Foods to avoid on an empty stomach: Expert tips revealed
Some products and beverages are not suitable for consumption on an empty stomach. The more sensitive the stomach, the more noticeable the effects. Therefore, it's advisable to know what not to consume on an empty stomach to avoid digestive issues, energy dips, or headaches.
23 November 2024 21:13
This happens to everyone, particularly at this time of year when it's especially easy to oversleep. Sometimes, for various reasons, we have very little time in the morning. When we intend to have breakfast "on the go," it's easy to make a mistake. There are products that, when consumed on an empty stomach, can cause unpleasant symptoms.
The most important breakfast
Nutritionists agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It determines whether we start the day with adequate energy. Experts also stress that the morning meal is vital for our hormonal balance and metabolism. What we eat at the beginning of the day affects our feelings of fullness. A nutritious breakfast eaten in the morning regulates hunger hormones, making us feel fuller and more satisfied for longer. Unfortunately, when we eat in a rush, we may choose foods that could cause stomach pain and digestive issues. This won't provide a good start to the day.
Do not eat this on an empty stomach
- Coffee is always better paired with a meal. Consumed on its own on an empty stomach, coffee will irritate the digestive system, increasing acidity. This could lead to reflux, bloating, and nausea.
- Spicy dishes. Hot spices can cause gastrointestinal issues. They irritate the stomach lining, resulting in stomach pain.
- Sweet pastries or cakes. They cause a rapid spike in sugar levels, followed by a significant energy crash. If you must have them, eating them after a breakfast rich in fibre is better, ensuring that sugar is absorbed more slowly.
- Black tea is rich in caffeine, similar to coffee. It increases the production of stomach acid, which can lead to reflux and nausea. Tea also contains theine, which acts more strongly on an empty stomach, potentially causing nervousness, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
- Carbonated drinks. Bloating is common with them. If they contain a lot of sugar, they also cause a sudden energy drop.
- Fried foods. They are hard to digest and, when consumed on an empty stomach, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Citrus fruits and juices can irritate the stomach, causing pain and a burning sensation, which could lead to ulcers.