The 7 Foods You Should Not Eat On An Empty Stomach

Starting the day with a good meal is key, but did you know that some popular foods can make you sick if you eat them on an empty stomach?

It’s vital to start the day on the right foot, and that often starts with a good breakfast. However, not all foods are suitable for eating on an empty stomach.

Although they’re delicious, some can upset your digestion, cause stomach upset, or negatively affect your energy levels. Below, we’ve listed 7 foods you should never eat on an empty stomach, and the reasons behind them.

Citrus fruits and juices

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. However, their natural acidity can irritate the stomach lining, especially if you’re fasting. Consuming citrus fruits on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid production, sometimes causing heartburn, acid reflux, or even aggravating conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you like to start your day with orange juice, it’s best to consume it after eating something softer, like bread or cereal, to protect your stomach.

Coffee

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is a common habit for many people, but it can lead to digestive problems. Coffee increases the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can cause pain or heartburn, especially in sensitive individuals. It can also affect the stress hormone cortisol, stimulating it more in the morning, which could lead to anxiety. To minimize these effects, it is recommended to drink it after breakfast.

Pastries and cakes

A croissant or a chocolate croissant is a great temptation to start the day, but be careful. These foods are rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which, when eaten on an empty stomach, cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This energy spike is often followed by a sharp drop, which can leave you tired, fatigued, and craving something soon after. Pastries can also slow digestion and cause bloating.

Yogurts and other fermented dairy products

Yogurt is considered a healthy food, but on an empty stomach, it may not be as beneficial as you might think. The lactic acid bacteria present in yogurt, which are good for digestion, can be neutralized by the acidity of an empty stomach. This reduces the probiotic benefits you could obtain. To take full advantage of yogurt’s properties, it’s best to consume it after other meals or as part of a more complete breakfast.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are nutrient-dense, but their tannic acid content can irritate the lining of an empty stomach. This can cause heartburn or aggravate conditions like ulcers and acid reflux. If you’re a fan of tomatoes for breakfast, be sure to pair them with milder foods to buffer their acidity, such as whole-wheat toast with ham and tomato.

Raw vegetables

Although vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, consuming them raw on an empty stomach can be problematic. They are high in tough fiber, which can make digestion difficult in an unprepared stomach, causing gas, bloating, and even pain. It’s best to cook vegetables lightly or consume them with other foods to ease their digestion and avoid discomfort.

Banana

Bananas are known for being an energizing fruit, but eating them alone on an empty stomach may not be the best idea. They contain magnesium and potassium, and excessive consumption on an empty stomach could disrupt the balance of these minerals in the body, affecting the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, their high natural sugar content can cause a rapid rise and subsequent fall in blood glucose levels. It’s best combined with other foods like oatmeal or yogurt to balance their effects.