Food that is high in acids, overpowering spices, or that ferments productively in your digestive system can result in you having off-and-on feelings of using the washroom frequently.(Image: Pexels)
The stomach is extremely sensitive in the mornings and some foods can irritate the lining of the stomach, disturb digestion and create problems like acidity, bloating or constipation. The substances which become toxic in our body when we eat them with an empty stomach are well documented in Ayurveda and some of them are even explained with chemical reactions. Food that is high in acids, overpowering spices, or that ferments productively in your digestive system can result in you having off-and-on feelings of using the washroom frequently.
Knowing what to eat and when is also a key factor in ensuring a smooth flowing digestion and keeping discomfort to a minimum. Wellness coach and Delhi-based nutritionist Gitika Kakkar shares a list of 10 such common food items that may disturb your bowel movement if consumed on an empty stomach and why you should probably avoid them the first thing in the morning.
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Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are full of vitamin C, but also high in natural acids. If you have flaxseeds on an empty stomach, you may become a victim of acidity, can affect the stomach lining and lead to heartburn or loose motions.
Eating heavily spiced foods to start your day may inflame your digestive tract. It can cause irritation, acid reflux and unbalanced bowel movement.
For those who wake up with a cup of coffee may be setting up their body to produce over the top stomach acid without food. Over time, it can result in diarrhea, cramping or irregular bowel habits.
Bananas are good for you, but eating them alone could adversely affect your electrolyte levels and cause an upset in your blood chemistry: If you have bananas on some empty stomach, your magnesium and potassium levels will reach a high — with the consequence of upsetting your electrolyte balance and slowing down your digestion.
Drinking soda or carbonated drinks in the morning may cause irritation to the stomach lining and may lead to bloating or triggering acid reflux due to a disturbed normal digestive rhythm, which could result in irregular bowel habits.
Refined sugars found in pastries or donuts can quickly ferment in an empty stomach, leading to gas, bloating and even diarrhea in some people.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage pack in plenty of fiber but are difficult to digest when consumed raw on an empty stomach, and can cause gas and delayed bowel movements.
While yogurt does have good bacteria, eating it on an empty stomach may lead to lowering the number of good bacteria for the reason that of the higher acid content caused by lack of food.
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Tomatoes are acidic and contain oxalates, which may contribute to the buildup of acid in the gut; both of these substances result in inflammation of the stomach lining, which is why you experience heart-burn or acid re-flux after over-indulging in tomatoes.
Beans and lentils can ferment as well as cause bloating and constipation if not eating with other foods early on due to the high fiber and complex carbs
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
