Waking up without eating anything and having coffee: What do the experts say?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, providing many benefits such as increasing alertness, improving athletic performance and supporting brain function.

Some people can drink coffee on an empty stomach without any problems, while others experience stomach upset or other symptoms.

Here, Katrina Carter, a fitness nutritionist for the American Council on Exercise, explains what happens to your body if you drink coffee on an empty stomach.

When you drink coffee on an empty stomach, it can stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid, causing a burning sensation or heartburn.

Photo: AI

Increased stomach acid and risk of reflux

Coffee is acidic. When consumed on an empty stomach, it can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, causing a burning sensation or heartburn. People with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious.

A 2014 study also found that light roast coffee can increase acidity more than dark roast coffee, so people with heartburn should drink coffee after a light meal or choose a dark roast, according to Verywell Health.

Absorb caffeine faster

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach causes caffeine to be absorbed faster, leading to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. If combined with food, the absorption rate slows down, limiting side effects. Experts recommend limiting caffeine to no more than 400 mg per day, preferably 2-3 cups. Because caffeine can stay in the body for up to 7 hours, you should also avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the evening to avoid affecting sleep.

Effects on digestion

Some people may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or the urge to urinate immediately after drinking coffee on an empty stomach. People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience increased discomfort if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, according to Verywell Health.

Causing anxiety and irritability

Caffeine stimulates the body to secrete the stress hormone cortisol, which helps regulate blood pressure and metabolism. Increased cortisol can cause anxiety, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. If prolonged, high cortisol levels can also lead to cardiovascular risks and osteoporosis. However, studies show that the increase in cortisol from coffee is not too large and does not cause serious health problems.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuc-day-chua-an-gi-da-lam-cu-ca-phe-chuyen-gia-noi-sao-185250909161722135.htm