WalksOn2Wheels

So I've been commuting for a good while now, and because my commute is short (like 7 miles) I often go out with no food at all in the morning. I'm trying to change this, but often find myself upsetting my stomach. I'm noticing a link between acidic foods and drinks. Like oatmeal is fine, but juice or coffee both give me an upset stomach on the ride.

So what food or beverages should I look at that are high in energy that won't upset my stomach?

And secondly, regardless of the time of day, my body does tend to react to acidic foods in a not so pretty way. On the bike, it's usually an upset stomach. Off the bike, it will most likely be in the form of acid reflux type symptoms. Could this indicate an underlying health issue of some sort?

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eggs

GirlAnachronism

I like toast with peanut butter in the morning.

DataJunkie

My stomach used to react the same way but for me it was caused by chronic constipation. I am now on something permanently.
You really don't need much food and oatmeal should suffice. You could always add some extra items to it like frozen fruit.
Heck I used to ride 30 miles in the morning on nothing and was fine.

AzTallRider

Why? If you are trying to lose weight, and are able to handle the ride without eating, then not eating before your ride can contribute to your weight loss. I'm not trying to lose weight any more, but I still don't eat before a ride unless it is going to exceed ~1.5 hours. Forcing your body to use its stores is considered by many to be good for you. IMO, the only reason to eat before or during a ride, is if you need the fuel, or you are someone who needs it to settle the stomach.

According to my "GI Guy", acid reflux is, in and of itself, a health issue. It erodes the lining of the esophagus, and can increase the risk of cancer. He put me on Prilosec.

Carbonfiberboy 

Yeah, something odd going on. Acidity of food shouldn't matter. Acid reflux very bad. Gastroenterologist?

meanwhile

True. You're throwing the food into a literal acid bath when you swallow it!

You might look for another connection between foods. Coffee is a weird special case because it is a stimulant - what about the other foods? Juice is loaded in fructose, which hits super fast because of the lack of fibre.

travelmama

Exactly.