Starting the day with a cup of coffee is a common practice for most people, but it appears that drinking coffee on an empty stomach might not be a healthy habit.
While coffee has been shown to have certain undeniable benefits for our body, such as providing an energy boost and regulating metabolism, consuming it as soon as you wake up, that is, on an empty stomach, can lead to negative consequences, both physically and mentally.
That’s why it’s advisable to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
Is Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Harmful?
Let’s take a look at the health effects (both physical and mental).
Consuming caffeine on an empty stomach can put a strain on the digestive system.
Starting the day with an espresso will kick-start your stomach’s acid production, and if you haven’t eaten anything yet, this acid can harm the stomach lining and lead to indigestion. This applies even to decaffeinated coffee.
But that’s not the only risk.
According to experts, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause nervousness, tremors, and other withdrawal effects, including mood swings.
It can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms, increase heart rate, irritability, and an inability to concentrate.
This happens because coffee stimulates the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. While some cortisol is essential for regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and metabolism, excessive amounts over extended periods can lead to hypertension and unregulated blood sugar levels that can, in turn, cause diabetes, and a loss of bone density.
What To Drink in the Morning Instead of Coffee?
So, what should you drink in the morning instead of coffee to wake up with the right energy?
First and foremost, experts recommend drinking at least two glasses of water. Drinking water on an empty stomach helps eliminate not only toxins but also fat deposits that accumulate in the body. In fact, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning can speed up metabolism by about 24%.
Another solution could be to opt for fresh fruit juices and smoothies, which help keep the body hydrated and support digestion. However, be cautious to choose those without added sugars and, in any case, not overindulge to avoid excessive natural fruit sugars.
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