Why eating late in the day can encourage weight gain and metabolic dysfunctions?

Research suggests that eating earlier in the day – especially high in carbohydrate foods – supports weight loss and decreases metabolic disorders. One study showed that eating late (at 8.30 pm) caused a significant increase in both insulin and glucose levels compared with eating the same meal consumed in the morning (9.30 am).

If we eat during the dark period of the 24-hour cycle – when our physiology is biochemically ready to support rest and fasting – we experience a desynchronization of our metabolic processes, which increases the risk for metabolic problems.

In animal studies, when mice are fed during the time they are meant to be asleep, they rapidly put on weight. The misalignment between feeding time and the body’s natural circadian rhythm induces glucose intolerance, altered gene expression, and weight gain.

Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) or fasting – far from being a health fad or wellness trend – is a practice that has been part of our history and biology, given that we didn’t always have easy access to food.

Fasting lets your body improve its process of switching between burning available carbohydrates and glucose (when you eat) and burning fat for energy (when you are not eating). Insulin normally promotes fat storage and restricts fat breakdown, so when we fast, we allow insulin levels to fall and get fat mobilized for energy.

Just a reminder fasting can be stressful for the body too, so it needs to be used with knowledge and moderation to get only the benefits.

SOURCE: “Good Energy” by Dr Means