Can We Drink Coffee On Empty Stomach

It is common for many of us to start mornings with a cup of coffee. But can this habit be detrimental to our health, particularly when we drink black coffee on an empty stomach? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of the habit and hear perspectives from experts in the field.

According to Dr. Albert Ahn, MD and sports medicine physician, drinking coffee before having breakfast can have both positive and negative effects on our bodies. On the one hand, it can help to improve alertness thanks to the caffeine content, but on the other hand it can cause heartburn and nausea, as the acidic content can irritate the inner lining of the stomach.

Dr. Ahn also cautions that caffeine can lead to digestive issues, if consumed on an empty stomach. This happens because when we don’t have any food in our system, the presence of caffeine will cause the peristaltic muscles in the digestive system to spasm, leading to pain and discomfort.

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Overall, it seems that for most people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is ill-advised. Which is why primary care physician Dr. Brad Evans suggests that one should rather have breakfast first and then drink a cup of coffee as part of the morning routine.

Moreover, it’s important to remember that not all coffee drinks have the same levels of caffeine. For instance, a cappuccino contains a much lower amount of caffeine than a shot of espresso – about 45 milligrams compared to 75 milligrams, respectively. So if you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine, or prefer a smoother cup of coffee in the morning, it might be worth experimenting with a cappuccino or a latte.

All in all, it’s clear that drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not the best idea. The potential effects range from increased heartburn and nausea to indigestion and spasms from caffeine. Still, if you really can’t start your morning without a cup of coffee, then it’s best to drink a small amount with food and monitor your body for any signs.

Not only will drinking coffee on an empty stomach affect our digestive system, but the caffeine content can also act as a stimulant on our bodies, particularly when it comes to blood sugar levels. For example, if someone with diabetes or hypoglycaemia has an espresso on an empty stomach it can easily lead to a drop in their blood sugar level.

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Nutritionist Sarah May suggests that people with diabetes or hypoglycaemia should be particularly careful with their caffeine intake. In her opinion, having black coffee on an empty stomach could cause a significant spike in blood sugar, which can then quickly be followed by a dip. Which is why she recommends that people with diabetes or hypoglycaemia should have breakfast first, even if it’s just a small snack, and then drink coffee later in the morning.

However, at the same time it’s important to note that having breakfast first and then having a cup of black coffee later on can also be beneficial for blood sugar levels. According to dietician Claire Ross, when having breakfast and then drinking coffee, the presence of food will help to regulate and mediate the effects of the caffeine.

On the other hand, if someone with diabetes or hypoglycaemia has just a cup of black coffee on an empty stomach, it can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels, and then later to a decrease. So it’s best to avoid this habit as much as possible.

But while the effects of caffeine can be detrimental in certain situations, it’s important to remember that the chemical compound can also have beneficial effects on our bodies. After all, it can improve alertness and focus, and provide a much needed energy boost, particularly when consumed first thing in the morning.

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Sports nutritionist Dr. Susan Floe adds that caffeine can beneficial for some active individuals who need that extra boost of energy before hitting the gym, provided they don’t have any underlying conditions. For example, it can provide athletes with an extra surge of energy right before competition or an important event.

At the same time, research has shown that regular caffeine consumption can lead to improved mental performance and memory retention, as well as a decreased risk for Alzheimers and Parkinson’s. And although it’s best to have some food before drinking a cup of coffee, it’s still possible to benefit from the stimulatory effects of caffeine.

Ultimately, it’s clear that caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on the body, depending on the situation. Therefore, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making the decision of drinking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach.

Now that we have explored different perspectives on the matter, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of drinking coffee on an empty stomach. On the plus side, consuming caffeine in the morning can help hone our focus, alertness and energy levels, as well as aid in mental performance and memory retention.

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The downside, however, is that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to indigestion, heartburn, nausea and more. For those with diabetes or hypoglycaemia, the effects can be more pronounced, as the caffeine can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a drastic fall afterwards.

So, for regular coffee drinkers and athletes, it might be better to consume coffee after breakfast or a small snack, as it will minimize the effects of digestion. For those with diabetes or hypoglycaemia, it’s best to have breakfast before having a cup of coffee to help mitigate the effects of the caffeine.

Finally, it’s also important to note that our genes can also affect the way we process caffeine. According to research, people with certain genetic variations of genes can process caffeine slower or faster than others, meaning that the effects of coffee can be more noticeable for some people.

For instance, some individuals’ bodies are better able to metabolize caffeine more quickly, meaning that they may experience more of its effects in a shorter period of time. Whereas other people may take a bit longer to process the caffeine, and may not feel the effects as intensely.

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Genetic specialist Dr. Steven Smith explains that this variability is important to consider when people are determining how much coffee they can consume. For instance, the same cup of coffee might provide more energy or focus for someone with a slower caffeine metabolism, compared to someone with a faster one.

Overall, it’s clear that genetics can play a role in our caffeine processing and metabolism. Which is why if you feel like you’re particularly sensitive to the effects of coffee, it’s worth speaking to a genetic specialist who can offer more personalized advice.

Apart from the effects of caffeine, it’s also important to consider what type of coffee we are drinking, as different types will have different levels of caffeine. For instance, a cup of black espresso will have 75 milligrams of caffeine per cup, whereas a cappuccino will only have 45 milligrams – almost half of the amount.

This can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, as it’s possible to still enjoy the taste of coffee without having to deal with the risks of drinking on an empty stomach. For instance, a cappuccino can be an ideal option for those looking to start their mornings with a cup of coffee, but without all the caffeine.

At the same time, it’s important to mention that there are also other options available. For instance, if someone finds that drinking coffee upsets their stomach, then they can switch to decaffeinated coffee, which will still provide the same taste without any of the caffeine content.

Ultimately, it’s clear that exploring different types of coffee can be a great way to still enjoy the taste of coffee in the morning, without having to drink on an empty stomach. So, for those looking for a smoother cup of coffee, it might be worth experimenting with decaffeinated, cappuccino, or latte options.

Of course, when it comes to considering different types of coffee, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the caffeine or sugar content. But aside from that, it’s also important to consider other factors, such as the milk or plant-based milk options available, as well as extra flavoring options that are available.

Dietician Hannah Brown suggests that when looking for a cup of coffee, people should do their research and find out what type of milk options are available. For instance, some cafes might offer oat milk or almond milk as vegan options, while other cafes may offer soy milk, cow’s milk, or even sheep’s milk.

Additionally, it’s also a good idea to inquire about any flavoring options, as different cafes may offer different types of syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. Some cafes even offer sugar-free options for those who are looking for a lower sugar content.

Overall, it’s clear that when it comes to coffee, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, for those looking for a smoother cup of coffee in the morning, it’s worth inquiring about the milk and flavor options available, as they can make all the difference.