Eating Food Every Night: Doctors Warn Nigerians

…Says it can harm your health

By EDITOR

In Nigeria, it has become a common habit for many people to eat heavy meals late at night. After a long day of work or stress, some turn to indomie, rice, bread, beans, fried meat, shawarma, or even suya before going to bed. But doctors are warning that this simple habit could be slowly destroying your health.

Why Eating Late at Night is Dangerous

Medical experts explain that the body’s metabolism slows down at night. This means food digests more slowly compared to daytime. When you eat heavy meals and immediately go to bed, the food is not properly broken down, leading to serious health problems such as:

What Nigerian Doctors Are Saying

Dr. Olumide, a Lagos-based physician, noted that many young Nigerians are developing health conditions linked to poor eating habits.

“I see patients with constant chest pain and poor sleep, and most of them admit they eat late at night. What you eat and when you eat matters a lot. Nigerians need to take this warning seriously,” he said.

Another nutritionist explained that foods like fried plantain (dodo), suya, shawarma, and fizzy drinks are even more dangerous when taken before bed because they are high in fat, oil, and sugar.

The Foods You Should Avoid at Night

Health experts recommend avoiding the following late at night:

If you must eat at night, doctors suggest lighter options that are easier to digest, such as:

Doctors warn Nigerians to eat dinner 2–3 hours before bedtime to give the body enough time to digest.

Developing healthier eating habits not only prevents sickness but also keeps the body energized.

Remember, health is wealth. What you eat at night could determine how you feel tomorrow.