Dangerous Breakfast: 8 Foods That Irritate the Stomach 0 11

When you are hungry, there is a temptation to grab the first thing you see in the kitchen. This can happen in the morning or after work. However, doing so can disrupt the functioning of the stomach. It is important to know what should never be eaten on an empty stomach, writes Realsimple. The publication named 8 such foods.

1. Coffee

It is advisable to avoid consuming strong black coffee immediately after waking up in the morning. This drink can be harmful on an empty stomach. The reason is that caffeine promotes the release of gastrin - a hormone that produces stomach acid. This effect can lead to reflux symptoms: bloating, nausea, and belching.

"Caffeine also opens the lower esophageal sphincter - a muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach. This can provoke the return of stomach contents (including stomach acid) back into the esophagus, further contributing to reflux," explained Dr. Robinn Chatkan.

According to her, caffeine can have such effects regardless of whether your stomach is empty or not. But if you haven't eaten anything, the side effects can be more irritating. To avoid stomach problems, registered dietitian Johanna Salazar recommends eating something high in protein or fat, such as a hard-boiled egg or a few tablespoons of nut butter, before consuming coffee. This way, the stomach will handle the coffee more easily, reducing unpleasant side effects.

2. Spicy Food

Whether spicy food irritates the stomach lining depends on whether you are used to eating it, noted Dr. Chatkan. If spicy dishes are not familiar to you, they can cause digestive problems on an empty stomach.

Most spicy foods contain capsaicin - a substance that binds to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, explained gastroenterologist Michael Shopis. The body perceives this as a threat and tries to "get rid" of the irritant more quickly by increasing mucus production and speeding up digestion. As a result, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urgent bathroom urges may occur.

3. Sweets

Starting a meal with dessert is not the best idea. According to Chatkan, sweet foods on an empty stomach can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, followed by a rapid energy drop. It is better to first eat foods high in fiber - it slows down sugar absorption.

Additionally, sweets on an empty stomach can cause diarrhea, as the body tries to "dilute" the high concentration of sugar by moving fluid into the intestines.

4. Caffeinated Teas

Like coffee, caffeinated teas can irritate an empty stomach and increase acidity, causing reflux symptoms.

This is most often the case with black tea, which contains more caffeine. Green tea has a somewhat milder effect but can also cause discomfort. Herbal teas without caffeine are usually safe for an empty stomach.

5. Yogurt

Yogurt is beneficial for the gut due to probiotics and lactic acid. However, some people, according to Shopis, are sensitive to this acid. In such cases, consuming yogurt on an empty stomach can increase acidity and cause unpleasant symptoms, as well as destroy some beneficial bacteria.

"It is better to eat yogurt on a full stomach so that some of the lactic acid can be absorbed and not destroy some of these beneficial components," he added.

6. Carbonated Drinks

Soda can cause belching, bloating, and discomfort, especially on an empty stomach.

"The bubbles of carbon dioxide from a carbonated drink can create significant pressure in the stomach, causing discomfort and belching. The carbonation can also trigger the opening of the nitroendocrine gland, leading to reflux symptoms," claims Chatkan.

Moreover, sweet carbonated drinks sharply raise blood sugar levels, which, according to Salazar, can lead to an energy crash.

7. Fatty Fried Foods

French fries, fried chicken, or onion rings contain a lot of fat, which takes a long time to digest. This causes food to stay in the stomach longer and stimulates excessive acid production, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

"To reduce these effects, you can combine fatty foods with any carbohydrates, such as rice, bread, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, which act as a buffer," says Shopis.

According to him, these foods absorb excess acidity, potentially preventing gastrointestinal side effects that may arise from consuming fatty fried foods.

8. Citrus Fruits and Their Juices

Grapefruit, oranges, and their juices are a popular breakfast choice, but on an empty stomach, they can irritate the lining due to their acidity. This is especially relevant for people with sensitive digestion or a tendency to heartburn.

To reduce discomfort, Shopis advises eating citrus fruits along with carbohydrate-rich foods that "soften" the effect of the acid.