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Whether you’re a ‘repeat offender’ or do it occasionally, eating in your bed could be secretly harming your health. The temptation to take your breakfast or even main meal in bed may come sometimes, but doing so more often can lead to problems like indigestion, hygiene concerns, problems sleeping, allergies and dental caries. It’s not just about food, experts often recommend not working out in your bedroom too. This is because doing so can reduce alertness, focus and productivity. The same is true for your eating habits also. When you are eating on your bed, small pieces from your plate make their way into the nooks and crannies of your bed and sheets, inviting a lot of mold and germs, which in turn leads to allergies, respiratory problems, etc. Can cause health related problems and other infections. (Also read: How often should you change your bedsheets? An expert’s answer)
It has also been observed that eating in bed can work against mindful eating as your focus is more on relaxation than enjoying every bit of the food. Some people lie down while eating even if they are in bed, which can worsen the problem because not sitting straight can cause acid reflux in those who suffer from it. It may also promote overeating as you are more likely to watch a TV or mobile screen when you are eating on your bed.
Dietician Praveena K, of Amrita Hospital, Kochi, agrees, who believes that eating in bed can lead people to overeat in large quantities.
“Eating in bed can be distracting, resulting in overeating and forgetting about portion control. A balanced and controlled diet is essential to keep our bodies healthy and meet all our physiological nutrient requirements. Proper portion size is essential to avoid large meals, as overeating can lead to obesity,” says the nutritionist.
Listing several other problems that can arise due to enjoying food in bed, Praveena K feels that it can confuse the mind as to whether one is resting or eating and wrong posture can lead to digestive problems. Can.
“Additionally, eating in bed can disrupt sleep, since the bed is primarily for sleeping. Eating in bed, eating, or engaging in activities like watching TV may confuse the brain about its purpose. Lying down immediately after eating can cause GERD, indigestion, and heartburn due to incomplete food digestion. This position can also cause acid reflux by putting the digestive system in an awkward position. Oral hygiene is important; Neglecting to brush and wash your mouth afterward can lead to bad breath and tooth decay,” the expert says.
Dr Neeti Sharma, Senior Consultant – Nutrition and Dietetics, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, also believes that eating in bed is not only unhygienic, but can also cause allergies or respiratory problems.
Side effects of eating in your bed
Dr. Sharma is telling 5 side effects of eating in bed for your health which you might not know about.
1. Dirt and Stains: Eating in bed can cover your bed with dirt, crumbs and stains that are difficult to clean and can attract pests like bedbugs and ants.
2. Poor digestion: Lying down during meals can interfere with the natural flow of digestive juices and cause discomfort, bloating or even acid reflux. In general, eating straight food improves digestion and is healthier.
3. Risk of health problems: Eating in bed increases the chance of ingesting crumbs or other small particles, which can cause allergies or respiratory problems, especially if you have asthma or other allergies.
4. Hygiene Concerns: Over time, food particles left on the bed can attract mold and germs, making the sleeping environment unhygienic and possibly unhealthy. Keeping bedding clean and using it only for sleeping can help maintain proper hygiene practices.
5. Sleep Problems: By associating bed with activities other than sleeping, eating in bed can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it more difficult to relax and fall asleep when you really want to.
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