Which juice is better to take in empty stomach?

Drinking fruit or vegetable juice on an empty stomach can be a healthy way to get nutrients first thing in the morning. However, some juices may cause side effects for sensitive individuals. This article explores which juices are best – and which to avoid – when consumed first thing in the morning.

Benefits of Drinking Juice on an Empty Stomach

There are several potential benefits to drinking juice on an empty stomach:

• Increased nutrient absorption – Drinking juice before eating anything else means the nutrients can be directly absorbed without having to compete with other foods for digestion and absorption.
• Hydration – Starting the day with fluid intake can help rehydrate the body after sleep.
• Energy boost – The natural sugars in fruit and vegetable juices can help wake you up and energize you first thing in the morning.
• Supports weight loss – The fiber and nutrients in juices may help reduce appetite and cravings later in the day.

However, not all juices are created equal when it comes to drinking them on an empty stomach. Some ingredients and preparation methods make certain juices better choices over others.

Best Juices to Drink in the Morning

Here are some of the top juices that are gentle and beneficial to drink first thing in the morning:

1. Cucumber Juice

Cucumber juice is one of the mildest, most hydrating juices you can take on an empty stomach. Cucumbers are made up of about 96% water, making cucumber juice an excellent way to hydrate your body after sleep.

In addition, cucumbers contain antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals and inflammation in the body.

Some research suggests cucumber juice may also:

• Lower blood sugar
• Reduce cholesterol
• Improve liver function

When making cucumber juice, leave the skin on to increase the fiber content even more.

2. Celery Juice

Like cucumber juice, celery juice is highly hydrating because celery is about 95% water. Celery is also rich in electrolytes like potassium and sodium to replenish the body first thing in the morning.

In addition, celery contains antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols that can help reduce inflammation. Celery also provides some fiber, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Some claim that drinking plain celery juice on an empty stomach can have cleansing and healing effects for conditions like autoimmune disorders, gut issues, and chronic inflammation. However, more research is needed on celery juice’s specific effects.

3. Beet Juice

Known as a “superfood,” beets provide a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds called betalains that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Some research shows that drinking beet juice can:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improve exercise performance and endurance
• Increase nitric oxide levels for heart health

Be aware that beet juice may temporarily color your stool and urine a reddish-pink hue. This is harmless, but good to know.

While 100% beet juice is very earthy, combining it with sweeter juices like apple or carrot can make it more palatable.

4. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice has surged in popularity in recent years due to its stellar nutrient profile.

Some research suggests pomegranate juice may:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improve arthritis symptoms
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Have anticancer effects against prostate cancer

Pomegranates contain polyphenol antioxidants called punicalagins that account for most of pomegranate’s benefits. They also provide vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K.

Choose 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugars. And consider diluting it with water or mixing it with other juices to decrease the natural sugar content.

5. Lemon Water

Simply adding some fresh lemon juice to warm water makes a refreshing, low-calorie morning drink. It’s one of the safest juices to have on an empty stomach.

The citric acid in lemon juice has an alkalizing effect, meaning it may help reduce acidity in the body. Some research suggests lemon water may also:

• Boost digestion
• Increase hydration
• Cleanse the liver
• Clear skin
• Freshen breath

Try squeezing half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm water and drinking it first thing in the morning.

Juices to Avoid on an Empty Stomach

While the juices listed above are generally fine to drink in the morning, there are some that should be avoided on an empty stomach due to potential side effects.

1. Orange Juice

Even though orange juice is packed with vitamin C, drinking it first thing may irritate an empty stomach. Many commercial varieties also contain added acids for flavor.

Oranges are also high in natural sugars. Consuming OJ on an empty stomach can spike blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes later.

If you really love orange juice, consider diluting it with water or drinking it a bit later in the morning.

2. Apple Juice

Similar to orange juice, the high natural sugar content of apple juice can cause blood sugar spikes when consumed first thing in the morning.

Apples are also high in fructose. Some research links excess fructose to stomach issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea when taken on an empty stomach.

3. Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are highly acidic, so straight tomato juice may provoke acid reflux, heartburn, and upset stomach when taken on an empty stomach.

Tomatoes are also high in insoluble fiber, which may cause diarrhea for sensitive individuals if consumed early in the day.

If you want to drink tomato juice, consider pairing it with low-acid juices like cucumber or carrot to help offset the acidity.

4. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein. Consuming pineapple juice on an empty stomach may interfere with digestion rather than enhance it.

The high natural sugars in pineapple juice can also cause blood sugar spikes in the morning. best to drink pineapple juice in moderation later in the day.

5. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice can be very acidic, especially commercial varieties with added sugars. The acidity may provoke stomach irritation when consumed first thing.

And although cranberries offer benefits in fighting urinary tract infections, excess intake may make the problems worse in those prone to them.

If you want cranberry juice, dilute it with other juices or drink it later in the day.

General Guidelines for Drinking Juice in the Morning

Here are some tips to get the most from your morning juice routine:

• Drink 16-24 oz to count as part of your daily fluid needs.
• Consume juices slowly instead of gulping them down.
• Pair juices high in sugar with protein or healthy fats to prevent energy crashes.
• Dilute very sweet or acidic juices with water or milder juices.
• Avoid juice blends with lots of added sugars or artificial ingredients.
• Make your own juices instead of buying to control ingredients.
• Rotate the juices you drink to get a variety of nutrients.
• Listen to your body – avoid any juices that seem to cause side effects.

The Bottom Line

Drinking the right juice on an empty stomach can be a healthy habit that boosts hydration and nutrient intake first thing in the morning.

The best juices for empty stomach consumption tend to be low sugar and mild in flavor. Good options include cucumber, celery, beet, pomegranate, lemon water, and diluted fruit juices.

Avoid drinking highly acidic, sugary juices like orange and apple juice as well as tomato and cranberry blends first thing. Pay attention to how different juices make you feel.

Pair your juices with protein, healthy fats, or fiber to prevent energy crashes later. Overall, incorporating 1-2 servings of fresh juice into your morning routine can be a tasty way to boost nutrition.