Since childhood, we’ve all been told to add as many fruits and veggies as we can to our diet. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which protect against heart disease and cancer. But sometimes, no matter how healthy a food is, it can be terrible for an empty stomach!
If you’re having esophagus issues, put that orange down! Though citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, and limes are high in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and calcium, they may irritate an already-inflamed esophagus. Next time you’re craving some fruit on an empty stomach, reach for strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, apples, or raspberries.
Though it’s tempting to turn on the coffee pot first thing in the morning, it’s really not in your stomach’s best interest! Drinking coffee on an empty belly can increase hydrochloric acid levels to the point of vomiting or constipation. Increased acid levels also slow down the digestion of protein, which causes bloating, inflammation of the bowel, or even colon cancer. Likewise, drinking tea on an empty stomach reduces bile and acid in the stomach and also takes away your appetite.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and soluble ingredients. However, when eaten on an empty stomach, these ingredients combine with stomach acid, which could result in stomach block. This puts pressure onto the stomach, which causes an ache, and is especially dangerous for people who already suffer from ulcers or acid reflux.2. Citrus Fruits
If you’re having esophagus issues, put that orange down! Though citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, and limes are high in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and calcium, they may irritate an already-inflamed esophagus. Next time you’re craving some fruit on an empty stomach, reach for strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, apples, or raspberries.
3. Short Crust/Puff Pastry
The next time you eyeball that continental breakfast, think again. Though croissants and Danishes are delicious, they are both full of yeast, which irritates the stomach lining and may cause flatulence. Nobody wants that!4. Carbonated Drinks
This should be a no-brainer. In reality, you shouldn’t consume carbonated drinks ever. Studies have shown they increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and liver damage. Soda normally contains about 8 to 10 teaspoons of sugar, which, on an empty stomach, is the same as injecting 6 to 8 times as much sugar in your blood than should ever normally exist. This creates an insulin rush, which triggers an adrenaline surge, followed by a sugar high. Not to mention, withdrawal symptoms afterwards! Just don’t do it, folks.5. Coffee or Tea
Though it’s tempting to turn on the coffee pot first thing in the morning, it’s really not in your stomach’s best interest! Drinking coffee on an empty belly can increase hydrochloric acid levels to the point of vomiting or constipation. Increased acid levels also slow down the digestion of protein, which causes bloating, inflammation of the bowel, or even colon cancer. Likewise, drinking tea on an empty stomach reduces bile and acid in the stomach and also takes away your appetite.
Here are 7 things you SHOULD eat on an empty stomach:
- Oatmeal - loaded with fiber, which helps digestion, increases metabolism, and lowers cholesterol levels.
- Eggs – amazingly healthy and fills you right up.
- Blueberries – packed with nutrients that improve blood pressure, boost metabolism, and improve memory.
- Watermelon – improves heart- and eye-health, due to lycopene. Lycopene is a natural chemical that gives fruits and vegetables their red coloring.
- Nuts – high protein content, healthy fats that fill you up. They also balance pH levels in the stomach, which reduces stomach acids and ulcers.
- Papaya – loaded with Vitamin E, C, and fiber. It also releases papain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and lowers the risk of colon cancer.
- Buckwheat – rich in proteins and irons. Stimulates digestion.
