Juices are supposed to be healthy. They’re chock-full of vitamins and nutrients, and drinking them is a great way to give your body a boost. But what happens when you drink juice on an empty stomach? Well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.

First of all, let’s talk about why people might be tempted to drink juice on an empty stomach in the first place. Maybe you’re trying to be healthy and start your day off right. Maybe you’re in a hurry and just need something quick to drink. Or maybe you’re just a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, here are a few good reasons why you should think twice before drinking juice on an empty stomach.

Reason #1: It’s like pouring acid into your stomach.

Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but drinking juice on an empty stomach can be really harsh on your digestive system. The acid in the juice can irritate the lining of your stomach, causing all kinds of unpleasant symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and nausea. Not to mention the fact that it can give you a serious case of the runs.

Reason #2: It’s a recipe for disaster.

Let’s say you’re running late for work and you grab a juice on your way out the door. You’re feeling pretty good about yourself for being so health-conscious until you get to work and your stomach starts making all kinds of crazy noises. You realize too late that the juice was a bad idea, and you spend the next hour or so hiding in the bathroom, trying not to embarrass yourself in front of your coworkers.

Reason #3: You might turn into a fruit.

Have you ever seen those commercials for juice where the people turn into fruit? Well, if you drink too much juice on an empty stomach, you might start to feel like you’re turning into a fruit too. You’ll be bouncing off the walls with all that sugar, and before you know it, you’ll be doing the grapevine down the hallway and singing “I’m a little teapot” at the top of your lungs.

So, what can you do to avoid the pitfalls of drinking juice on an empty stomach? Here are a few tips:

Tip #1: Eat something first.

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating. If you’re going to drink juice, make sure you’ve eaten something first. Even just a little bit of toast or a banana can help to buffer the acid in the juice and make it easier on your stomach.

Tip #2: Dilute your juice.

If you really can’t resist drinking juice on an empty stomach, at least dilute it with some water. This will help to dilute the acid and make it easier on your stomach. Plus, you’ll be hydrating at the same time!

Tip #3: Save the juice for later.

If all else fails, just save the juice for later. Drink it with your breakfast, or bring it with you to work as a mid-morning snack. Your stomach will thank you, and you won’t have to worry about turning it into a fruit.

A quick Google search will reveal countless horror stories of people who have regretted their breakfast beverage choice. If you want to avoid feeling sick, bloated, and miserable, it’s probably best to steer clear of juice on an empty stomach. Instead, opt for a balanced breakfast that includes some protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Your body will thank you for it!

While juices might be delicious and nutritious, drinking them on an empty stomach can be a recipe for disaster. If you want to avoid bloating, nausea, and runs, make sure you’ve eaten something first. And if you can’t resist the siren call of that delicious juice, at least dilute it with some water. Your stomach will thank you, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the health.