6 Foods You Shouldn't Eat on an Empty Stomach! / Consuming Citrus Fruits on an Empty Stomach Leads to Acid Reflux

Sunday, February 02, 2025  Read time2 min

SAEDNEWS: Eating the right foods on an empty stomach is crucial for maintaining digestive health and overall well-being. However, some foods consumed on an empty stomach can cause harm.

6 Foods You Shouldn't Eat on an Empty Stomach! / Consuming Citrus Fruits on an Empty Stomach Leads to Acid Reflux

According to SaedNews, you might not be aware of the exact reasons why eating certain foods on an empty stomach is discouraged, but generally, consuming the wrong foods before breakfast and on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining, raise blood sugar levels, or disrupt the digestive system. Here are six foods to avoid eating on an empty stomach:

  1. Citrus Fruits: While citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, eating them on an empty stomach can cause discomfort. The high acidity of these fruits can irritate the stomach lining and lead to acid reflux, bloating, or heartburn.

  2. Coffee: For many people, a cup of coffee is the first thing they reach for in the morning. While coffee provides a quick energy boost, drinking it on an empty stomach can be problematic. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid, but without food to absorb it, this can eventually lead to acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcers. Additionally, coffee can cause dehydration, especially when consumed without food.

  3. Spicy Foods: While flavorful, spicy foods can be very harsh on an empty stomach. Without any food to mitigate the effects of the spices, they can increase stomach acid production. This can lead to discomfort, such as acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis. Some spices can also irritate the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to inflammation.

  4. Yogurt: Although yogurt is generally considered a healthy food, consuming it on an empty stomach might not be the best idea, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. The acidity of yogurt can interfere with stomach acid, causing irritation or discomfort. Additionally, the live bacteria in yogurt, which are beneficial for gut health, can be disrupted by the acidic environment, reducing their effectiveness.

  5. Sweets: Sweet foods like pastries, cakes, and sugary cereals may seem like a sweet way to start the day, but consuming them on an empty stomach can spike blood sugar levels. This leads to a quick burst of energy followed by a sharp drop (a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar), leaving you feeling sluggish and irritable. Additionally, consuming sweet foods on an empty stomach can cause bloating and indigestion.

  6. Fried Foods: Fried foods like French fries, donuts, or fried chicken are hard to digest. Eating fried foods on an empty stomach can put excessive strain on the digestive system, leading to indigestion and bloating. The high-fat content in fried foods can also slow down digestion and may cause discomfort or even nausea.