Top dietitian explains why you shouldn't eat these 10 foods on an empty stomach
Breakfast tips: Unhealthy food choices on an empty stomach can disrupt your digestion, spike blood sugar, and even lead to energy crashes later in the day. Here’s are 10 foods and drinks you should really never eat in the morning.
Reboot your metabolism What you eat in the morning sets the stone for how you feel through the day. After a long overnight fast, your stomach is sensitive, and your metabolism is rebooting. Eating the wrong food in the morning can irritate your stomach lining, increase acid production and lead to energy crashes later in the day. The trouble is that many people have no idea that their food choices in the morning, especially when empty stomach, are doing them more harm than good (Images: Canva)
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Best way to start your day “The lower volume of food consumed due to an empty stomach is thought to produce a reduced area for absorption, " Dr Radhika Mehta, a dietician and nutrition consultant at WeCare clinic, Delhi, tells Moneycontrol. She adds, “There are certain foods and drinks that should never be consumed on an empty stomach. These foods can cause throw your gut out of balance, and dominate our overall metabolism.”
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Stay away from these 10 foods The expert says that some foods are simply harsh by themselves even if they make sense to eat in their non-juiced form. Things that are acidic, such as caffeinated drinks and acid fruits can lead to inflammation or digestive distress if eaten on an empty stomach. Here are 10 foods experts say you should never eat on an empty stomach.
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Citrus Fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemon water) Acidic fruits can irritate the lining of your stomach when eaten on an empty stomach. They can cause heartburn or acidity. The expert suggests pairing them with with other foods, such as oats or yoghurt. You could also try to temper their acidity.
Coffee or Tea Did you know that having caffeine in the breakfast can produce acid in the stomach? Those early morning cups of tea/coffee can lead to dehydration. Never drink coffee on an empty stomach, the expert warns.
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Sugary Foods and Pastries You know that donuts, sweet buns or sugary cereals can spike your blood sugar and result in mid-morning crashes. Opt for whole grains or fruit instead.
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Bananas While they are healthy, bananas contain magnesium and potassium that can disrupt the balance between acid and alkaline in your stomach when empty. Pair them with oatmeal or nut butter.
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Tomatoes Eating a tomato can cause ulcers because it contains tannic acid, found in medicinal teas. It is better to toss the tomatoes into cooked dishes or salads rather than consuming them raw early in the day.
Spicy Foods Stimulants like spices also prompt the stomach to produce more gastric acid, which can cause cramps and acid reflux. Don't eat anything spicy until after breakfast.
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Carbonated Drinks Soda or fizzy drinks fill your stomach with gas, causing bloating and discomfort. They’re particularly bad when you’re hungover and your stomach is empty.
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Raw vegetables Raw greens (like spinach and cabbage) are difficult to digest first thing in the morning and can leave you a bit gassy. If you like them at breakfast, steam or sauté fresh ones.
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Yoghurt Having yoghurt on an empty stomach will kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Take it following meals or along with a high-fibre breakfast.
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Pears and Apples (Specifically with the Skin) The roughage in these fruits can scrape against the lining of your empty stomach. Eat them later another time in the day when digestion is turned on. (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)
Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
