Should You Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach? Know These 7 Benefits And Side Effects First!

Are you one of those people who can’t start their day without a cup of coffee? You’re not alone! Millions of people around the world enjoy their morning brew, often to drink coffee on an empty stomach. But is it really a good idea? Studies show that about 64% of Americans drink coffee daily, and many prefer it first thing in the morning.

Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach has some surprising benefits. It can boost your metabolism, improve mental alertness, and even lower the risk of certain diseases. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. For some, it can lead to hyperacidity and gastric irritation, increased anxiety, and even blood sugar spikes.

Before you take that first sip, it’s essential to know both the benefits of black coffee on an empty stomach and the pitfalls. In this blog, we will learn about the 7 benefits and side effects of drinking coffee on an empty stomach, helping you make an informed choice about your morning routine. So, grab your favourite cup, and let’s dive into the world of coffee!

Table Of Contents

1. Can We Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach? 

2. 7 Benefits Of Drinking Black Coffee On An Empty Stomach 

3. Side Effects Of Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach 

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References 

Can We Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach? 

Drinking coffee without eating first is a common habit, but it has both good and bad sides. Because of the link between caffeine and metabolism, coffee can make you feel more awake, give you energy, and boost your metabolism. However, it may not be good for everyone to drink it on an empty stomach.

When you drink coffee without food, it can cause your stomach to make more acid. This can lead to heartburn, stomach hyperacidity, acid reflux, or stomach pain, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Coffee's acid might irritate the lining of your stomach, which may make you feel sick or give you a stomachache. Coffee can also increase your cortisol levels, which is the hormone your body makes when you're stressed. Having high cortisol levels too often can make you feel anxious and stressed, and it may even affect your hormones in a bad way in the long run.

On the positive side, drinking coffee on an empty stomach allows the caffeine to be absorbed faster, giving you a quicker boost in mental focus and energy. This can be helpful if you need to exercise in the morning or do tasks that require a lot of attention. However, to avoid digestive problems and a spike in cortisol, it's better to drink coffee with or after a meal, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

Also Read: 10 Caffeine Side Effects With Effective Ways To Flush It Out Of The Body! 

7 Benefits Of Drinking Black Coffee On An Empty Stomach 

Let’s have a look at the following benefits of drinking black coffee on an empty stomach: 

1. Increases Metabolism 

Drinking black coffee before eating can help speed up your metabolism. The main ingredient in coffee, called caffeine, makes your nervous system work harder. This promotes increased calorie burning in your body, even at rest, which may help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Black coffee, like bullet coffee for weight loss, also has fewer calories, making it a great choice for people who want to lose or maintain their weight. Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach can also increase your metabolism, which aids in weight loss. 

Also Read: Amazing 7-Day Coffee Diet For Weight Loss: Tips and Benefits 

2. Improves Mental Alertness 

Some people claim that they can think more clearly when they drink coffee on an empty stomach. Caffeine blocks a chemical in your brain that makes you feel tired, which helps you feel more awake and focused. This is especially helpful in the morning when your body's cortisol levels are naturally higher. When you drink black coffee without any food, the caffeine can work faster, giving you a sharper boost in mental performance. Working on jobs that demand a lot of focus can be helpful.

3. Enhances Physical Performance 

Drinking black coffee before working out can also improve your physical performance. Caffeine makes your body release more adrenaline, which gets your body ready for intense physical activity. 

Additionally, it causes the release of fatty acids from fat tissues, opening them up for use as an energy source. This can help you have more endurance and strength during exercise, especially when done on an empty stomach, because your body can use fat reserves more efficiently. This is why many athletes choose to drink coffee on an empty stomach as a pre-workout drink before their morning workouts for a quick energy boost.

4. Rich in Antioxidants 

Black coffee is full of antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage and inflammation. When you drink it on an empty stomach, your body can absorb these antioxidants faster, making them even more helpful. One type of antioxidant in coffee, called chlorogenic acid, can lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Drinking black coffee in moderation can be good for your overall health.

5. Supports Liver Health 

Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach may also be good for your liver. It can lower the risk of liver diseases like fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis. The ingredients in coffee, including caffeine, help control liver enzymes and reduce inflammation. Drinking coffee may even lower the chance of getting liver cancer. When you drink it on an empty stomach, your body can use these helpful compounds better, which helps keep your liver healthy.

6. Promotes Fat Oxidation

Black coffee can also help your body burn fat, especially when you drink it on an empty stomach. Caffeine makes your nervous system work harder, which helps release fatty acids from fat stores into your blood. This process is called lipolysis. Drinking coffee can help burn fat during exercise, thus a great inclusion in a balanced diet for weight loss, which can improve your body shape and help you manage your weight.

7. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach can help control blood sugar levels, too. Caffeine helps your body respond better to insulin, which lowers the chances of getting type 2 diabetes. By enhancing the body's utilisation of glucose, it can also aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts since too much coffee can affect blood sugar levels differently for each person.

Also Read: Is Coffee Good For Diabetes? Potential Effects That Every Caffeine Lover Should Know! 

Side Effects Of Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach 

Studies show that some people can tolerate drinking coffee on an empty stomach without any issues, while for others, it can bring many side effects, such as:

Also Read: Can Coffee Make You Gain Weight? Let's Hear What Our Experts Say With Guilt-Free Strategies To Enjoy Coffee 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

I suggest consuming coffee in moderation, particularly when your stomach is empty. Although it can offer a rapid energy increase, consuming coffee on an empty stomach could irritate the stomach lining and enhance acid production, resulting in discomfort. To reduce these impacts, accompany your coffee with a small, nutritious snack such as a few nuts or a piece of whole wheat toast. This assists in balancing stomach acid levels and offers a more consistent energy flow. Additionally, making sure you drink enough water before having your coffee can help decrease any possible jitteriness or dehydration caused by caffeine.

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Consuming coffee without eating first is a popular habit. However, it has advantages as well as possible dangers. Although coffee can offer a rapid increase in energy and improve cognitive abilities, it can also result in heightened gastric acid production, imbalanced hormones, and digestive issues for certain people. 

So, if you decide to drink coffee on an empty stomach, consider how it affects your mood and energy levels and if there are any side effects. If you experience any negative side effects, consider adjusting your coffee consumption by pairing it with food or choosing a different time of day to enjoy your cup.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to drink coffee on an empty stomach?

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is okay for most people, but it can cause stomach discomfort, such as acid reflux or heartburn, in sensitive individuals. The acidity of coffee may irritate the stomach lining, leading to potential issues over time. To reduce these risks, consider drinking coffee with a small snack or after a meal.

2. Can coffee on an empty stomach cause anxiety?

Yes, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase anxiety in some individuals. Coffee stimulates the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Additionally, the rapid absorption of caffeine without food can lead to jitteriness and nervousness.

3. What happens if you drink coffee on an empty stomach?

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase the release of stomach acid, potentially leading to digestive discomfort like heartburn, acid reflux, or irritation, especially in those prone to these issues. However, many people can tolerate drinking coffee on an empty stomach without any issues.

3. Is black coffee better on an empty stomach?

Black coffee on an empty stomach provides a quick energy boost and can aid in fat burning due to its low-calorie and high caffeine content. However, its acidity might cause digestive discomfort for some people. To enjoy black coffee while minimising potential side effects, consider drinking it with a small snack or after a light meal to buffer the acidity.

4. Is it okay to drink coffee first thing in the morning?

Drinking coffee first thing in the morning can help wake you up and boost mental alertness. However, consuming it on an empty stomach might cause digestive issues for some people. If you experience discomfort, try eating a small snack before your morning coffee or wait until after breakfast to drink it.

References

• https://www.impulsecoffees.com/blogs/coffee/health-benefits-of-drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach#:~:text=When%20it%20comes%20to%20drinking,caffeine%20without%20overwhelming%20your%20system.

• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coffee-on-empty-stomach

• https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8031960/drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach/

• https://www.realsimple.com/drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach-7152592

• https://www.buzzfeed.com/annarahmanan/coffee-empty-stomach

• https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/articles/drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach-in-the-morning

• https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach/

• https://www.icliniq.com/articles/diet-and-nutrition/effects-of-drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach

• https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/-side-effects-of-drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach-1698386943745

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.