What are the harms of eating too much spinach at night?

Eating too much spinach at night may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, impaired calcium absorption, increased kidney burden, bloating and acid reflux, as well as disrupted sleep quality. Since the body's metabolism slows down during nighttime, these adverse effects are more likely to be amplified by overconsumption. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or persistent discomfort occurs after eating spinach, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Spinach contains a high amount of dietary fiber. At night, when gastrointestinal motility naturally slows, excessive intake increases digestive burden, potentially causing bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea—especially noticeable in individuals with weak digestive systems.

2. Impaired calcium absorption: The oxalic acid in spinach binds with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate. During nighttime, when the body is at rest, calcium absorption efficiency decreases. Long-term excessive consumption can interfere with calcium utilization and make calcium supplementation more difficult.

3. Increased kidney burden: Spinach contains a certain amount of purines. Since kidney metabolic function is relatively reduced at night, excessive purine intake raises the metabolic load on the kidneys, posing risks for individuals with high uric acid levels or impaired kidney function.

4. Bloating and acid reflux: Dietary fiber and oxalic acid in spinach may irritate the gastric mucosa, stimulating excess gastric acid secretion. When lying down at night, this can lead to acid reflux and heartburn, reducing gastric comfort.

5. Disrupted sleep quality: Symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating can leave the body feeling uneasy, thereby slowing the onset of sleep and reducing sleep depth, leading to frequent awakenings and light sleep during the night.

To safely consume spinach at night, it is advisable to limit portion sizes and cook it after blanching to reduce oxalic acid content. Try to eat at least 2–3 hours before bedtime to allow sufficient time for digestion. Pair spinach with mild, easily digestible ingredients and avoid combining it with other hard-to-digest foods.