Fortis Vasant Kunj gastroenterologist warns never eat these 3 foods on an empty stomach: Lemon water to…

Gastroenterologist Dr Vatsya warns against eating 3 foods on an empty stomach, such as citrus fruits, black coffee, and more, as they can irritate the gut.
What you eat in the morning on an empty stomach often sets the tone for your entire day, including whether you feel energised throughout the day or experience energy crashes, or even have an irritated gut. Therefore, having gut-healthy, protein-rich, and fibre-rich foods in the morning is always suggested.
Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 10 years of experience, Fortis Vasant Kunj, shared the 3 worst foods to have on an empty stomach. He suggested avoiding them at all costs as they may create problems for your gut health.
3 worst foods to eat on an empty stomach
Sharing the three food items, Dr Vatsya warned, “Never eat these three food items on an empty stomach, as this may lead to deterioration of your gut health.” He warned, “Your morning meal decides how your gut feels for the rest of the day.” These are the 3 foods you should not eat on an empty stomach:
1. Citrus fruits/lemon water
They are too acidic and irritate the gut lining. According to the gastroenterologist, citrus fruits or sour foods, such as oranges or lemonade, should be avoided when your stomach is empty, as they can directly irritate your gut lining, leading to acidity.
2. Black coffee
“Black coffee works like an acid shock, causing bloating and crashes,” Dr Vatsya explained. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is akin to an acid shock to the gut, as it overstimulates acid production, leading to bloating, irritation, and energy crashes.

3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods trigger irritation and long-term inflammation. The gastroenterologist suggests avoiding dishes like chole bhature, misal pav, pav bhaji and kachori as they are often quite spicy.
What to eat instead?
Lastly, the gastroenterologist said, “As someone who knows your gut the best, I recommend starting your day with something neutral.” He suggested starting the day with food items that are better for your gut health, such as:
- soaked nuts
- oats
- a banana
- a bread omelette
- idli sambar
- dosa sambar
- apples
- and two boiled eggs
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
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