The website Verywell Health stated that coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide and offers numerous health benefits, including increased alertness, improved athletic performance, and enhanced brain function.
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It added that many people can safely drink coffee on an empty stomach, but others may experience digestive disturbances and other symptoms, such as:
1. Increased Stomach Acidity
Coffee is an acidic beverage, and drinking it on an empty stomach may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid. An excess of stomach acid may irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn.
Drinking coffee may also increase acid production, and when the acid rises up the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn or acid reflux.
Caffeine also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscular ring located between the esophagus (food pipe) and the stomach—which can increase reflux.
People with a history of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious when drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
However, current research does not show that drinking coffee on an empty stomach causes or increases the risk of GERD.
Experts recommend that if you experience heartburn after drinking coffee, try having a light snack or a small meal beforehand, as the presence of food in the stomach may help reduce acid production.
A 2014 study found that lightly roasted coffee may increase stomach acid more than dark roasted coffee. So if you notice heartburn symptoms, consider switching to a darker roast.
2. Faster Caffeine Absorption
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may lead to faster absorption of caffeine—a natural stimulant—and this may cause feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
Drinking coffee with food can slow down absorption and reduce the risk of caffeine’s side effects.
Excessive caffeine intake can also lead to insomnia, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and may cause headaches and high blood pressure.
Coffee has been linked to increased anxiety risk, but it's important to note that studies showing this connection usually involve people who consume more than six cups daily.
Most experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to four to five cups of coffee.
Caffeine can remain active in adults’ systems for up to seven hours, so avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach near bedtime.
Coffee During Pregnancy
Caffeine can cross the placenta and may affect fetal health.
Most experts advise pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee per day.
3. Digestive Problems
Some people may experience digestive discomfort when drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Symptoms may include bloating, cramps, nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Some individuals may feel an increased urge to have a bowel movement, and those with irritable bowel syndrome may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea after drinking coffee.
4. Hormonal Changes
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may cause hormonal changes in the body. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the secretion of cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone.”
Cortisol regulates metabolism and blood pressure. High cortisol levels may increase the risk of anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems. Over time, elevated cortisol may lead to heart disease and osteoporosis.
Fortunately, the caffeine-induced increase in cortisol does not appear to be significant and has not been linked to any serious health issues.
Coffee and Nutrient Absorption
Some research has shown that coffee may affect the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients.
Drinking coffee with iron-rich foods may reduce the amount of iron the body absorbs.
Fortunately, drinking coffee on an empty stomach does not appear to affect overall nutrient absorption.
