Eating shortly before bedtime may encourage a condition
called gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy people. This may ___1___
some individuals to experience heartburn or awaken suddenly from
coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
According to doctors, lying down after a meal can cause the
sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach to leak digestive
acids back ___2___
the oesophagus. This explains the burning ___3___
some people experience after a meal. While someone is sitting or
standing, gravity ___4___
keep partially digested food ___5___
the stomach.
In a study conducted by researchers, people who reclined
after eating showed ___6___
higher levels of acid in the oesophagus. Doctors also caution
that eating at night before bedtime may aggravate asthma
symptoms. Thus, asthmatics should be especially ___7___
indulging in a pre-bedtime snack. Doctors also advise not to
have a large meal just before going to bed. In fact, many
doctors believe that we should have our last meal by seven at
night. |