Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach? You Need to Read This

Many people start their morning with a cup of coffee, and even more so, they like to consume coffee on an empty stomach. A special report recently published found that in American culture this habit is so entrenched that an astonishing 63% of people are accustomed to it.

Studies conducted by the 'American Coffee Consumption Association' found that coffee beans do indeed contain important antioxidants that protect the body against aging. However, at the same time, coffee contains caffeine, excessive consumption of which is certainly not healthy for us.

Another interesting finding from the studies casts light on the danger lurking in this bad habit: a sudden spike in cortisol levels in the body.

What does this actually mean, and why should you avoid it?

Here are some interesting facts worth knowing when talking about cortisol - also known as the stress hormone, which will clarify everything:

- Overactivity of the thyroid gland.

- Drastic weight gain.

- Mental stress and anxiety.

- Excess cortisol secretion in the adrenal gland (a syndrome known as 'Cushing').

- A low cortisol value will lead to the following issues: a genetic disease of cortisol production enzyme deficiency.

- Underactivity of the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pituitary gland.

- Even during pregnancy, cortisol levels rise, but the increase will be temporary and pass relatively quickly.

"Those who are used to drinking coffee on an empty stomach - are harming themselves irreversibly, when speaking in terms of 'long term.' Coffee on an empty stomach spikes cortisol levels, and along with it the stress and anxiety levels in your body," explains Dr. Nicola Georjevic from the United States, one of the leading researchers. "Add to that the caffeine levels the body receives, and you have a peak of stress, pressure, and anxiety."

According to Dr. Georjevic, coffee on an empty stomach 'irritates' the stomach, causing it to secrete highly acidic juices. "This means that stomach ulcers can develop over time, but this is not the only problem. The additional problem here is that the issue of stomach juices is not only physiological but also mental. Studies have found that stomach juices that rise and cause acidity imbalance in the body lead to excessive irritability, tremors, extreme mood swings, and even depression."