Grapefruit and heartburn
It is refreshing, low in calories and is full of fiber to keep hunger at bay while you sleep. Compared to other less healthy late-night snacks that people often choose, grapefruit is a great option, especially if you’re watching your weight.
However, if you have heartburn, you may want to stay away. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that citrus fruits like grapefruit are among the worst heartburn triggers. Cleveland Clinic recommends limiting the amount of grapefruit you eat if you have acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), because the fruit can increase stomach acid and worsen symptoms.
Many people notice that their heartburn symptoms increase at night. When you are lying down, food cannot leave the esophagus. If you eat grapefruit right before bed, that could mean double trouble. It is best to wait two or three hours after eating before going to bed, depending on UNC Health Talk.
However, acid reflux symptoms can also worsen if the stomach is too empty. This is because an empty stomach can increase acid production in an attempt to be prepared for more food, notes UNC Health Talk. Depending on when you eat dinner, a late-night grapefruit snack can make the problem worse.
Not everyone experiences heartburn. Those who do not have acid reflux problems can eat grapefruit before bed without problems. If you try grapefruit at night and notice any symptoms of heartburn, consider avoiding it too close to bedtime in the future.
