Your stomach’s acidity increases when it’s empty, making it harder to digest anything that enters afterward. Prolonged periods without food can lead to negative reactions, and certain actions or consumables can be particularly harmful if done or ingested on an empty stomach. Additionally, there are things you should avoid for up to two hours before eating when your stomach is empty.
Table of Contents
These are the things you should never take on an empty stomach
1 Do not take anti-inflammatories
2 Drink coffee
3 Drinking alcoholic beverages
4 Chewing gum
5 Before going to bed
6 Drinking sour fruit juice
7 Intense exercise
8 When to go shopping
9 Avoid fighting in the morning
1. Avoid Taking Anti-Inflammatories
Explanation: Many medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should not be taken on an empty stomach as they can cause serious health issues like gastric bleeding.
2. Don’t Drink Coffee Alone
Explanation: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid levels, leading to indigestion and discomfort. If you must have coffee first thing in the morning, consider adding milk to reduce its acidic effects.
3. Avoid Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Explanation: Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach is dangerous, as its effects are amplified, potentially causing severe damage to your kidneys, liver, and heart.
4. Don’t Chew Gum
Explanation: Chewing gum triggers the stomach to produce digestive acids in anticipation of food. This can lead to gastritis, even if you eventually eat. Limit gum-chewing to no more than ten minutes.
5. Don’t Go to Bed Hungry
Explanation: Going to bed on an empty stomach can disrupt sleep, causing you to wake up early and overeat the next morning. This can also lead to acidity and other digestive issues.
6. Avoid Drinking Sour Fruit Juice
Explanation: Citrus fruits contain acids that can irritate the stomach lining when no food is present, potentially leading to gastritis.
7. Avoid Intense Exercise
Explanation: Exercising on an empty stomach can lead to muscle loss instead of fat loss due to depleted energy levels. Opt for light aerobic exercise or eat a small meal before engaging in intense physical activity.
8. Don’t Go Shopping Hungry
Explanation: Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulsive buying decisions, often resulting in unnecessary or unhealthy purchases due to increased anxiety and hunger.
9. Avoid Morning Arguments
Explanation: Hunger can impair your mood and judgment. It’s better to eat breakfast before facing stressful situations or confrontations.