For many of us, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an essential morning ritual. But before you reach for that cup on an empty stomach, you might want to pause. According to British health experts, having your coffee solo before breakfast could leave you with some unwanted, uncomfortable side effects. Let’s dive into what exactly happens when you let coffee take center stage before your first bite.
Why Coffee on an Empty Stomach Could Spell Trouble
If your idea of breakfast is basically « coffee, full stop, » you’re not alone. Coffee has its perks—boosting alertness, sharpening concentration, giving your memory a nudge, and yes, sometimes sending you on a prompt trip to the bathroom. But experts cited by the British Daily Mail are sounding the alarm: drinking coffee on an empty stomach can have drawbacks, especially in the realm of digestive health.
So, what’s the big fuss about?
According to these experts, coffee is naturally acidic. When you sip it without any food buffer, this acidity can disrupt the delicate balance of gastric acid levels in your stomach. Translation: you might end up with indigestion or those all-too-familiar burning sensations known as heartburn. Coffee’s acidity can irritate the epithelial lining of your stomach, and the irritation particularly spikes if you haven’t eaten anything. It’s like sending your stomach on a rollercoaster before it’s even woken up.
The Science: Acid, Caffeine, and Your Belly
Nutritionist Rob Hobson, interviewed by the Daily Mail, explains, “Without food to buffer the acid, your stomach may respond by producing even more acid. That’s a recipe for heartburn.”
But coffee isn’t working alone in this morning mischief. Gastroenterologist Supriya Rao points out that caffeine stimulates the hormone gastrin, which oversees the production of gastric acid. On top of that, coffee boasts a decent amount of plant compounds known as phenols. These little guys also add to the soup of acidity inside your digestive tract.
To sum it up, here’s what happens when you drink your morning brew on an empty stomach:
- Increased gastric acid production, courtesy of caffeine and phenols
- Greater irritation of stomach lining—no food there to soak up the acid
- Possible heartburn and indigestion, making your morning less than magical
But wait, there’s more! Rob Hobson also highlights another sneaky effect of caffeine: it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps your stomach and esophagus separate. “The relaxation of this valve,” explains Hobson, “allows gastric acid to move up into the esophagus more easily, causing the burning sensation commonly associated with heartburn.” He even cites a 2022 scientific study backing up this physiological party trick.
So, How Can You Sip Smart?
Don’t panic—nobody is taking away your beloved morning coffee. British experts agree that you don’t need to say farewell to your cup of java, but they do strongly suggest pairing it with something to eat. It doesn’t require a full English breakfast.
Even though coffee’s effects on gastric acid levels can vary from person to person, it’s generally better to give your stomach something to work with. The experts recommend simple, gentle foods to accompany your brew:
- Toast
- Bananas
- Nuts
- Rice cakes
- Whole grain crackers
Opting for lighter breakfasts can also reduce gastric acidity and curb that risk of heartburn. As Rob Hobson notes, “Lighter meals are digested faster and tend to produce less acid, while heavy, fatty foods take longer to digest and lead to even more acid production.”
When the Burn Persists: What to Do?
Despite all these tips, if you still find your stomach rebelling after your daily coffee, Hobson recommends you temporarily skip it—or at least avoid other potential triggers like citrus fruits, chocolate, and mint.
In summary: coffee doesn’t have to lose its starring role in your morning. Just invite some food to the party, keep your stomach happy, and savor both the taste and the wake-up boost—without the burn.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
