Fortis Vasant Kunj Doctor Warns: Avoid These 3 Foods on an Empty Stomach
What you eat first thing in the morning can set the tone for your entire day — influencing your energy levels, mood, and digestive health. While many believe that lemon water or black coffee are ideal morning starters, Dr Shubham Vatsya, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, warns that certain popular foods can actually damage your gut when consumed on an empty stomach.
The Three Foods You Should Never Eat on an Empty Stomach
According to Dr Vatsya, eating the wrong foods first thing in the morning can irritate your digestive tract, trigger acid reflux, or lead to energy crashes.
He explained,
“Your morning meal decides how your gut feels for the rest of the day. Never eat these three food items on an empty stomach, as they may deteriorate your gut health.”
Here are the three foods to avoid:
1. Citrus Fruits and Lemon Water
While many start their day with lemon water believing it aids detox, Dr Vatsya cautions that citrus fruits and sour drinks are too acidic for an empty stomach.
“They directly irritate the gut lining and can cause heartburn or acidity,” he said.
This includes oranges, sweet lime, lemonade, and other tangy juices.
2. Black Coffee
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be like giving your gut an “acid shock,” warns the gastroenterologist.
“Black coffee overstimulates acid production, which can lead to bloating, stomach irritation, and mid-morning energy crashes,” he noted.
Experts suggest pairing coffee with a small meal or snack instead of drinking it alone.
3. Spicy Foods
Heavy, spicy breakfast dishes such as chole bhature, misal pav, pav bhaji, and kachori may taste delicious but can wreak havoc on an empty stomach.
“Spicy foods can cause irritation and even long-term inflammation in the gut,” said Dr Vatsya.
He added that consistent consumption of such foods early in the morning can lead to chronic gastritis and acid reflux.
What You Should Eat Instead
Dr Vatsya recommends starting the day with neutral, gut-friendly, and protein-rich foods that soothe the digestive system and provide long-lasting energy.
Here are his suggested options:
- Soaked nuts or almonds
- Oats or porridge
- Banana or apple
- Bread omelette
- Idli sambar or dosa sambar
- Two boiled eggs
He emphasized that such foods provide balanced nutrition and protect the gut lining from irritation.
The Bottom Line
Your morning choices can have a significant impact on your gut health throughout the day. Avoiding acidic, caffeinated, and spicy foods on an empty stomach can prevent digestive discomfort and promote overall wellness.
Dr Vatsya’s advice serves as a reminder that gut health starts with mindful morning eating.
⚠️ Note to Readers:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalized recommendations regarding your diet or gut health.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
