12 Surprising Foods You Should Never Eat on an Empty Stomach
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Eating the right foods at the right time can make a big difference in how we feel. Some normally healthy foods can actually cause problems when eaten on an empty stomach. Knowing what to avoid can help you start your day right and feel better overall.
Let’s look at some foods that might surprise you by being not so great to eat first thing in the morning or when you haven’t eaten in a while. Remember, everyone’s body is different, but these tips can be helpful for many people.
Citrus Fruits
Starting your day with orange juice might seem healthy, but citrus on an empty stomach can be harsh. The high acid content can bother your stomach lining and may cause heartburn. It might also mess with the enzymes in your stomach that help digest food later. Try having citrus fruits with or after a meal instead.
Yogurt
While yogurt is often seen as a health food, eating it on an empty stomach might not be ideal. The good bacteria in yogurt can be less effective when they hit your empty, acidic stomach. Your stomach acid might kill off some of the helpful probiotics before they can do their job. It’s better to eat yogurt as part of a meal or after you’ve had something else.
Bananas
Bananas are full of magnesium and potassium, which can give your heart a jolt when eaten on an empty stomach. This sudden increase in magnesium can mess with your heart rhythm. Eating bananas with other foods or later in the day is usually a better choice.
Raw Vegetables
Veggies are great for you, but raw ones on an empty stomach can cause gas and bloating. Your empty stomach has to work extra hard to break down the tough fibers. This can lead to stomach aches for some people. Try having raw veggies with a meal or after you’ve eaten something else.
Tomatoes
The high levels of tannic acid in tomatoes can increase stomach acid levels when eaten on an empty stomach. This can lead to heartburn or stomach aches. Tomatoes are healthier when eaten with other foods, which help buffer their acidity.
Coffee
Many people start their day with coffee, but drinking it on an empty stomach can cause trouble. It can boost acid production in your stomach, leading to heartburn or indigestion. Coffee also jump-starts your body’s cortisol production, which can make you feel more stressed. Try eating something small before your morning coffee.
Spicy Foods
Eating spicy foods when your stomach is empty can irritate your digestive system. The capsaicin in spicy foods can cause heartburn, stomach pain, or nausea when there’s nothing else in your stomach to buffer it. It’s better to enjoy spicy foods as part of a larger meal.
Sodas
The carbonation in sodas can bloat your empty stomach, and the sugar or artificial sweeteners can cause a fast spike in blood sugar. This quick rise and fall in blood sugar can leave you feeling tired and hungry. If you drink soda, it’s better to do so with or after a meal.
Pears
Pears have crude fiber that can hurt the mucous membranes of an empty stomach. This can lead to stomach pain or even constipation for some people. Eating pears after a meal or as part of a balanced breakfast is a better choice.
Sugary Pastries
While a donut might seem like a quick breakfast, eating sugary foods on an empty stomach can cause problems. The sugar causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a crash that can leave you tired and hungry. Your body also can’t deal with all that sugar well without other nutrients to help process it.
Cold Foods
Very cold foods or drinks can shock your empty stomach. They can slow down digestion and make your stomach produce extra mucus, which can make it harder to digest your next meal properly. Room temperature or warm foods are often easier on an empty stomach.
Processed Meats
Eating processed meats like bacon or sausage on an empty stomach can be hard on your digestive system. These foods are often high in salt and hard-to-digest fats. Without other foods to help buffer them, they can lead to stomach aches or acid reflux. If you eat these, it’s better to do so as part of a balanced meal.
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