You can do a lot of things on an empty stomach. Sleep, for example, is best experienced on an empty stomach. Going to bed on a full stomach can prompt the body to store those extra calories as fat since sleeping requires little energy. But, there are certain things that you should avoid on an empty stomach. Here are some of them.

Drinking tea/coffee:

Heading for that freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee first thing in the morning can do you more harm than good. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach increases acidity, which in turn causes heartburn and indigestion throughout the day. Drinking tea on an empty stomach can suppress the secretion of gastric juices and reduces bile and acid in the stomach. It can also reduce your appetite.

Taking medicine:

While there are some medicines that should be taken on an empty stomach or before food, most medicines should be taken either with or after food. A pill that can cause vomiting or nausea is best taken after food so these side effects can be reduced. Taking pills after food also reduces the risk of stomach irritation, indigestion and ulcers. Taking medicines after food can also help the body absorb the pill better.

Exercising:

Exercising on an empty stomach may not help you slim down like you think. Glycogen, the body’s preferred fuel source while exercising, can be stored for nearly 12 to 16 hours before your body craves for more. While your body can still detect trace levels of glycogen, it can’t possibly burn fat. Hence, you end up burning muscle thus storing more fat. Your body can handle light exercise on an empty stomach but not the heavy stuff.

Consuming alcohol:

Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach causes the alcohol to directly hit the bloodstream. The alcohol is distributed quickly throughout the body and causes the blood vessels to widen. It also causes a temporary decrease in pulse rate and blood pressure. As the blood alcohol concentration increases so does loss of control.

Travel:

Traveling on an empty stomach can invite motion sickness. However, you should avoid food that is likely to produce gas like aerated drinks, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Eating light is best suited for travel.

RELATED STORIES