7 Things To Avoid Doing On An Empty Stomach

The way we start the day can help us maintain a feeling of energy and vitality throughout the day. Therefore, it is very important not to fast too long.

However, sometimes we adopt habits that, far from providing us benefits, can cause us unwanted effects, both physically and emotionally.

Although many of these practices are part of our routine, or seem “harmless”, in reality, over time they can affect our well-being.

For this reason, today we want to dedicate this space to 7 things that, for health reasons, it is better to avoid fasting.

Discover them!

1. Consume anti-inflammatories on an empty stomach

Medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol and, in general, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should not be taken on an empty stomach, since doing so can trigger severe digestive discomfort.

Its compounds can cause an inflammatory imbalance in the lining of the stomach and, in severe cases, cause gastric bleeding.

recommendations

• To minimize the negative effects of NSAIDs, the consumption of milk is recommended.
• If you don’t have it on hand, take them with plenty of water.

2. Drink coffee

There are those who have the habit of “recharging” first thing in the day with a cup of coffee, without knowing its possible side effects.

Although we cannot deny that it is an energy drink, with many nutrients and benefits, taking it on an empty stomach can be harmful.

Even in its decaffeinated presentations, it increases the production of acid in the stomach and can cause heartburn and reflux.

recommendations

• If you can’t stop drinking coffee when you wake up in the morning, drink it with cream or milk. The fat in these ingredients minimizes the negative effects of the drink.
• If you can, replace it with a natural infusion or shake.

3. Drink alcoholic beverages

Drinking alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach can be potentially harmful to organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

Its absorption on an empty stomach is doubled, which is compared to the introduction of alcohol intravenously.

In addition, the elimination of its toxins is slower, which causes a greater degree of alcohol poisoning and a strong hangover.

recommendations

• If for any reason you have consumed alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach, be sure to eat a snack that at least contains butter as soon as possible.

• Avoid combining alcohol with coffee or carbonated sodas, as the effect could be worse.

4. Chewing gum

When we chew gum, a substance known as hydrochloric acid is produced which, if we have an empty stomach, could cause unwanted side effects.

This bad habit irritates the lining of the stomach and, in the long run, could lead to severe problems such as gastritis.

recommendations

• If you usually eat gum, opt for those with natural sweeteners among its components.
• Avoid presentations with sugar, cyclamate or aspartame.
• Avoid chewing gum for more than 10 minutes, even on a full stomach.

5. Do intense exercise

There are many myths about exercising first thing in the day. There are those who claim that a fasting workout contributes to burning more calories.

However, an empty stomach is unlikely to influence this and could, on the contrary, cause a reduction in muscle mass.

It should be remembered that the body needs nutrients to get going every morning and, by forcing it to fast, it will seek to maintain its energy reserves.

recommendations

• Replace strenuous exercise routines with low-impact aerobic activities.
• Try to eat at least one fruit or smoothie before exercising.
• If you have digestive diseases, such as gastritis, eat well before exercising to avoid complications.

6. Ingest citrus juices

Citrus juices are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other important essential nutrients that offer benefits to the body.

Despite this, its consumption is not recommended on an empty stomach, since it can irritate the gastric mucosa, especially when suffering from gastritis or digestive complications.

recommendations

• If you want to consume a juice of this type on an empty stomach, combine it with equal parts of water to avoid its effects on the stomach.
• Choose to consume them during breakfast or mid-morning.

7. Discuss

Some scientists from the United States have shown that the feeling of hunger increases our irritability and, therefore, makes us more susceptible to arguments.

The brain needs sources of energy to get going and “self-control”, so it is not advisable to fast for too long.

recommendations

• If you don’t want to fill yourself with a bad vibe in the morning, share a healthy tea or drink with your partner or family.
• Try to eat breakfast within the first hour after waking up.
• This, without a doubt, will instantly improve the mood.

Do you identify any of the aforementioned habits in your case? Now that you know their negative effects, take steps to correct them before they cause a problem.