Coffee is a familiar beverage that helps many stay alert and start their day more productively. However, some seemingly harmless morning coffee habits can reduce the drink's benefits, potentially affecting digestion, blood sugar, and sleep quality.

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach

Many people routinely drink coffee immediately after waking without having breakfast. According to Healthline, while there is currently no evidence that drinking coffee on an empty stomach harms everyone, for some individuals, the beverage can stimulate stomach acid secretion and worsen symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, or reflux in sensitive people.

Experts advise that if you frequently experience stomach upset, abdominal pain, or discomfort after drinking coffee, you should consume it with or after breakfast instead of on an empty stomach.

Coffee helps boost morning alertness. Photo: Bao Bao

Substituting coffee for breakfast

Some individuals choose a cup of coffee to curb hunger and skip breakfast. However, this habit can negatively affect blood sugar control, according to Health.

A breakfast rich in protein and fiber helps the body maintain stable energy for hours. Conversely, drinking only coffee without eating breakfast can lead to faster hunger for some, making them more likely to seek sugary snacks or refined carbohydrates later in the morning.

Nutrition experts recommend combining coffee with a balanced breakfast rather than using the beverage to completely replace the first meal of the day.

Adding excessive sugar and heavy cream to coffee

A cup of black coffee contains almost no calories, but this changes significantly with the addition of excessive sugar, flavored syrups, or heavy cream.

According to Verywell Health, many coffee creamers and flavorings contain significant amounts of added sugar. Regular consumption can increase calorie intake, contributing to weight gain and affecting metabolic health.

Furthermore, some pre-made coffees or coffee beverages with numerous toppings can contain sugar levels comparable to a dessert. Therefore, consumers should prioritize low-sugar coffee or gradually reduce sweeteners to better utilize the drink's health benefits.

Consuming too much coffee early in the day

Consuming multiple cups of coffee continuously in the early morning can lead to a rapid increase in caffeine intake. This can easily cause restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, or feelings of anxiety in individuals sensitive to caffeine. According to Times of India, cortisol hormone levels—the hormone that promotes alertness—naturally rise in the morning. Therefore, one should not overly rely on coffee for immediate alertness right after waking.

By Bao Bao (Compiled)