The simple answer is yes. When you eat has an impact on your energy levels, mood, ability to lose weight, and on your gut health. Today I am going to focus on gut health. Continue reading to learn some easy ways to improve your gut heath by altering the timing of your meals. 

But, first — let’s talk about why the timing of your meals matters.

Your gut cleans itself in between meals. This is called the migrating motor complex (aka the housekeeping for your digestive tract). When you eat, the body works to break down and digest your food. In between eating, the body works to clean itself. Smooth muscles in the digestive tract push waste, undigested food and toxins out of the body and into your stool. This is a really important process as a clean gut is more likely to be a symptom-free gut.

Here are some ways to support your gut health with the timing of your meals:

1. Try to Eat a Medium-Sized Meal Every 3-5 Hours 

Giving your body a 3-5 hour break between meals helps to ensure the gut can properly clean itself. And remember, a clean gut is much more likely to be a symptom-free gut. 

2. Try to Avoid Grazing or Skipping Meals Entirely 

When you constantly snack throughout the day, the gut has a hard time staying clean. It is like trying to clean your house with toddlers running around… simply impossible. So, try to give your body a break in between meals. This will ensure the migrating motor complex can do what it does best. On the flip side, try not to skip meals entirely. A regularly spaced eating schedule will help regulate bowel movements and improve digestion. 

3. Try to Eat Meals at Roughly the Same Time Each Day 

Your body thrives off of consistency. Adopting a consistent eating pattern will help your digestive tract run more smoothly. 

4. Aim for at Least 12 Hours Between Dinner and Breakfast

If you stop eating at night around 8pm, try to wait until 8am the next day to eat breakfast. Just like your body needs 7-9 hours of sleep each night, your digestive tract needs a little break too. Longer rest periods equal greater benefits.

If you can follow these tips, I promise you that your gut will thank you for it.