For many, drinking coffee first thing in the morning is a sacred ritual. However, now that social media is questioning many health trends, many people have expressed concerns about consuming coffee on an empty stomach. Is this okay or does it do more harm than good? Experts answer.
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 can have adverse effects on the body. health. Many social media platforms have contributed to the spread of questionable health trends, including the idea that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be harmful to your health. But how true is this? Let’s find out.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach – is it okay 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 bodies. Talking about the same, he said, “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach protects the liver from damage and reduces the risk of developing liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are many studies that confirm this. “Coffee is also known to support treat non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease and hepatitis C. Coffee’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties play an essential role in supporting liver function and promoting overall health.”
He added that it has its murky side. Dr Uday stressed that it is different for everyone. Coffee may not be good for everyone. Sometimes, it can lead to increased acidity levels. “It is better to talk to an expert and make sure you clear all your doubts about coffee and liver health. Be careful and follow the expert’s guidelines,” he said.
Riya Desai, Senior Dietitian at Wockhardt Hospitals, also spoke to Times Now Digital on the same topic and added her two cents. She said: “It’s an absolute myth that drinking coffee can lead to acidity problems. Physiologically speaking, GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition that occurs when the valve between the esophagus does not close properly. This happens when 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 responds 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 conclusion, the effects of coffee consumption may vary from person to person. It is essential to be aware of your existing health conditions 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, inactive, and frustrated.”
Caffeine has a half-life of ten hours on average. However, it varies differently depending on the body’s metabolism, which is why several people who usually drink coffee at night experience sleep problems.
After all, everyone needs to know how taking caffeine early in the morning affects the body. It may be different for everyone, depending on their health condition. If it suits you and it works, you can go for it. If this is the cause of the problem, be careful and do not drink coffee on an empty stomach. You need to understand the signals your body gives you and make informed decisions.
