10 foods and drinks you should never have on an empty stomach (Image credit: iStock)
Starting your day with the right food and drink choices is critical to overall health. Some foods and drinks, when consumed regularly, can help you stay hydrated. empty stomachcan cause problems that lead to digestive upset, irritate the stomach lining, or even disrupt your metabolism. So, to help you avoid discomfort, we’ve listed five foods and five drinks you should avoid consuming first thing in the morning:
Foods to avoid on an empty stomach
1. Citrus fruits
– Why to avoid them: Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons are very acidic. Eating them on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn and irritation of the stomach lining.
– Better alternative: Opt for less acidic fruits such as apples or bananas, which are gentle on the stomach and provide essential nutrients.
2. Cakes and sugary foods
– Why to avoid them: Foods high in sugar can spike insulin levels, causing blood sugar to rise rapidly. This can lead to a sugar crash later in the day, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic.
– Better alternative: Whole-wheat toast with a small amount of honey or nut butter provides sustained energy without overwhelming the system.
3. Raw vegetables
– Why avoid them: While vegetables are healthy in general, eating them raw on an empty stomach can be harmful to the digestive system. Their high fiber content can cause bloating, gas and discomfort.
– Better alternative: Cooked vegetables are easier to digest and still provide essential vitamins and minerals without the risk of stomach upset.
4. Tomatoes
– Why avoid it: Tomatoes are rich in tannic acid, which can increase stomach acidity. This can lead to gastric ulcers, especially if they are regularly consumed on an empty stomach.
– Better alternative: Consider consuming a small serving of oatmeal or a banana before consuming tomatoes to protect your stomach lining.
5. Spicy foods
– Why to avoid it: Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining, causing discomfort, heartburn and even long-term digestive problems if consumed on an empty stomach.
– Better alternative: Save spicy foods for later, after you’ve eaten a balanced meal. A better option is to start the day with mild foods, such as yogurt or eggs.
Drinks to avoid on an empty stomach
1. Coffee
– Why avoid it: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn and indigestion. It can also increase cortisol levels, which can cause anxiety and stress.
– Better alternative: If you need a morning pick-me-up, try having a light snack, such as toast or a handful of nuts, before drinking your coffee.
2. Alcohol
– Why avoid it: Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach allows it to quickly enter the bloodstream, which can amplify its effects. This can lead to further intoxication, dehydration and irritation of the stomach lining.
– Better alternative: always eat something substantial before consuming alcohol to delay its absorption and reduce its negative effects.
3. Soft drinks or carbonated beverages
– Why to avoid them: Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and discomfort if consumed on an empty stomach. Carbonation can cause an increase in stomach acidity, leading to indigestion and heartburn.
– Better alternative: Start the day with natural water or herbal tea to hydrate your body without the risk of digestive problems.
4. Cold drinks
– Why avoid it: Drinking cold drinks first thing in the morning can upset your digestive system and make it harder to digest food. This can slow down your metabolism and cause stomach cramps.
– Better alternative: Warm water or a cup of herbal tea are gentler on the stomach and help stimulate digestion.
5. Energy drinks
– Why to avoid them: Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, which can cause a sudden surge of energy followed by a crash. On an empty stomach, they can cause jitters, anxiety and digestive problems.
– Better alternative: If you need an energy boost, a banana or a small handful of nuts provide a more balanced and sustainable source of energy.
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