Although many can't resist, an after-dinner treat can contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, an upset stomach or just poor sleep if you eat something sweet right before bed.

After lunch or dinner, we usually crave some sweets.

It is mostly an unwritten rule that after we have eaten the main meal, we serve a dessert.

However, is this the right time to add carbs?

"It takes about one to two hours to digest carbohydrates.

If you add more components like protein and fat, you increase the digestion time.

Most sweets contain large amounts of fat and carbohydrates," said Su-Ellen Anderson-Haines, nutritionist.

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If you've ever been told to wait before eating another portion or eating dessert, there's a reason based on research, it takes the brain about 20 minutes to register satiety.

"It may take a while for our stomach to communicate with our brain to realize we're full, but that doesn't mean you can't have dessert right after a meal.

However, if you often feel unwell or uncomfortably full after dessert, it is advisable to wait," said the nutritionist.

Try to eat slowly and carefully, and enjoy your meal at the table.

/KP