Yogurt is commonly consumed in the morning. However, is it safe to eat yogurt on an empty stomach?
An empty stomach contains high amounts of acid, which renders the probiotic bacteria ineffective. In addition, yogurt promotes the production of hydrochloric acid when consumed on an empty stomach, contributing to acidity. For these reasons, yogurt should be eaten after a meal.
Continue reading below to understand why yogurt should be eaten after a meal, instead of on an empty stomach.
Should Yogurt Be Consumed on an Empty Stomach?
It may be tempting to reach for some delicious yogurt first thing in the morning, before you’ve eaten any food.
However, this is not recommended for two reasons. One, when the stomach is empty, it contains high amounts of acid that kill off the beneficial probiotic bacteria in yogurt. And two, consuming yogurt on an empty stomach promotes the production of hydrochloric acid, which can cause or exacerbate symptoms of acidity or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The best time to eat yogurt is at least one hour after a meal, but longer if you are prone to chronic acidity or other gastrointestinal problems.
Conclusion
Yogurt is a healthy snack that you can enjoy in the morning, but be sure to eat it at least one hour after a meal. This ensures that you maximize the health benefits of the probiotic bacteria while avoiding acidity and gastrointestinal problems.
