Picture this: You’re curled up in bed, binge-watching your favorite show while enjoying your favorite tub of ice cream. Sounds perfect, right?
We hate to burst your bubble, but we’re here to tell you that having ice cream just before bed isn’t such a good idea. We’ll explain why later.
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What Is Ice Cream And What are Its Health Benefits?
Many flavors and ingredients can be added to ice cream, making it a fantastic frozen dessert. Sweet treats or snacks are usually served with it. Everyone loves this food.
The most popular flavors of ice cream are chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Ice cream parlors, grocery stores, convenience stores, and even the Internet sell these sweet treats.
The health benefits of ice cream are numerous! Calcium is essential for strong bones, and ice cream is a good source of calcium as well as Vitamins A and D.
Is It Bad To Eat Ice Cream At Night?
So back to the question. Why is it bad to have ice cream before bed? Although little is known about the relationship between diet and sleep, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that increased intake of sugar and fat is associated with lighter, less restful sleep. So if you must eat ice cream, try having it a little earlier in the day so you’ll wake up well rested the next day.
What Is The Effect Of Food On Your Body?
Health and sleep are affected by diet. As mentioned earlier, high intake of sugar and fat can lead to poor sleep.
- Dark Chocolate
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Cheese
- Red meat & chicken
Similarly, studies show that a poor night’s sleep can make you crave unhealthy snacks and junk food the next day. It’s a vicious cycle, which is why you need to carefully choose the food you eat before bed. Avoid eating these foods before hitting the sack:
- Pizza
- Tomatoes
- Diuretic foods
- Water
Is It Bad To Eat Before Bed If You Have Acid Reflux?
It is estimated that 18.1 to 27.8 percent of Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A splash of stomach acid or gastric contents can cause a coughing fit.
Symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the throat
- Dental erosions
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis
It is worth noting that eating before bed makes it much easier for you to regurgitate if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
To prevent reflux, avoid eating anything at least three hours before going to bed, especially if you are prone to GERD.
Furthermore, you should avoid caffeine, alcohol, tea, chocolate, and spicy foods. Several foods can aggravate symptoms associated with this disease.
The Alternative to Ice Cream At Night
The next time you’re craving a cold, creamy treat at night, try these two tasty ice cream alternatives.
Frozen Banana Ice Cream
Rather than ice cream at night, try blending frozen bananas until they’re smooth and creamy. Easy to make, nice cream is commonly known as a sugar-free, dairy-free dessert made by blitzing frozen fruit in a blender or food processor. Ripe bananas only need to be peeled, sliced, and frozen. This is also a cheaper alternative to store-bought sugar-free, vegan ice cream.
Additionally, you may be able to sleep better after eating this snack. Bananas provide fiber and pectin, which can make you feel full and help you rest better at night. Tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium are also found in bananas, which promote sleep.
Tart Cherry Smoothie
Your diet might lack some nutrients, but smoothies are a great way to sneak them in. Depending on the ingredients you choose, they could also help you sleep.
Is there an ingredient you should include in your smoothie? The tart cherry promotes sleep. Melatonin and tryptophan, two amino acids that cause fatigue, are both abundant in tart cherries.
Conclusion – Is It Bad To Eat Ice Cream At Night?
If you don’t want to give ice cream up entirely (we don’t blame you!), just try to avoid eating it before bed.
FAQs – Is Ice Cream Bad For Acid Reflux?
Is It Okay To Eat Ice Cream Before Bed?
Experts say high-fat and sugary foods can disrupt sleep when consumed just before bedtime. If you have a sweet tooth at night, indulge in healthier alternatives like the ones we mentioned above.
What Happens If You Eat Ice Cream Late At Night?
Some studies suggest that you may have poor-quality sleep if you have ice cream just before bed.
How Long Before Bed Can I Eat Ice Cream?
The best time to eat ice cream before bed is during dinner or at least three hours before going to bed.
Why Do I Want To Eat Ice Cream At Night?
According to Diane Javelli, a dietician at the Nutrition Clinic at UW Medical Center, stress can cause food cravings, most commonly sugar and sweets. This is because sweets are sources of fat, which, when combined with sugar, can release serotonin, which in turn helps us to relax. She also notes that food cravings can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition or nutritional deficiency.
Five Foods To Avoid Before Sleeping
If you have midnight cravings, it may result from boredom or anxiety, not hunger, so try to avoid late-night snacks unless you’re starving. However, if you do decide to snack before you go to bed, the following foods are the worst you could eat: cake, citrus fruit, pizza, chocolate, and coffee.
