If you’ve ever experienced stomach pains on an empty stomach, you know how uncomfortable and debilitating they can be. To prevent stomach pain from occurring, there are certain things you should avoid doing when your stomach is empty.
Here are 5 things to steer clear of:.
1. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause immediate and severe stomach pain. This is partly because alcohol stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause pain.
Additionally, alcohol can cause the muscles in your stomach and intestines to relax, which can slow down digestion and cause food to remain in your stomach longer than normal, leading to discomfort and pain. To avoid stomach pain from drinking alcohol, eat a meal or snack before consuming alcohol, and drink in moderation.
2. Eating Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing pain and discomfort. Eating spicy foods on an empty stomach can make this irritation worse, as there is no food present to absorb some of the heat.
To avoid stomach pain from spicy foods, try to eat them with other foods or after a meal, and start with smaller amounts to see how your stomach reacts.
3. Drinking Coffee
Coffee can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause pain. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can make this irritation worse, as there is no food present to absorb some of the acid.
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To avoid stomach pain from drinking coffee, try to eat something before consuming it, and limit your intake to no more than 2 cups per day.
4. Taking Pain Medications
Taking pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain and irritation. These medications can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause ulcers if taken in large amounts or over a long period of time.
To avoid stomach pain from pain medications, take them with food or after a meal. If you need to take these medications regularly, talk to your doctor about strategies to protect your stomach.
5. Skipping Meals
Skipping meals can cause stomach pain and discomfort, as the stomach may produce more acid in anticipation of food that does not arrive. This increased acid production can lead to irritation and pain.
To avoid stomach pain from skipping meals, try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day, and never go more than a few hours without eating something.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing stomach pains on an empty stomach, it’s important to identify what’s causing them and take steps to prevent them from occurring.
By avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, coffee, pain medications, and skipping meals, you can reduce your risk of stomach pain and discomfort. However, if your stomach pain persists or worsens, be sure to consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
