Healthy Habits – Feeling fit does not always mean every daily routine supports good health. Eating patterns, sleep quality and the timing of certain medicines can all influence how the body functions. Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, who has received training at AIIMS, has highlighted several everyday habits that people may want to reconsider. These include drinking very hot beverages, taking thyroid medication alongside coffee and using certain medicines at the wrong time. However, the effects vary from person to person, and some claims need to be understood in the context of medical evidence. Here are seven common routines worth reviewing, along with practical ways to approach them more safely.
1. Drinking Tea or Coffee While It Is Extremely Hot
Many people enjoy their first cup of tea or coffee immediately after preparing it. However, regularly drinking beverages at extremely high temperatures can damage the tissues of the oesophagus. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified drinking very hot beverages, generally above 65°C, as probably carcinogenic to humans. The concern relates to temperature, rather than tea or coffee itself.
Allow your drink to cool for a few minutes before taking a sip. You can still enjoy its aroma and flavour without exposing your mouth and throat to excessive heat.
2. Ignoring the Body’s Natural Bowel Routine
Bowel movements do not follow exactly the same schedule for everyone. Some people naturally need to use the toilet in the morning, while others may go later in the day. What matters is maintaining a comfortable, regular pattern rather than forcing yourself to have a bowel movement at a fixed time.
Ignoring the urge repeatedly can contribute to constipation. Eating fibre-rich foods, drinking enough water and staying physically active may help support bowel regularity. If you feel the urge after breakfast, make time for it instead of routinely postponing it. Persistent constipation, blood in the stool or unexplained abdominal pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
3. Taking Thyroid Medicine With Coffee
People who take levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid need to pay attention to how they take their medication. Coffee consumed too soon after the tablet can reduce its absorption, potentially affecting how well the medicine works.
Levothyroxine is generally taken with water on an empty stomach, around 30–60 minutes before breakfast. Coffee should be delayed according to the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Consistency is important, and patients should not change their dose without medical advice.
4. Eating Carbohydrates Before Protein
The order in which foods are eaten may influence the rise in blood glucose after a meal. Some small studies involving people with type 2 diabetes have found that eating vegetables and protein before carbohydrate-rich foods can reduce the post-meal glucose rise compared with eating carbohydrates first.
This does not mean bread or other carbohydrate foods must be avoided. Instead, a balanced breakfast can include eggs or another protein source alongside whole grains and vegetables. The evidence on meal order is still developing, and individual responses differ. People managing diabetes should follow their personalised dietary plan rather than rely on food order alone.
5. Taking Acid-Reflux Medication at the Wrong Time
Some acid-reducing medicines, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), work best when taken before a meal. Depending on the specific medicine, this often means taking it around 30–60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it after eating may make it less effective for some people.
However, not every medicine for acidity follows the same instructions. Antacids and other treatments can have different timing requirements. Check the label and follow your doctor’s advice instead of assuming all heartburn medicines must be taken in the same way. Frequent or persistent reflux symptoms deserve medical assessment.
6. Taking Vitamin D Without Food
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is generally absorbed better when taken with a meal containing some fat. Foods such as eggs, nuts or dairy products may help provide that fat, depending on the meal.
Taking vitamin D on an empty stomach is not necessarily harmful, but taking it with food may improve absorption. Follow the prescribed dose, as excessive vitamin D supplementation can cause health problems. People with a deficiency should discuss the appropriate dose and duration with their healthcare provider.
7. Drinking Strong Coffee After a Poor Night’s Sleep
A strong cup of black coffee may seem like the easiest way to recover from a sleepless night. However, research involving a small group of healthy adults found that drinking strong coffee before breakfast after disrupted sleep could affect blood glucose responses following a glucose drink.
The study was small, so its findings should not be treated as proof that one cup of coffee will cause a serious problem. Still, people with diabetes may benefit from paying attention to their caffeine intake and morning eating routine. Prioritise adequate sleep, have a balanced breakfast when appropriate and avoid using coffee as a substitute for rest.