Should you drink coffee on an empty stomach? (Image source: iStock)
In the case of a cup Coffee It’s the first thing you need when you wake up in the morning, and you’re not alone. According to the National Coffee Association, as many as 9 out of 10 coffee drinkers start their day with this drink—even before they’ve had a bite of breakfast. Its popularity is evident in the fact that in some countries, its consumption ranks second only to water.
Although many people like to drink coffee first thing in the morning, some argue that drinking it on an empty stomach may have an adverse effect on health. Many social media platforms have helped spread questionable health trends, among them the idea that drinking coffee on an empty stomach may be bad for you. But how true is this? Let’s find out.
Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach – Is It Sheltered or Harmful?
Dr Uday Sanglodkar, Senior Consultant Hepatologist and Clinical Lead for Liver at Gleneagles Hospital spoke to Times Now Digital about how drinking coffee on an empty stomach can affect our body. Talking about it, he said, “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach will protect the liver from damage and reduce the risk of developing liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are many studies to confirm the same. Coffee is also known to assist in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in coffee play an critical role in supporting liver function and promoting overall health.
He also added that it has its disadvantages. Dr. Uday emphasized that it is different for everyone. Coffee may not be to everyone’s taste. Sometimes this can lead to increased levels of acidity. “It’s better to talk to a specialist and make sure you clear up any doubts you have about coffee and liver health. Be careful and follow the advice provided by the expert,” he said.
Riya Desai, Senior Dietitian at Wockhardt Hospitals also spoke to Times Now Digital on this topic and put in her two cents. She said: “It’s an absolute myth that drinking coffee can lead to acidity problems. Physiologically, GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition that occurs when the valve between the esophagus does not close properly. Then the contents of the stomach and the acid produced can flow back into the esophagus.
She further explained, “While every human body is different and reacts to things differently, people who are obese or have chronic health conditions may have a reflex due to existing issues. “If someone is prone to heartburn, they should avoid it because caffeine tends to induce the production of stomach acid.”
In summary, the effects of coffee consumption may vary from person to person. It is critical to remember about your existing diseases and regulate your diet accordingly.
The relationship between coffee and cortisol levels
Did you know that drinking coffee before eating can sometimes disrupt the body’s cortisol levels? For those who don’t know, cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and stress responses. However, when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach, it can disrupt cortisol production and lead to anxiety and nervousness. Dietitian Riya Desai said, “This can affect your mood and overall well-being throughout the day. You can feel irritable, torpid, and frustrated.”
Caffeine has a half-life of about ten hours on average. However, this varies depending on the body’s metabolism, which is why some people who usually drink coffee at night experience sleep problems.
Finally, it is imperative that everyone knows how taking caffeine early in the morning affects your body. This may be different for everyone, depending on their health condition. If it suits you and it works, you can go for it. If it causes a problem, be careful and do not drink coffee on an empty stomach. You need to understand the signals your body is giving you and make informed decisions.
