Avoid these common breakfast mistakes for a healthier start
Some products and beverages are not suitable for consumption on an empty stomach. The more sensitive the stomach, the more noticeable this issue becomes. Knowing what not to eat or drink on an empty stomach can help avoid digestive problems, energy drops, or headaches.
23 November 2024 18:03
This situation happens to everyone, especially during this time of year when it’s particularly easy to oversleep. Sometimes, due to various reasons, we find ourselves with very little time in the morning. When we’re trying to have breakfast "on the go," it's easy to make a mistake. There are certain foods and drinks that, when consumed on an empty stomach, can cause unpleasant symptoms.
The most important breakfast
Nutritionists agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It determines whether we start the day with ample energy. Experts also emphasize that the morning meal is crucial for our hormonal balance and metabolism. What we eat in the morning affects our feelings of fullness throughout the day. A wholesome breakfast consumed in the morning keeps hunger hormones in check, ensuring that we feel fuller and more satisfied for longer. Unfortunately, when we eat in a hurry, we might choose foods that lead to stomach pain and digestive issues. This is not an ideal way to start your day.
Do not eat this on an empty stomach
- Coffee. It is always better to pair coffee with a meal. Consumed on an empty stomach, it can irritate the digestive system and increase its acidity, paving the way for reflux, bloating, and nausea.
- Spicy dishes. Hot spices can cause gastrointestinal issues by irritating the stomach lining, leading to stomach pain.
- Sweet pastries or cakes. These can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a significant energy crash. If you must eat them, it’s better to have them after a breakfast rich in fibre, which ensures that sugar is absorbed more slowly.
- Black tea, like coffee, is rich in caffeine. This increases the production of stomach acid, potentially leading to reflux and nausea. Tea also contains theine, which can act more strongly on an empty stomach, possibly causing nervousness, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
- Carbonated drinks. These often guarantee bloating. If they also contain a lot of sugar, they can lead to a sudden energy drop.
- Fried foods. Hard to digest when consumed on an empty stomach, these can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Citrus fruits and juices. These can irritate the stomach, causing pain and a burning sensation, which might lead to ulcers.
