Getting the day started right with your foods can be all that is necessary for the level of energy you have, the ease with which you digest foods, and how well you feel overall.
But there are foods that will destroy you when eaten before anything else.Eating the wrong foods at the wrong time can create discomfort, indigestion, and even long-term health effects.
Discover 5 foods to avoid on an empty stomach for better digestion and health. Learn what to eat and when for wellness.
Below are five food items not to eat on an empty stomach:
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are very acidic and they can irritate your stomach lining if eaten on an empty stomach. This could lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort. You should eat citrus fruits after meals or with additional foods to dilute their acidity.
Consuming hot foods such as hot peppers or wasabi on an empty stomach can lead to irritation of the stomach, heartburn and discomfort. Foods that pack a punch of intense capsicum like spicy food can also provoke nausea and vomiting. It is better to eat spicy food in moderation and with food to lessen the effects.
Raw onions have compounds that are harsh on an empty stomach and may cause bloating, gas, and pain. Onions are high in fiber and sulfer and may pose digestive risks when combined with other food too. To be more digestible, onions should always be cooked and added to meals.
Drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks can give you jitters and anxiety when your stomach is empty. It can also increase gastric acid secretion, resulting in indigestion, stomach cramps, and heartburn. It is best to drink caffeinated drinks after eating, not because you want to buffer the negative effects, but because you want to have steady energy.
Although yogurt with live cultures is good for the gut, it is not ideal to take alone.The probiotics in the yogurt can be neutralized when taken on an empty stomach by being overwhelmed by the stomach acid, so their effectiveness would be lost. Take yogurt with meals or snacks to maintain digestive health.