Doctor Warns: Which foods should not be consumed on an empty stomach?

Dozens of lists allegedly naming foods that should not be consumed on an empty stomach can be found online. Most of these restrictions have nothing to do with reality. However, this does not mean that an empty stomach is ready to accept any food. Gastroenterologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences and expert for the “Doctor” TV channel Yekaterina Mironova told “Gazeta.Ru” which foods can actually cause discomfort when consumed at the beginning of the day.

TodayPress TV, citing “Gazeta.Ru”, reports that according to the expert, most restrictions are myths for healthy people, but there are some exceptions. Coffee, alcoholic beverages, spicy and acidic foods irritate the mucous membrane and increase acidity. Strong coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which can cause heartburn. Alcoholic beverages have a more aggressive effect, while spicy and acidic foods increase irritation.

Carbonated beverages stretch the stomach walls and can cause reflux, that is, belching and heartburn. Very cold foods can cause spasms, while fatty and fried foods slow gastric emptying. Sweets can cause a sharp rise in blood sugar, followed by weakness and irritability.

Tolerance to these foods is significantly reduced in people with gastritis, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis and diabetes.

“The listed products can cause an exacerbation of the disease,” Mironova warned. Restrictions are also relevant during pregnancy and after gastrointestinal surgery.

For people whose stomach reacts painfully to food, the doctor recommends making the first meal based on warm, soft and stomach-coating foods. Such foods have a gentle effect on the mucous membrane and do not stimulate excessive acid secretion.

“Oatmeal or rice porridge, boiled eggs, cottage cheese, bananas, baked apples, avocado toast. Coffee should only be consumed after a meal. It is beneficial to drink a glass of warm water before breakfast,” gastroenterologist Yekaterina Mironova recommended.

“A healthy person can ignore most of the alarming information about breakfast. However, strong coffee, alcoholic beverages, spicy and acidic foods, carbonated beverages, very cold foods, fatty and fried foods, as well as large amounts of sugar can indeed cause discomfort when consumed on an empty stomach. The list of restrictions is broader for people with gastrointestinal diseases, during pregnancy and after surgery. Therefore, it is better to start the first meal with warm and soft foods and save coffee for after breakfast,” she concluded.