Amid busy modern daily routines, people often adopt habits that gradually take a toll on their physical well-being. Gastroenterologist Doctor Saurabh Sethi has outlined several common mistakes that individuals should actively avoid, particularly during the early morning hours when the body is sensitive to dietary and routine changes.
Morning Habits That Can Harm Your Physical Well-Being
-
Drinking strong coffee before breakfast: Consuming strong black coffee after a poor night of sleep followed by a glucose drink can cause blood sugar levels to spike by approximately 50%. If you did not get adequate rest overnight, make sure to eat some breakfast prior to having coffee, especially when actively trying to manage blood sugar levels.
Taking Vitamin D on an empty stomach: Research conducted on patients demonstrated that taking fat-soluble Vitamin D alongside the largest meal of the day increased its bodily levels by roughly 57% after two to three months. Vitamin D should always be consumed with a meal that contains some healthy dietary fat for optimal absorption.
Consuming acid reflux medication after breakfast: According to the American College of Gastroenterology, proton pump inhibitors designed to reduce stomach acid are most effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. If you take a standard once-daily PPI, it should be taken before breakfast unless otherwise instructed by a physician.
Eating toast before consuming eggs and protein: A study involving 11 adults with type 2 diabetes revealed that consuming protein and vegetables before carbohydrates like toast reduced blood sugar spikes by 29% at 30 minutes and 37% at 60 minutes. Always eat eggs or other protein-rich foods first, saving toast for the very end of the meal.
Taking thyroid medication with coffee: Coffee can significantly inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine, a common thyroid medication, thereby reducing its overall therapeutic effectiveness. Levothyroxine must be taken on an empty stomach with plain water, followed by a waiting period of 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking coffee.
Drinking excessively hot tea or coffee: An observational study tracking around 50,000 adults found that drinking at least 700 ml of tea daily at temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius or higher can increase the risk of cancer by roughly 90%. Always allow beverages to cool down to a comfortable, safe temperature before consuming them.
