If you were asked about the health risks of skipping breakfast, you might mention an increased risk of obesity and gastrointestinal diseases. In fact, frequently skipping breakfast can also increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Experts explain that human blood pressure is not constant over a 24-hour period but continuously fluctuates. It generally exhibits a more pronounced circadian rhythm, which can be simply summarized as "two peaks and one valley." That is, blood pressure rises to the first peak between 6 AM and 8 AM, and then gradually rises to a second peak between 4 PM and 6 PM, although this second peak is slightly lower than the first. Afterward, blood pressure stabilizes and gradually reaches its lowest point between 2 AM and 3 AM, and this cycle repeats.
Eating breakfast daily is a healthy lifestyle advocated by the World Health Organization. Skipping breakfast leads to a stress response in a fasting state, which causes blood pressure to rise. Combined with the fact that blood pressure is naturally relatively higher in the morning, these two factors together increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. This is because hypertension is a significant risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage.
Experts remind that some people believe drinking a cup of light salt water on an empty stomach in the morning has a good effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, helping to expel waste and promote metabolism. However, this is not suitable for individuals who already have high blood pressure. The morning is the body's first blood pressure peak, and drinking salt water can cause blood pressure to rise, which poses a certain risk for patients with hypertension and also increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. The most cost-effective beverage choice in the early morning is still fresh, warm plain water.