Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and offers several health benefits, including increased concentration, improved athletic performance, and enhanced brain function.
Although many people can drink coffee on an empty stomach without a problem.
However, some may suffer from digestive disorders and other symptoms.
Increased acidity of the stomach
Coffee is an acidic drink, and drinking it on an empty stomach may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.
Excess acid may irritate the stomach lining and cause a burning or acidic feeling.
Caffeine can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
This allows the acid to reflux upward, causing a burning sensation in the chest (esophageal reflux).
People with a history of acidity, chronic esophageal reflux (GERD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may need to be careful when drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
However, it is important to note that there is no confirmed research proving that drinking coffee on an empty stomach causes or increases the risk of esophageal reflux.
If you experience acidity after drinking coffee, try eating a snack beforehand.
Having food in the stomach may also help reduce acid secretion.
Faster absorption of caffeine
When drinking coffee on an empty stomach, the body may absorb caffeine faster.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant and may cause feelings of anxiety or stress.
But drinking coffee with food may slow absorption and reduce these side effects.
Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to:
- anxiety
- rapid heartbeat.
- insomnia.
- headaches.
- high blood pressure.
- digestive problems
Some people may experience digestive problems when drinking coffee on an empty stomach, such as:
- bloating.
- contractions.
- nausea
- acidity.
- diarrhea
Hormonal changes
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to hormonal changes, especially in the level of cortisol, which is known as the “stress hormone”.
Cortisol regulates metabolism and blood pressure, but excessive levels may be associated with problems such as:
- anxiety
- sleep disorders.
- osteoporosis.
- heart disease.
