Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase acid levels, which may lead to bloating. While this isn’t a new finding, there are other common habits that can silently damage our digestive systemβhabits we often overlook.
1. Drinking orange juice on an empty stomach
If your morning routine includes a glass of orange juice, you may want to rethink it. Drinking citrus on an empty stomach can stimulate excess acid production, leading to discomfort such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and heartburn.
Moreover, the fructose in fruit can slow digestion when consumed before a meal. Starting your day with orange juice could overwhelm your digestive system and even disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
2. Washing dishes with a sponge
Experts recommend choosing a plastic or silicone brush over a sponge because brushes dry more quickly when not in use. Sponges, on the other hand, tend to hold moisture for longer periods, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Brushes are also easier to clean, and to maintain proper hygiene, itβs a good idea to wash them in the dishwasher once a week.
3. Leaving dirty dishes in a dishwasher overnight
Experts advise running your dishwasher within 24 hours of loading it, as bacteria can grow on dirty dishes for up to four days. Although dishwashers use hot water to kill germs, older models may not reach the required temperatures, so itβs safer to reduce the risk by avoiding delays.
4. Replacing meals with salads
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While vegetable salads are packed with vitamins, they arenβt the best choice for a full meal replacement. Without protein, they can disrupt important bodily functions.
Moreover, eating cold foods regularly isnβt ideal for your stomach, as they take longer to digest and may lead to digestive discomfort. To promote gut health and avoid issues like bloating, puffiness, and cramps, itβs important to include more warm meals in your diet.
5. Eating curd and yoghurt at night
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Eating curd or yogurt at night could negatively affect your digestion, especially for those prone to acidity or acid reflux. Indian experts caution against it, as the bodyβs digestive system slows down in preparation for sleep, which may increase the risk of constipation.
6. Chewing a gum frequently
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Researchers warn that chewing gum too often can cause problems such as jaw pain and diarrhea. To avoid these issues, itβs best to limit yourself to just one piece per day.
7. Eating different type of fruits at the same time
According to Ayurveda, itβs best to avoid combining different fruits and instead eat them separately. Each fruit has its own level of acidity, and mixing them can interfere with digestion, potentially upsetting your stomach. Since fruits digest at different rates, people who are prone to bloating should consider steering clear of fruit salads entirely.
8. Excessive Coffee Consumption.
Drinking too much coffee can irritate your stomach lining because of its high acidity and caffeine content. This may result in problems like acid reflux, heartburn, and gastritis, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems. The excess stomach acid produced can cause discomfort and, if left unchecked, may lead to more serious issues such as ulcers or chronic indigestion.
The most unexpected point likely caught yourΒ attention, especially when considering how often a proper meal is swapped out for something cold.
credits by: Brightside.me
