Be careful of what you eat in the morning.
It may not always be right to eat what we feel like! The first thing we eat in the morning sets forth the course of the day.Certain foods may wreak havoc with your gut if eaten on an empty stomach. We asked Consultant NutritionistRupali Datta to help us out here and suggest foods or drinks that we should avoid having on an empty stomach.She also advises that you should give your digestive system some time to start functioning after long hours of sleep and should eat breakfast at least two hours after you wake up. Up ahead, seven foods that may not do good to you if had on an empty stomach.1. Spicy FoodEating spices and chillies on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach lining which can lead to acidic reactions and cramps. They are pungent in nature and can trigger indigestion.
2. Sugary foods or drinks
Though majority of us are under the impression that it is healthy to have a glass of fruit juiceto start your day, it may not be the case. Dr. Rupali suggests not to start your day with a tall glass of fruit juice as it may put an extra load on the pancreas that are still waking up after long hours of rest. With the stomach being empty, sugar in the form of fructose in fruits can cause an overload on your liver. Processed sugar is even worse, so avoid breakfast desserts or overly sweet smoothies.
3. Aerated drinksAerated drinks are bad for our health no matter what time of the day it may be, but they are even worse when consumed on an empty stomach as the carbonated acids mix with the stomach acids causing various health issues like nausea and gas. Your stomach excretes acid to help in the digestion of your food, and if there's no food in your tummy, you're just introducing additional acid into your digestive system which might lead to stomach cramps or pain.
4. Cold beveragesYou must have heard that it is best to start the day with warm water and honey, yet many of us give into the temptation of chugging a glass of iced coffee instead. Drinking iced beverages on an empty stomach may damage your mucous membrane and make your digestion sluggish through the day whereas lukewarm beverages help kick starting your system and yourmetabolism.
5. Citrus fruitsFruits are always very healthy if they are eaten at the right time. Eating citrus fruits on an empty stomach may increase acid production. Moreover, too much fiber and fructose in fruits can also make slow down your digestive system if eaten on an empty stomach. You should especially avoid eating fruits with tough fibers like guava and orangesearly morning.
6. Raw vegetablesThis one is specially for those who are diet conscious and believe that salads are great anytime of the day. Raw vegetables or a salad may not be the best thing to eat on an empty stomach. They are full of coarse fiber which may put an extra load on an empty stomach. They can also cause flatulence and abdominal pain when eaten on an empty stomach.
7. CoffeeStarting the day with a cup of coffee is a very common practice. It seems to be an easy way of breaking from sleep, but drinkingcoffee on an empty stomach may lead to acidity. It stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system which cause gastritis in some people.
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About Rupali DattaRupali Datta is a Clinical Nutritionist and has worked in leading corporate hospitals. She has created and lead teams of professionals to deliver clinical solutions for patients across all medical specialties including critical care. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
I am an experienced nutritionist with a background in clinical nutrition, and I have worked extensively in leading corporate hospitals. Throughout my career, I have led teams of professionals to deliver clinical solutions for patients across various medical specialties, including critical care. As a member of the Indian Dietetic Association and Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, I have acquired in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Importance of Breakfast Timing
The article emphasizes the significance of the first meal of the day and suggests waiting at least two hours after waking up before having breakfast. This delay allows the digestive system time to start functioning after a night of rest.
2. Foods and Drinks to Avoid on an Empty Stomach
The article mentions seven types of foods and drinks that may not be suitable when consumed on an empty stomach:
a. Spicy Food
- Spices and chillies on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining, leading to acidic reactions and cramps.
- Pungent nature may trigger indigestion.
b. Sugary Foods or Drinks
- Consuming sugary foods, including fruit juices, on an empty stomach may overload the pancreas and liver, causing potential health issues.
c. Aerated Drinks
- Aerated drinks are discouraged on an empty stomach as carbonated acids can mix with stomach acids, causing nausea and gas.
- Introducing additional acid into the digestive system without food may lead to stomach cramps or pain.
d. Cold Beverages
- Starting the day with iced beverages may damage the mucous membrane and slow down digestion.
- Lukewarm beverages are recommended to kickstart the system and metabolism.
e. Citrus Fruits
- Eating citrus fruits on an empty stomach may increase acid production.
- Excess fiber and fructose in fruits can slow down the digestive system.
f. Raw Vegetables
- Raw vegetables or salads on an empty stomach may impose an extra load due to coarse fiber.
- They may cause flatulence and abdominal pain.
g. Coffee
- Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may lead to acidity as it stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system.
- This could potentially cause gastritis in some individuals.
3. Expert Recommendation
The article features recommendations from Consultant Nutritionist Rupali Datta, underlining her expertise in the field of nutrition and clinical experience. Her advice adds credibility to the information provided in the article.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of mindful eating in the morning, considering the potential impact of various foods and drinks on an empty stomach, and seeks guidance from a seasoned nutritionist.
