For many people, a morning without coffee is a morning wasted. Before they eat anything, they reach for a hot cup of espresso or latte, believing it's the best way to wake up quickly. But is coffee on an empty stomach really a good idea? Can drinking it on an empty stomach be harmful, or, on the contrary, beneficial?

Coffee on an empty stomach - what happens in the body?

Coffee is a source of caffeine, a natural stimulant that stimulates the nervous system and improves concentration. Drinking it on an empty stomach produces an almost immediate effect, as there's no delay in its absorption. However, the body also reacts by increasing stomach acid secretion. While this may be insignificant for some, it can lead to heartburn, abdominal pain, or a feeling of "emptiness" in the stomach for sensitive individuals.

Additionally, coffee stimulates the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone that naturally increases after waking up. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can exacerbate this process, leading to irritability and unstable energy levels throughout the day.

Can you drink coffee on an empty stomach - advantages and disadvantages

As with many nutritional issues, everything depends on the individual's body. For some people, black coffee on an empty stomach is a natural ritual that causes no side effects. For others, it may cause digestive irritation, anxiety, or a rapid heartbeat. Benefits of drinking coffee on an empty stomach:

• quick stimulation and improved concentration,

• acceleration of metabolism,

• better well-being thanks to increased dopamine and serotonin.

Disadvantages of drinking coffee on an empty stomach:

• increased secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach,

• possible irritation of the mucous membrane,

• increase in cortisol levels,

• feeling of anxiety or hand tremors in people sensitive to caffeine.

If you feel discomfort after drinking coffee before breakfast, it is better to postpone it to later - after or during the meal.

Coffee on an empty stomach and weight loss

There are many claims that drinking coffee on an empty stomach helps with weight loss. Indeed, caffeine speeds up metabolism and can support fat burning, especially during physical activity. It also suppresses appetite, which can lead to fewer calories consumed. However, this effect is short-lived and does not replace a balanced diet.

It's worth remembering that coffee with additives—milk, syrups, or sugar—is no longer considered a low-calorie drink. So, if your goal is to boost your metabolism, it's best to opt for an espresso or Americano.

Coffee on an empty stomach and the pancreas and digestive system

A common question is whether drinking coffee on an empty stomach strains the pancreas. Research doesn't provide a definitive answer, but it is known that in people with digestive system sensitivities or digestive problems, coffee can worsen symptoms. Excessive stomach acid can impair digestion and lead to a feeling of heaviness.

If you are prone to acid reflux or hyperacidity, it is better to drink coffee after a meal or try a milder version - for example, coffee with milk on an empty stomach, which softens the effect of caffeine and reduces the acidity of the drink.

Coffee on an empty stomach - does it help or harm?

In moderation, coffee is harmless to most people. However, it's important to listen to your body. If you experience discomfort, hand tremors, or excessive agitation after your morning cup, try drinking it after breakfast.

It's also worth paying attention to how much caffeine your body consumes each day. You can read about its safe consumption in the article about daily dose of caffeine . For particularly sensitive people, a good solution may be decaffeinated coffee that retains its full flavor but does not burden the body.

Coffee during pregnancy and drinking on an empty stomach

The issue of drinking coffee on an empty stomach is especially important for pregnant women. Although moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe, caution is advised. Excessive caffeine can affect blood pressure and heart rate, so expectant mothers should monitor their caffeine intake. For more information, read this article. coffee during pregnancy .

Can I drink coffee on an empty stomach before the tests?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. If the test requires fasting, this usually means no food or drink (except water in some cases), including coffee. Even black coffee can affect results, especially in glucose, cholesterol, or hormone tests. Therefore, it's best to limit yourself to water and only brew coffee after your blood is drawn.

Can you drink coffee on an empty stomach? Yes, but in moderation and with awareness of how your body reacts. For some, it's the perfect way to start the day, for others, it's a source of discomfort. If you don't have stomach problems and enjoy your morning espresso ritual, there's no reason to give it up. However, if you notice side effects, it's worth changing the time or type of drink.