Digestive health and the impact of evening dietary habits

Digestive health and dietary habits, particularly regarding evening meals and legumes, are subject to various physiological factors. Research indicates that cooked legumes can reduce the glycemic response after a meal, even in adults with type 2 diabetes, though they still contain carbohydrates that must be accounted for in diabetic meal planning.

Regarding evening habits, the gastrointestinal system slows down during sleep. This can lead to issues such as acid reflux, as the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach relaxes, or bloating caused by the fermentation of undigested fibers by intestinal microbiota. While eating earlier may result in lower average glycemic values, there is no specific clinical rule stating that legumes behave differently for individuals over the age of 60.

Furthermore, the common term ‘slow digestion’ often conflates different issues, such as dyspepsia (upper abdominal discomfort) and bloating. While the European Medicines Agency recognizes certain chicory root preparations for the traditional use in treating mild digestive disturbances, scientific evidence has not demonstrated that bitter flavors specifically improve intestinal transit or reduce bloating.