Dr. Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, emphasizes that when you eat dinner matters more than what you eat. Early dinners ideally before 7 PM improve insulin sensitivity, digestion, and sleep quality. Late-night meals, however, disrupt circadian rhythms, spike blood sugar, and weaken gut health, making timing a critical factor in long-term wellness.
In a recent health advisory, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, explained that dinner timing plays a more crucial role in overall health than diet composition. He highlighted that eating late forces the body to digest food during rest hours, leading to poor sleep, glucose spikes, and digestive issues.
Drawing from both Ayurvedic wisdom and modern medical research, Dr. Sethi noted that the body’s “digestive fire” weakens after sunset, making late meals harder to process. Early dinners, by contrast, align with circadian rhythms and support metabolic health.
Key Highlights
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Ideal Timing: Dinner should be completed by 7 PM or at least three hours before bedtime.
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Metabolic Benefits: Early meals improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
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Sleep Quality: Eating early enhances rest and recovery by aligning with circadian rhythms.
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Gut Health: Late dinners increase risks of bloating, acidity, and poor digestion.
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Holistic Insight: Ayurveda and modern science agree timing is as vital as diet.
This guidance underscores that lifestyle habits, particularly meal timing, can be as impactful as food choices in maintaining long-term health.
Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, Wellness News (Krati Purwar)