Doctor explains why you should not eat after 8 PM: 'If you're eating late at night, you're spiking blood sugar'

Late-night snacking might feel harmless, but it could be harming your sleep, metabolism, and hormones. Here's what expert Dr. Josh Axe says about it.
Late-night snacking or eating heavy meals close to bedtime has quietly become a habit for many, especially with busy schedules and irregular routines. But did you know this simple routine could actually be messing with your health in more ways than one? Dr. Josh Axe, a doctor of natural medicine, chiropractor, and clinical nutritionist, revealed in his March 5 post how late-night snacking can harm your health. (Also read: Doctor shares ‘what your face is telling you about your health’: From dark circles to facial redness )
Why you should not eat after 8 PM
Dr. Josh wrote in the caption, “I've heard thousands of women say they have no idea where to start when it comes to balancing their hormones. This led me to create my free masterclass that walks you through the very best foods, herbs, and lifestyle habits you need in order to find true hormone balance.”
In his post, Dr. Josh shares a critical warning about the effects of late-night eating: "If you're eating at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock at night, do you know what you're doing? You're destroying your metabolism and your insulin. You're sabotaging your hormones."
How late-night eating impacts your health
He goes on to explain how late-night snacking disrupts both your sleep and metabolism, stressing that "You're spiking your insulin when your body should be making melatonin. Your body is supposed to be regenerating and healing at this time, and it shouldn't be creating a lot of insulin at night because it needs to start repairing itself and get into fat-burning mode."
Dr. Axe emphasises, "If you're eating late at night, you're triggering a blood sugar spike, which keeps your body in fat storage mode. So, the most important time not to eat is after 8 PM."
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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