“You are what you eat” is an adage known to everyone. But what we do before meals also has a huge impact on our health.
We will talk about 7 things you can’t do on an empty stomach (no less than 2 hours after your last meal).
As a bonus, you will find information on what to do when you are hungry at the end of the article.
7. Drink Coffee
Even decaffeinated coffee stimulates acid production that can cause heartburn and other digestive tract problems 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.
Tip: If you can’t stop drinking coffee early in the morning, drink it with milk or cream – the fat in the milk will reduce the negative effects. Choose natural coffee instead of freeze-dried coffee.
6. Chewing Gum
The digestive acid produced by chewing gum destroys the lining of the empty stomach; too much gum can cause gastritis.
It is also scientifically proven that people who chew gum prefer junk food (chips, candy) rather than fruit and vegetables.
Tip: Chewing gums that contain natural sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol) are less harmful than those that contain sugar, cyclamate, or aspartame. Avoid chewing gum for more than 10 minutes, even on a full stomach.
5. Go To Bed
Hunger and low glucose levels prevent us from falling asleep and cause superficial sleep and early awakening.
Interestingly, lack of sleep increases the level of hunger hormones. This is why we eat more the next day, after skipping dinner.
Tip: Gorging yourself before sleep is also a bad idea. The best solution is dairy products because they contain magnesium and calcium. These elements will guarantee a deep sleep.
4. Intense Training
There is an opinion that exercising on an empty stomach burns more calories.
In fact, it does not influence fat loss. Muscle loss, on the other hand, is real. The intensity of exercise is also reduced since the body lacks energy.
Tip: replace intense training with aerobic exercise. If you have digestive problems, it is best to have a snack before any type of exercise, since physical activity induces the production of gastric juice, which is detrimental to an empty stomach.
3. Drink Citrus Juice
The acid and tough fibers contained in citrus fruits irritate an empty stomach, which is especially dangerous for those who have gastritis or are at risk of developing it.
Tip: Freshly squeezed citrus juice will only benefit you if you dilute it with water in a ratio of 1: 1 (for those with hyperacidity) or 2: 1 (for all others).
By the way, there are other foods besides citrus that should not be eaten on an empty stomach. You can find out what they are by watching this video.
2. Argue
Researchers have shown that hunger makes us less composed. This is because self-control requires energy, which is insufficient when the stomach is empty.
Tip: If you don’t have time to eat before an argument, drink something hot and offer it to your opponent as well. This will make the conversation more friendly.
1. Drink Alcohol
Without eating, the rate of alcohol absorption increases by a factor of 2 and is the same as during intravenous injection.
On the contrary, the elimination of the breakdown products of alcohol is slower, which causes a strong hangover.
The rapid effect of alcohol on the body has negative consequences for the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Tip: If the situation does not allow you to refuse a drink, give preference to cold non-carbonated drinks, as they are absorbed more slowly. Better yet, eat at least a small sandwich, preferably one that contains butter.
What You Can Do When You’re Hungry
You’re probably guessing that the most appropriate thing to do is eat a little. But there are other less obvious things that are better to do on an empty stomach.
Solve problems: Your ability to concentrate and attentiveness becomes sharper when you are hungry. According to the researchers, this is the legacy of our first ancestors, who had to concentrate all the efforts to get food. The hunger hormone ghrelin also helps perform various tasks, stimulating brain activity.
Take decisions: If you can’t decide what to choose, a red skirt or a denim jumpsuit? – try to do this on an empty stomach. Research shows that hunger leads people to make more successful if more impulsive decisions. Of course, it’s best not to use this method when financial, relationship or health issues are at stake.
