Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, offering health benefits such as increased alertness, improved athletic performance, and enhanced brain function. Many can safely drink coffee on an empty stomach, but others may experience digestive discomfort and various other symptoms.

Increased stomach acid and heartburn risk

Coffee is an acidic beverage. Drinking it on an empty stomach can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid. This excess acid can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn:

Mechanism

Coffee stimulates acid production. When this acid refluxes into the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn or reflux.

Impact on sphincter muscle

Caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle ring separating the esophagus and stomach—thereby increasing reflux.

Groups to be aware of

Individuals with a history of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should exercise caution. However, no studies currently confirm that drinking coffee on an empty stomach directly causes GERD.

If you experience heartburn, have a light snack before drinking coffee. Additionally, a 2014 study indicated that light-roasted coffee causes more acid secretion than dark-roasted coffee. Therefore, try switching to dark-roasted varieties to alleviate symptoms.

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to digestive discomfort and various other symptoms. *Bao Bao*

Faster caffeine absorption

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can cause feelings of anxiety or jitters. When consumed on an empty stomach, the body absorbs caffeine significantly faster. Drinking coffee with food can help slow this process and minimize side effects.

Excess caffeine can lead to jitters, a rapid heart rate, anxiety, headaches, and increased blood pressure. Studies finding a link between coffee and anxiety are often based on individuals who drink more than 6 cups daily.

Most health professionals recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400 mg per day (approximately 4-5 cups of coffee). Caffeine's effects can last up to 7 hours, so avoid drinking it on an empty stomach close to bedtime.

Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women consume a maximum of one to two cups of coffee per day.

Digestive issues

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea.

Some people may experience faster bowel movements after drinking coffee. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in particular, are often more sensitive to gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea after coffee consumption.

Hormonal changes

Caffeine stimulates the release of cortisol, often called the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a role in regulating metabolism and blood pressure.

Elevated cortisol levels can increase the risk of anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems. In the long term, consistently high cortisol levels may contribute to heart disease and bone loss.

Fortunately, the increase in cortisol due to caffeine is not excessively large and has not been proven to cause serious health problems.

Some studies indicate that coffee consumption can hinder the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. Specifically, drinking coffee with iron-rich foods can reduce the amount of iron the body absorbs.

However, an important distinction is that drinking coffee on an empty stomach does not affect nutrient absorption (because there is no food present to impede it at that time).

Coffee is a wonderful beverage, but it is important to listen to your body. If you frequently feel uneasy or experience a burning sensation after your first cup of the day, try having a light snack, such as a few slices of bread or a banana, to protect your stomach and maintain alertness smoothly.

My Y (According to Verywell Health)