13 Surprising Foods You Should Skip in the Morning for Better Digestion

Starting your day off right can make a huge difference in how you feel, and what you eat in the morning plays a big role in your digestion. While some foods might seem like healthy options, they could actually be making your stomach work harder. If you’ve been dealing with bloating, discomfort, or sluggishness after breakfast, it could be because of the foods you’re eating.

Pastries

Pastries like croissants and muffins might seem like a quick and tasty option, but they’re packed with sugar and refined flour, which can cause blood sugar spikes and make digestion harder. The high-fat content can also slow down the digestive process, making you feel sluggish. While they may fill you up quickly, they don’t provide long-lasting energy. If you’re craving something sweet, try reaching for a piece of fruit instead.

Citrus Fruits

Although citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, eating them on an empty stomach can lead to heartburn and irritation, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. The high acidity can upset the balance in your digestive system, making it harder to break down other foods later. If you love citrus, it’s better to have it with a meal rather than first thing in the morning.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods might be great for lunch or dinner, but eating them in the morning can be too harsh on your stomach. Spices like chili or hot sauce can irritate the stomach lining, especially if it’s empty. This can lead to discomfort or even indigestion. If you enjoy flavor, try using mild herbs instead to start your day more gently.

Processed Meat

Bacon and sausages might be breakfast staples, but these processed meats are high in saturated fat and salt, which can be hard to digest. The fats can slow down your stomach’s ability to break down food, and the salt can make you feel bloated. Choosing leaner proteins like eggs or plant-based options can be easier on your digestive system in the morning.

Coffee

While many people rely on coffee to jump-start their day, drinking it on an empty stomach can cause acidity and discomfort. The caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach, which can lead to heartburn or indigestion. If you can’t give up your morning cup, try drinking it after you’ve had something to eat.

Sugary Cereals

Sugary cereals might seem like a quick breakfast, but they can lead to digestive issues due to the high sugar content and lack of fiber. They can cause your blood sugar to spike, then crash, leaving you feeling tired and hungry shortly after. Opting for whole-grain cereals with little or no added sugar is a better choice for maintaining steady energy and easier digestion.

Yogurt with Added Sugar

Yogurt can be a great way to start the day, but if it’s full of added sugars, it can actually harm your digestion. Too much sugar can lead to bloating and discomfort, making it harder for your body to digest the rest of your meal. Instead, look for plain yogurt and add fresh fruit or a little honey for natural sweetness without the digestive issues.

Fried Foods

Fried foods like hash browns or fried eggs can be heavy on the stomach, especially in the morning. They are high in fat, which takes longer to digest and can leave you feeling sluggish or even nauseous. If you want something savory, try foods that are baked or lightly sautéed instead of fried to help keep your digestion smooth.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often found in “diet” breakfast foods or low-calorie options, but they can be tricky for your stomach to handle. Some artificial sweeteners can cause bloating or discomfort because they aren’t easily broken down by the digestive system. It’s better to choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which are gentler on your body.

Raw Vegetables

While raw veggies are great for your overall health, they can be tough on your stomach in the morning. Vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers have high fiber content, which can be harder to digest on an empty stomach, leading to bloating or gas. If you love starting your day with vegetables, consider steaming them to make digestion easier.

High-Fiber Bars

Fiber is great for digestion, but eating too much at once, especially in the form of fiber bars, can overwhelm your digestive system in the morning. These bars often contain processed fibers that your stomach can struggle to break down quickly, leading to bloating or discomfort. Instead, try getting your fiber from whole foods like oats or fruits.

Fruit Juices

Fruit juices, especially those with added sugars, can spike your blood sugar levels and irritate your stomach. While juice might seem like a healthy option, it lacks the fiber of whole fruits and can leave you feeling hungry and tired soon after. Drinking water or having whole fruits instead will be gentler on your stomach and provide better energy.

Cheese

Cheese, while delicious, is high in fat and can be tough to digest first thing in the morning. The fats in cheese slow down digestion, and for some people, the lactose can cause bloating or stomach discomfort. If you’re craving dairy, try a lighter option like low-fat milk or yogurt without added sugars.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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