The common belief that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to significant health issues, such as increased cortisol levels and gut damage, is largely a myth, according to gastroenterologists. While some social media posts have warned against the practice, medical professionals suggest it is generally safe for most individuals.
Concerns often center on coffee's potential to spike cortisol, a stress hormone. However, Dr. Asma Khapra, a gastroenterologist, told Fox News Digital that studies have not demonstrated that coffee on an empty stomach causes major problems with cortisol, blood sugar, or other metabolic functions. Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning, and any perceived increase after drinking coffee may simply align with this natural cycle.
Another concern involves acid reflux. Caffeine can relax the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach, potentially allowing stomach acid to move upward and cause heartburn, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee can trigger the release of stomach acid and gastrin, a hormone that aids digestion. Without food to buffer these effects, some individuals might experience symptoms like nausea or abdominal discomfort, said Dr. Douglas Weine, a gastroenterologist.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the central nervous system, potentially leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances, Weine added. However, individual responses to caffeine vary significantly.
While it is true that the body absorbs caffeine more rapidly on an empty stomach, most healthy adults do not experience negative side effects. Khapra noted that as long as the coffee is consumed without excessive amounts of cream, milk, sugar, or other additives, it is generally fine for those who enjoy it on an empty stomach. Ultimately, how a person's body reacts to coffee without food is highly individual.