Many people routinely drink coffee for morning alertness, but the optimal timing and sequence with exercise remain a common concern.
Is drinking coffee right after waking harmful to the stomach?
Doctor Xiao Wei-cheng, Head of Gastroenterology at Ruan's General Hospital in Taiwan (China), states that after a long sleep, the human body experiences mild dehydration. Therefore, the primary task upon waking is to replenish fluids with about 300 to 500 ml of water. Drinking a moderate amount of water at this time helps boost metabolism, enhance circulation, and stimulate gastrointestinal motility.
Waiting approximately 20 to 30 minutes after drinking water before enjoying coffee can effectively reduce stomach discomfort caused by drinking coffee on an empty stomach. However, the expert advises against consuming large amounts of coffee while hungry and emphasizes paying attention to individual health and tolerance levels.
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Upon waking, prioritize water and food before coffee. Photo: Bao Bao |
Upon waking, prioritize water and food before coffee. Photo: Bao Bao
Coffee or exercise first?
Regarding the sequence of morning exercise and coffee, Doctor Xiao Wei-cheng explains that if your goal is to enhance athletic performance, you can drink a moderate amount of coffee about 30 to 60 minutes before exercising.
Caffeine acts as a natural supplement, enhancing focus and alertness, while reducing and delaying fatigue. Additionally, it helps increase fat consumption to preserve liver glycogen stores, proving effective for endurance exercises and certain explosive sports.
However, for individuals prone to stomach discomfort, gastroesophageal reflux, anxiety, or rapid heart rate, the expert advises exercising first before drinking coffee, or combining it with coffee after breakfast without rigidly following a fixed sequence.
5 morning habits for a healthy life
To maintain health and longevity, the core lies in cultivating daily habits. Doctor Xiao Wei-cheng has summarized 5 healthy morning habits you should not overlook:
Drink one glass of water immediately after waking.
Get moderate sun exposure for 10 to 20 minutes: Utilize sunlight to regulate your biological clock, promoting daytime alertness and improving nighttime sleep quality.
Exercise regularly: Perform walking, stretching, aerobic exercises, or muscle endurance training.
Eat a balanced breakfast: Breakfast should include ample protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar.
Drink coffee in moderation: It is recommended to enjoy it in the morning or before noon.
The health of a new day begins in the morning. Doctor Xiao Wei-cheng further notes that everyone's physical condition is different, and the most important thing is to adjust based on personal habits to find the rhythm that best suits you. Consistently practicing these small habits daily is how you accumulate significant energy towards a long and healthy life.
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