5 foods not to eat on an empty stomach
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but some foods are best avoided first thing in the morning.
If you're looking to improve your health and lifestyle, it might be time for a gut check.
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One of the most important aspects of a healthier lifestyle is the food you use to fuel your body.
However, you may be surprised to learn that certain foods can be harsh on an empty stomach – especially first thing in the morning.
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Gut health expert Madeleine Kietzmann tells News24 that eating spicy, sugary and fatty foods after a more extended fasting period is not good for digestion.
Here are five foods to avoid and why:
1. Coffee
This might upset many people but you should avoid coffee first thing in the morning.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase acid production, leading to acid reflux, stomach discomfort and worsening pre-existing gastritis.
It can also disrupt your natural hormonal balance as coffee stimulates the stress hormone cortisol production.
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2. Spicy food
Spicy food can irritate the stomach lining and also increase acid production. This can cause indigestion or a burning sensation, all worsened on an empty stomach.
3. Sugary food
While a sugary pastry or drink may seem harmless, it can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels – followed by a rapid crash. This rollercoaster effect can leave you feeling fatigued and craving more sugar throughout the day.
On an empty stomach, sugar also puts extra strain on the pancreas, forcing it to produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels more quickly.
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4. Carbonated drinks
Sparkling water and cool drinks can irritate your stomach lining when consumed without food.
The carbon dioxide also causes bloating, discomfort and gas especially when your stomach is empty.
5. Citrus fruit
This one might be surprising since citrus fruits are known for their health benefits.
While fruits like grapefruits, oranges and lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, their high acidity levels can irritate an empty stomach, potentially leading to heartburn or gastritis.
Over time, excessive consumption may even damage your digestive lining.
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