For some of us, coffee is an integral part of our daily lives, and we would find this aspect of our daily routine difficult to imagine without it. Is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach? For some of us, coffee is a morning ritual and without it, the morning just doesn’t feel right. But drinking coffee in an empty stomach is often discouraged, as it can lead to some undesired effects. Learn more here about what happens when we drink coffee on an empty stomach and why it may not be the best idea.
In order to understand the impact of drinking coffee on an empty stomach, we need to consider the chemistry of coffee first. Coffee contains ‘caffeine’ which is a psychoactive stimulant. It is an alkaloid which stimulates the central nervous system and helps us stay alert. Caffeine has a direct interaction with stomach acid, which impacts its digestion. This can lead to irritation in the stomach, leading to a number of stomach related issues.
The stomach acid present in our bodies can lead to some serious problems when interacted with caffeine. There are several studies which have indicated that caffeine increases the amount of secretions in our stomachs, and when such secretions interact with stomach acid, it creates a situation where gastric juices start irritating the stomach walls and produce various symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. Caffeine also has an indirect impact in our stomachs; this stimulant increases the blood pressure of our bodies, which causes our arteries to contract and can disrupt the blood flow, further leading to the production of excessive stomach acid.
The heightened production of stomach acid can further lead to problems like gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and cramping. This is especially so with chronic coffee drinkers, where prolonged consumption of coffee can lead to peptic ulcers or GERD. GERD is a condition where the stomach acids travel upwards and reach to the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation feeling in the throat.
Doctor Anthony Lang, a renowned gastroenterologist from Toronto, suggests that it is thus important to not drink coffee on an empty stomach in order to generally avoid any of these adverse effects. He states that it is best to have something solid like a vegetarian sandwich or nuts before taking a cup of coffee as this helps protect the stomach from facing these problems.
All these stomach related issues might compel people to avoid taking coffee altogether, but that does not appear to be the only solution. In general, it is always suggested to start the day with breakfast and drinking water favorably before reaching for some caffeine. This gives your body essential vitamins and minerals that prepare it to metabolize the caffeine and in turn, defend it against gastric juices.
Eating Habits And Caffeine Consumption
It is advisable to not take coffee on an empty stomach, but it is also important to consider our eating habits as well. Sometimes heavy meals without enough moisture can also lead to excessive acid production in our stomach, resulting in the same problems as consuming coffee on an empty stomach. Thus it is important that water is included along with the meal and hours pass before drinking coffee to let the body fully digest the food taken.
Coffee on an empty stomach can further lead to an increased production of stress hormones which lead to many problems in the long run. Therefore it is also important to remember that coffee intake should be limited in general. According to some studies, coffee taken after meals does not reduce the absorption of important vitamins from our meals, making it safe to consume coffee after meals but taking excessive amounts should be avoided in order to stay away from its adverse effects.
Coffee On An Empty Stomach And Time of Consumption
It is also important to consider the time at which coffee is taken. According to Anthony Lang, taking coffee late in the night is definitely not a good idea as it can create a problem in sleeping patterns. Taking coffee late at night increases the levels of alertness and interferes with our natural clock and process of going to sleep. Not having enough sleep continuously can lead to long term issues like mood swings, digestive issues and weakened immunity.
It should also be noted that everybody responds differently to coffee and therefore the effects might vary from person to person. For example, the age of a person can affect the response. Therefore a healthy diet full of essential vitamins and minerals should be followed for the best results. Many studies have suggested that taking coffee after meals can lead to better absorption of caffeine and great bodily reactions, as mentioned earlier.
Adapting the Coffee Drinking Habits
If you are regimented in your coffee drinking habits, you should look into some measures to make sure that your coffee drinking is safe and healthy. This could involve having certain light snacks along with coffee, to avoid any type of irritation in the stomach. This also might involve drinking decaf coffee as it contains traces of caffeine only and does not cause a spike in the stomach acid levels.
Some studies also suggest having some probiotics along with coffee to protect our guts and maintain good health. Intake of prebiotics and probiotics has been said to maintain good bacterial balance in our stomachs and prevent inflammation in it. A blended diet consisting of fruits and vegetables can also help increase the fortitude of the stomach against irritable chemicals.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Apart from some of its adverse effects on the stomach, coffee actually has other health benefits. Coffee when taken in moderation helps burn fat, boosts energy, lowers the risk of some chronic diseases and elevates mood. It also has some antioxidant properties, which boosts our metabolism and helps fight against some diseases. Some reports have also suggested caffeine intake to improve physical performance.
Coffee thus should be taken in moderation, without having it on an empty stomach and preferably in combination with other essential foodstuffs. Thus with a right combination and a smart diet, we can all make the most out of this ‘blessing in disguise’.
Caffeine Intoxication and What Are Its Symptoms
Too much of anything is bad and it’s true for coffee as well. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee might lead to caffeine intoxication. Physical symptoms of Caffeine intoxication are increased breathing rate, increased heart rate, anxiety and nervousness, palpitation, headache, tremors, sweating and a feeling of restlessness.
Mental symptoms include irritability, difficulty in concentrating, extreme alertness, and nightmarish dreams. Sometimes, it might even lead to muscle twitching, nausea, or rejection of food. Caffeine intoxication can also lead to risk of blood pressure related attacks and should be looked upon if they occur.
Alternative Ways For Caffeine Intake
If you think of the adverse effects of coffee and feel like avoiding it completely, there are other ways in which you can take caffeine. For example, you can look into alternatives like tea, energy drinks and even chocolate. Caffeinated soft drinks can also be taken in moderation, but it is important to not take it more than once a day as it also has some minor side effects such as dehydration.
Natural sources like guarana seeds and yerba mate are also commonly used for caffeine intake, in addition to coffee. However, it is important to note that coffee might still lead to some of the mentioned problems even if it is taken from natural sources. With this, we can conclude that it is indeed best to not take coffee on an empty stomach in order to avoid any of its associated problems.
Stress Reduction and Effects of Coffee
Apart from all these effects, coffee as a beverage also helps reduce stress levels in our body. It has been said to reduce anxiety and depression to some degree. Coffee drinking thus can also be a secondary source of happiness when taken with a positive mindset.
However, it is important to remember that it should not be taken as a replacement, but as a fun activity in combination with other activities which can help reduce stress like exercise, or giving time to social circles. Coffee thus should be heard of as ‘a flavor of life’ which we can all enjoy, but with a reservation and in a way that it does not cause any harm to our bodies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be noted that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to many adverse digestive effects, and is best avoided. If taken, it should be done with a light snack or with food, and should not be overconsumed. Additionally, taking it late at night should be avoided to avoid problems like difficulty in sleeping and mood swings. Coffee can be a great way to start a day, or have a memorable evening, with the right precautions being taken.
