Is it better to have breakfast earlier?

Answer:

Breakfast is crucial because after a night of fasting for eight to ten hours, our stomachs are empty and contain a lot of gastric acid. If breakfast is delayed—say due to exercise, work meetings, or other activities—more gastric acid is secreted, which can be harmful to our stomachs over time.

Having breakfast is crucial for your health. Illustration photo by Pexels

Thus, it is recommended to have breakfast as soon as possible after waking up. This is particularly important for older adults, who may find a full breakfast challenging. However, skipping it is not advised. Instead, they could start with something small like a box of milk or a light snack to prevent the stomach from being empty.

Establishing a routine of having breakfast at a consistent time each day is beneficial. This regularity helps in controlling portions at lunch and dinner, and in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam

Former Deputy Head of the National Institute of Nutrition