8 Foods You Should Never Eat on an Empty Stomach According to Dietitian Researchers
What you eat in the morning can start off your day on a healthy and productive note. Some foods, however, can be particularly unkind to an empty stomach and lead to gastrointestinal problems, sugar spikes, and general discomfort. According to dieticians, certain foods are not the best way to start off your day if one is to stay healthy.
Here are eight such foods to avoid on an empty stomach:.
1. Citrus Fruits
Why to avoid: Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits contain a high amount of acidity in them, which irritates the lining of your stomach, especially on an empty stomach. This can result in heartburn or discomfort.
Better Choice: One should go for mild fruits that easily agree with an empty stomach, like bananas or apples.
2. Tomatoes
Why to Avoid: Tomatoes are highly acidic, and it could raise the acidic level in your stomach, which may be a cause of heartburn or indigestion if they are eaten alone without being combined with other foods.
Better Choice: You can take tomatoes as part of a meal. You need to mix it with other types of food in order to neutralize the acids.
3. Sugary Foods
Why to Avoid: High sugar foods such as pastries or candy raise blood sugar levels very rapidly. These rapid elevations of blood sugar result in energy level crashes, which are then followed by feelings of hunger a short time later.
Better Choice: Complex carbohydrates and whole grains release energy more slowly and provide for more stable blood sugar levels.
4. Coffee
Why to Avoid: The acidic elements present in the coffee will result in an increase in the production of gastric acid when the stomach is empty, often giving rise to digestive problems and, at times, acid reflux in the individuals.
Better Choice: If one loves coffee, he/she can have it along with a little meal or snack to avoid its adverse effects on the stomach.
5. Spicy Foods
Avoidance Reason: The spicy food may irritate your stomach lining, giving you pain or discomfort, especially if taken before a meal.
Better Alternative Action: Save spicy dishes until later in the day when the stomach has settled with a meal.
6. Processed Foods
Why to avoid: Foods that are ultra-processed-in this case, breakfast cereals with added sugars or refined grains-will cause an energy crash really quickly, aside from making you feel unsatisfied.
Better choice: Whole and unprocessed foods like oatmeal and yogurt will be more filling and more nutritious.
7. Dairy Products
Why to Avoid: Some individuals have a hard time digesting dairy products, and drinking milk or eating cheese on an empty stomach could lead to discomfort or bloating.
Better Choice: If the taste of dairy delights you, try to combine it with fiber-rich foods like fruit or whole-grain toast to facilitate digestion.
8. Raw Vegetables
Why to Avoid: Raw vegetables take a great deal of effort to digest; for example, members of the cruciferous family include broccoli or cauliflower. These vegetables will most probably give you gas and bloating due to their high levels of fiber.
Better Choice: Cooked vegetables are easier to digest and can be eaten as part of a balanced meal.
