This Guide Will Help You Be Wiser About What To Eat & What Not To Eat On An Empty Stomach

In our mad scramble to get to our workplaces and colleges on time, we grab the first thing we can find to satiate our growling stomachs and get going. But some food items cause more harm than good. Bright Side came up with a comprehensive list of what to eat and what to avoid on an empty stomach. Read on!

What not to eat:

1. Sweets

Dismiss all those eat-chocolate-in-the-morning theories. Eating sugar first thing in the morning boosts insulin levels, which increase the load on the pancreas when you have just woken up. This practice can lead to diabetes.

2. Shortcrust and puff pastries

Eating these right in the morning inflames the delicate lining of the stomach and causes gas formation.

3. Yoghurt and fermented milk products

Yoghurt on an empty stomach leads to an increase in hydrochloric acid content, which kills lactic acid bacteria. Hence, the nutrients are not absorbed by the body.

4. Cucumbers and green vegetables

You might think these veggies will do you a world of good, but on an empty stomach they cause gas formation, abdominal pain and heartburn.

5. Pears

The rough fiber of pears are liable to damage the delicate mucous membrane of an empty stomach.

6. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges have a ton of fruit acid. However, on an empty stomach they increase risks of having gastritis and gastric ulcers as well as heartburn.

7. Carbonated drinks

You might think that the caffeine content in the coke will keep you charged for the day ahead but it actually destroys mucous membranes, reduces blood supply to the stomach and slows down digestion.

8. Tomatoes

Those juicy tomatoes might look appetising but hold up, because the tannic acid in them increase acidity and cause gastric ulcers.

9. Bananas

Bananas lead to a sharp increase in magnesium content in the blood and can be harmful for the heart.

10. Spicy food

Put down those peri peri fries, as they inflame the gastric mucosa and boost acid production in your stomach.

What to eat:

1. Eggs

Eggs are yummy and filling, keeping you full for longer. This helps cut down on those snack breaks and reduces intake of calories.

2. Oatmeal

Its soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels. Digging into a bowl of oatmeal in the morning protects the lining of your stomach from hydrochloric acid, as the oatmeal forms a protective layer on the lining of the stomach.

3. Cornmeal porridge

Not only does cornmeal porridge keep you full, it cleanses the body of toxins and heavy metals and boosts beneficial intestinal bacteria.

4. Buckwheat

A rich source of proteins, iron and vitamins, buckwheat helps the digestive system function effectively.

5. Wheat germ

Wheat germ is a miracle worker. Only 2 tablespoons of this replenishes your body with 15% of the recommended intake of vitamin E and with 10% of required folic acid. It also helps the digestive system.

6. Watermelon

Dig into some luscious watermelon to keep your body hydrated with fluid. Its high levels of lycopene help the eyes and the heart.

7. Honey

Honey helps in driving away morning grogginess and boosts energy levels, keeping you charged all day. It helps brain activity and keeps you happy due to increase in levels of seratonin.