Many people engage in various practices on an empty stomach, such as drinking coffee or chewing gum, without knowing the potential harms of such actions. Indian nutritionist Pooja Makijha shared a list of four practices one should avoid on an empty stomach, according to the Times of India:
**Drinking Coffee**
Pooja states that drinking coffee on an empty stomach stimulates acidity and secretion of hydrochloric acid, which may lead to bloating. It is advised to consume coffee after having breakfast to minimize its potential harms.
**Chewing Gum**
According to Pooja, chewing gum on an empty stomach is never a good idea, as it causes the digestive system to produce more digestive acids, which can damage the stomach lining and lead to ulcers.
**Shopping**
Pooja notes that shopping when hungry is not a good idea. According to two studies conducted by a research team at Cornell University, people who go shopping on an empty stomach not only tend to overspend but also lean towards purchasing more high-calorie foods and fast meals.
**Arguing**
Pooja also recommends avoiding arguments on an empty stomach. Studies indicate that when people feel angry, their blood sugar levels are low, so the best way to curb anger is to have a snack.
