Can you drink coffee on an empty stomach in the morning
Starting the day with a cup of coffee has become a habit for many people, often on an empty stomach. The question arises: is it possible to enjoy coffee in this way without any negative consequences? SSPDaily decided to look into this issue.
Although some people can enjoy the taste and aroma of coffee on an empty stomach, experts suggest that it can be harmful. They give two main reasons why you should avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
First, it increases the acidity of the stomach and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, which can corrode the walls of the mucous membrane and lead to heartburn, gastrointestinal problems, and exacerbation of diseases such as gastritis, pancreatitis, and ulcers.
Moreover, drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the morning triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that is already high upon waking up, which can be harmful to health.
However, opposing views from other experts and alternative studies dispute these claims. Although caffeine does stimulate the production of stomach acid, only a small proportion of people experience symptoms such as heartburn and nausea after drinking coffee.
The occurrence of these symptoms is often attributed to a person's sensitivity to caffeine, regardless of whether the drink is consumed on an empty stomach or after breakfast.
As for the release of cortisol, coffee does contribute to this. However, a short-term increase in cortisol levels after waking up does not pose a noticeable health risk.
To ensure proper consumption of coffee, nutritionists advise drinking it with milk, not pure. The caffeine and alkaloids contained in coffee can remove calcium from the body, and milk can help compensate for this effect.
In addition, black coffee has diuretic properties, which makes it necessary to replenish lost fluids. It is recommended to drink a glass of water after coffee.
Moreover, starting the morning with a glass of water instead of reaching for coffee is considered a healthier approach.
Determining the recommended daily intake of coffee is a matter of consensus among experts. Excessive consumption of coffee can alter brain chemistry, making it necessary to increase the amount each time to achieve the desired effect.
If consumed in excess, coffee can cause heart palpitations, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia. Regardless of whether you drink coffee on an empty stomach, carefully weigh the amount of the drink you consume.
According to experts, the ideal dosage of coffee depends on the individual sensitivity of the body. To avoid addiction and potential side effects, it is advisable to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400 mg per day, which is about three cups.
For most people, sticking to this limit ensures that there are no side effects, and that they benefit from the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of coffee that protect liver cells.
Finally, people with a high sensitivity to caffeine should combine their morning coffee with a light snack or drink it after a meal to get a more balanced effect.