Coffee on an empty stomach – benefits, risks, and facts about drinking coffee first thing in the morning that you should know!

Many of us start the day with a cup of coffee, often even before breakfast. Morning coffee gives a great boost, adds energy, and improves concentration. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is a topic that raises a lot of controversy. For some, coffee first thing in the morning is a pleasant ritual, while for others it is a source of discomfort and stomach problems.
Is coffee on an empty stomach healthy? Can drinking it right after waking up have a negative effect on digestive processes? Coffee on an empty stomach and weight loss – can a cup of black coffee support fat reduction? Who should avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach?
Table of Contents
- Types Of Coffee And Preparation Methods – What Do We Choose Most Often?
- Ingredients And Properties Of Coffee
- Coffee On An Empty Stomach And Cortisol
- Coffee On An Empty Stomach – Healthy Or Harmful?
- Coffee On An Empty Stomach – Effects Of Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach
- Facts And Myths About Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach
- When Is The Best Time To Drink Coffee?
- Summary – How To Drink Coffee Without Harming Your Health?
Types Of Coffee And Preparation Methods – What Do We Choose Most Often?
Coffee not only tastes great but can also be brewed in many ways. Instant coffee is still very popular, although more and more people are reaching for pour-over coffee, considered gentler on the stomach. For those focused on weight loss, green coffee draws attention, while grain coffee is a great alternative for people who want to avoid caffeine.
The most commonly chosen types of coffee are:
- espresso and pour-over coffee – classics, valued for flavor and aroma
- instant coffee – quick and convenient, but less valuable in terms of nutrients
- green coffee – contains chlorogenic acid, which supports metabolism
- decaffeinated coffee – for people sensitive to caffeine
- grain coffee – an alternative for children, pregnant women, or people with reflux
- bulletproof coffee – a mix of coffee and fats (such as MCT oil, clarified butter), adding energy and supporting concentration
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, valued for its taste, aroma, and stimulating properties. But is drinking coffee on an empty stomach a good solution for everyone? Can coffee infusion wash out nutrients? Does coffee on an empty stomach harm the intestines? In the next part of the article, we will address the biggest myths about drinking coffee before breakfast.
Ingredients And Properties Of Coffee
The properties of coffee come mainly from caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system, improves concentration, and reduces feelings of fatigue. Coffee also stimulates the production of stomach acid, which helps some people speed up digestion, while for others it may be harmful by irritating the stomach lining. In addition to caffeine, this drink provides polyphenols, antioxidants, and minerals.
There is still a myth that coffee flushes magnesium out of the body – in practice, this effect is minimal, especially with a varied diet. If you don’t want to risk magnesium deficiency, simply limit your coffee intake to 1–2 cups a day.
Coffee On An Empty Stomach And Cortisol
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, reaches its natural peak in the morning. Coffee stimulates its additional production, which may disrupt the circadian rhythm. Regular coffee consumption at this time can become problematic, especially if drinking coffee on an empty stomach is a daily habit. For this reason, some specialists recommend having a cup of black coffee only 1–2 hours after waking up, when cortisol levels begin to decrease.
Coffee On An Empty Stomach – Healthy Or Harmful?
Drinking coffee right after waking up can bring both benefits and negative effects to the body. On the one hand, thanks to caffeine, the aromatic black drink stimulates, supports metabolism, and may aid in weight loss. Scientific sources indicate that it may also protect against depression, Parkinson’s disease, and reduce the risk of diabetes.
On the other hand, consuming coffee on an empty stomach can be harmful for people with stomach sensitivity, reflux, or hypertension. Coffee on an empty stomach affects not only digestion but also blood pressure and overall well-being, and its impact on health depends on individual tolerance levels.
Coffee On An Empty Stomach – Effects Of Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach
The consequences of drinking coffee on an empty stomach can vary depending on the person. Coffee on an empty stomach – what are its pros and cons? Coffee and the pancreas – is it a good combination? What effects can drinking coffee on an empty stomach have?
A cup of black coffee consumed on an empty stomach may cause hyperacidity, heartburn, and irritation of the stomach lining. It is worth noting that coffee with milk on an empty stomach is not always a better solution – milk is hard to digest and in many cases may worsen unpleasant symptoms.
Coffee on an empty stomach can also contribute to a short-term increase in blood pressure. Regular consumption in this way may lead to long-term problems, which is why many sources recommend avoiding coffee before breakfast. However, this does not mean that coffee itself is unhealthy. What really matters is the way and the timing of drinking it.
Facts And Myths About Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach
There are many myths surrounding the topic of drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Some people believe that coffee in the morning dehydrates the body. In fact, the drink has a mild diuretic effect, but it does not cause dehydration. Others claim that coffee flushes magnesium out of the body in large amounts, which is also an exaggeration.
It is also a myth that coffee always harms the stomach. Many people tolerate it well, though for sensitive individuals coffee on an empty stomach can indeed be harmful. What is true, however, is that too much coffee increases nervousness and leads to sleep problems. Also true is the belief that moderate coffee consumption supports metabolism and may help with weight loss.
When Is The Best Time To Drink Coffee?
Coffee before breakfast is not good for everyone. If you want to minimize the negative effects of drinking coffee, it is best to have it about 1–2 hours after breakfast. Drinking coffee after a meal reduces the risk of irritating the stomach lining and helps avoid digestive issues. It is not recommended to drink more than 2–3 cups of coffee per day. The last cup should be consumed at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Regular excessive coffee consumption can lead to dependence, so it is worth remembering to limit intake. The amount of coffee you drink and the time you choose to drink it should be adjusted to your individual needs. Coffee itself is not harmful, as long as you remember to enjoy it in moderation.
Summary – How To Drink Coffee Without Harming Your Health?
Morning coffee can stimulate, support metabolism, and improve concentration, but drinking it on an empty stomach may also irritate the stomach, especially in people with sensitive digestive systems. For this reason, people with ulcers, reflux, hypertension, and pregnant women should avoid coffee on an empty stomach. Coffee tastes great and can support health, but only when consumed in moderation and at the right time.
The best approach is to adjust your coffee drinking habits to your own body, carefully observing its reactions. Moderation and mindful choices will allow you to enjoy the health benefits of coffee without harming your well-being.