Why You Shouldn't Drink Coffee on an Empty Stomach

Many of us kickstart our day with coffee before breakfast. According to the American Coffee Association, 63% of Americans can't get through the day without at least one cup, and this number is steadily increasing.

One reason for this rise is research highlighting the health benefits of coffee. Coffee beans are packed with powerful antioxidants that protect our bodies from aging and free radicals, and help reduce heart and vascular diseases, countering the longstanding warnings about caffeine's potential harm.

Currently, the World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine (3 to 4 cups of coffee per day), which allows us to enjoy the benefits without suffering from the side effects of overconsumption, such as rapid heartbeat, sleep disorders, headaches, and hyperactivity.

Even though coffee can benefit our health, it is much more helpful if you eat something before drinking it. Dr. Nikola Georgijevic explains, "Drinking coffee on an empty stomach or early in the morning, before you've had a chance to eat anything, can spike your cortisol levels. Your body starts secreting cortisol - also known as the stress hormone, from the moment you wake up. Cortisol is responsible for regulating the immune response, metabolism, and stress mechanisms," she explains. In other words, adding caffeine when your cortisol levels are at their peak adds extra stress to your body.

As reported on the Walla website, a study on medical students found that 25% of them drank coffee on an empty stomach. These students were at higher risk of experiencing extreme mood swings throughout the day and possible health damage later in life. The health damage likely stems from the fact that coffee on an empty stomach significantly increases stomach acidity and creates a highly acidic environment in the body. When the stomach is full, or at least when you've consumed something other than coffee, other substances compete with caffeine for absorption - mitigating acidity levels.

Additionally, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause heartburn and increase the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers.

Furthermore, stomach acidity affects not just your physical health but also your mental state. Excess acidity can lead to mood changes, irritability, tremors, and can even exacerbate depression and anxiety.