiber adds bulk to the stool, easing its passage through the digestive tract. So, no more feeling constipated, and you’ll wake refreshed.
Do not eat raw spinach like Popeye; you can blanch and puree it to make the yummy palak curry or saute it with other healthy vegetables for a perfect side dish. Say goodbye to nighttime tummy troubles and hello to a peaceful slumber with this green leafy wonder!
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Beans
Do you also save your favourite and best dish for last to savour and eat peacefully? Well, we’ve also kept this best food to eat at night for digestion last, as everyone loves it! It’s time for the grand reveal—beans. These little nutritional powerhouses come in different forms—black, pinto, and kidney—and all three are superstars when it comes to nighttime digestion. Here’s why including beans into your dinner can be a gamechanger:
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Goodness of fiber: Beans are a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps slow digestion; no wonder you feel fuller after eating beans. You also do not have to worry about midnight cravings or hunger pangs. On the other hand, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and prevents constipation . Plus, the slow and steady digestion process they promote can lead to a more peaceful and restful sleep. It's a digestive dream team!
So, don't underestimate the power of the humble beans! Blend them into soups, salads, or rice to ease digestion and improve sleep.
We've explored the best foods to eat at night, each a champion for digestive health. From the ruby-red power of beetroot to the creamy goodness of yoghurt, these superstars offer a delicious way to promote smooth digestion and a peaceful night's rest. The next time you're looking for a bedtime snack, ditch the sugary treats and embrace the power of these gut-friendly delights!
Need a friendly partner for your sleep and digestive sailing adventure? The Good Bug has curated a range of products to enhance gut health. Visit our website to learn how to include prebiotics and probiotics into your diet and prepare your tiny warriors for a good fight. Call us today for a free consultation, and get ready to sleep like a log!
References
https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health-pictures/superfoods-that-help-digestion.aspx
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/eating-these-at-night-will-make-you-healthy/
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8021156/foods-to-improve-gut-health-overnight/
https://www.wellandgood.com/what-helps-digestion-at-night/
https://www.ndtv.com/health/10-gut-friendly-foods-to-consume-for-better-sleep-5004030
https://purple.com/blog/10-surprising-foods-to-help-you-sleep-better
