Health & Fitness
9 Things You Shouldn’t Do on an Empty Stomach
“You are what you eat” is an adage known to everyone. But what we do before a meal also has a great impact on our health.
Clamotion is going to tell you about 9 things you can’t do on an empty stomach (no less than 2 hours after your last meal). As a bonus, you’ll find information about what you can do when you’re hungry at the end of the article.
9. Take anti-inflammatories
Aspirin, paracetamol, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can’t be taken on an empty stomach. Not only does it reduce their effectiveness but it causes serious health problems (such as gastric bleeding) as well. Read here about other medicines not to be taken on an empty stomach.
- Advice: Milk lowers the negative effects of NSAIDs. If it’s not available, you can wash the drug down with plenty of water.
8. Drink coffee
Even decaffeinated coffee stimulates the production of acid that might cause heartburn and other digestive tract issues if drunk on an empty stomach. Skipping breakfast even after coffee may lead to a serotonin deficiency and a gloomy mood for the rest of the day.
- Advice: If you’re unable to give up the habit of drinking coffee first thing in the morning, consume it with milk or cream: milk fat will reduce the negative effects. Choose natural coffee over freeze-dried.
7. Drink alcohol
Without eating, the alcohol absorption rate increases by a factor of 2 and is the same as during its intravenous injection. In contrast, the removal of alcohol breakdown products slows down, which provokes a severe hangover. The rapid effect of alcohol on the body doesn’t go without negative consequences for your liver, heart, and kidneys.
- Advice: If the situation doesn’t allow you to refuse a drink, give preference to cooled noncarbonated drinks as they are absorbed more slowly. Better yet, eat at least a small sandwich, ideally one that contains butter.
6. Chew gum
The digestive acid produced while you’re chewing gum destroys the lining of an empty stomach; overindulgence with gum may lead to gastritis. It is also scientifically proven that people who chew gum prefer junk food (French fries, candy) rather than fruit and vegetables.
- Advice: Chewing gums containing natural sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol) are less harmful than those with sugar, cyclamate, or aspartame. Avoid chewing gum for more than 10 minutes, even on a full stomach.
