Never Do These 6 Things On an Empty Stomach
We all experience that rumbling, grumbling feeling of an empty stomach. It signals hunger, letting you know that it’s time to get some food. While a bit of stomach growling is completely normal, some habits done on an empty stomach can lead to discomfort, worsened health conditions, or poor judgment. Let’s look at the science behind what to avoid and why.
What is the Importance of Food?
Food provides our bodies with the fuel they need. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t try to drive a car without gas. When you eat, your body breaks down the food, turning carbohydrates into glucose (sugar). Glucose is a primary energy source for your cells. Without steady glucose levels, your body can’t function at its best. Additionally, food delivers the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for overall health.
What Shouldn’t You Do On An Empty Stomach?
1. Taking Pain Relievers (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, are great for dealing with aches and pains. However, it’s crucial to avoid taking them on an empty stomach. Your stomach lining is delicate, and these medications irritate it, potentially increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues like ulcers with long-term use. For the safest experience, always take NSAIDs with food.
2. Drinking Coffee
Many of us start our day with a strong cup of coffee. While your go-to brew may give you that wake-up boost, there’s a downside to having it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Coffee’s acidity triggers the production of stomach acid in some people, which might feel like heartburn. Further, coffee has a slight diuretic effect, which can leave you feeling dehydrated when you already need fluids. If you’re sensitive to coffee, save it for after your breakfast.
3. Intense Exercise
While workouts are crucial for a healthy lifestyle, exercising on an empty stomach isn’t always the best idea. When your body lacks the glucose stored in food, you may feel weak, dizzy, or faint during a workout. Furthermore, without readily available carbohydrates to burn, your body may begin breaking down muscle for energy, which is counterproductive to building muscle. For an optimal workout, have a light, nutritious snack or full meal first.
4. Drinking Alcohol
Having a couple of drinks on an empty stomach is a recipe for feeling those effects fast. Without food in your stomach, alcohol absorbs directly into your bloodstream. This causes your blood alcohol content to spike rapidly, leading to intoxication far quicker than normal. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but it can also increase your risk of a hangover. Stick to having your alcoholic beverages with meals or healthy snacks.
5. Shopping for Groceries
Heading to the grocery store while hungry is a risky activity. When you’re on an empty stomach, your body naturally craves quick energy sources, often found in high-sugar, high-carb snacks. This makes it a lot harder to resist those chips, cookies, and sweets in the aisles. If you want to stick to your healthy eating goals, always shop for groceries with a full stomach or a good snack eaten beforehand.
6. Chewing Gum
Chewing any type of gum (even sugar-free!) stimulates the production of stomach acid. Your stomach gets ready to process food, but when no food arrives, this extra acid can create a sense of unease. Also, the artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free gum have a laxative effect on some people. While a single stick is no major issue, excessive chewing on an empty stomach could lead to some uncomfortable indigestion.
FAQs
Q: Can I drink water on an empty stomach?
A: Absolutely! Drinking water on an empty stomach is beneficial. It helps kickstart your metabolism, hydrates your body, and can even help flush out toxins.
Q: Is it ever okay to exercise on an empty stomach?
A: Light exercise, like a gentle walk or yoga, can be okay on an empty stomach. However, for more intense workouts, it’s best to eat a small snack first to give you energy and prevent discomfort.
Q: How can I combat morning sickness without making it worse?
A: If you’re dealing with morning sickness, try eating dry, bland foods like crackers before getting out of bed. Small, frequent snacks throughout the day can also help keep nausea at bay without overburdening your stomach.
