There are so many things that you can do on an empty stomach. You have probably heard about drinking water when you wake up to help you purify your body and help you lose weight. There are also some health-related foods like lemonade, nectar, which is best eaten for your breakfast before doing anything.
Although these things are recommended for an empty stomach, there are some things that you should avoid in that situation. Here they are:
1. DRINKING TEA OR COFFEE
The consumption of coffee on an empty stomach can incite the production of an acid that might result in heartburn and acid reflux. Always drink a glass of water before drinking any other beverage.
Try adding some cream or milk into your coffee and the fat will help ease your digestion and set you up for the proper absorption of nutrients throughout the day.
2. CONSUME ALCOHOL
Consuming Alcoholic products on an empty stomach will lead to absorption of alcohol directly in the bloodstream. This can widen the arteries and temporarily lower the blood pressure. When alcohol concentration is high in the blood, this increases the loss of control.
3. TAKING NSAIDS OR PAINKILLER
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) and many other painkillers (Opioids) such as paracetamol, aspirin etc. are not safe to take on an empty stomach. Taking these types of medication on an empty stomach can potentially result in gastric bleeding and will also reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
4. CITRUS FRUITS
You can eat certain fruits like banana or apple on an empty stomach but stay away from the citrus ones. Eating fruits like grapes or citrus fruits (oranges, sweet lime etc.) early in the morning puts you at a risk of acidity, says dietician Deepshikha Agarwal.
5. EXERCISING
If you think you’ll lose more weight by exercising without eating anything, you’re wrong. When you exercise, the body uses glycogen, which comes from the food you eat. If you don’t have enough glycogen, your body will end up burning muscles, therefore leading to storing more fat.
6. WORK OUT
Working out on empty (in a fasted state) might limit performance and your potential in reaching (or even beating) a personal best. Plus, go with how you feel. If your body feels depleted in energy when working out on empty, eat something next time. You’ll need the endurance to power through.
7. LABOUR
Yes, although doctors might believe that one should not eat during labour, an empty stomach will leave you with no energy. You may even feel hungry and thirsty during labour. So listen to your body and decide.
8. GROCERY SHOPPING
Who doesn’t love shopping? But avoid stepping into a supermarket on an empty stomach because you are more likely to buy food high in calories and fat, thanks to your hunger pangs. So the next time you go on a shopping spree, go on a full tummy.