Morning coffee caution: Rethinking the empty stomach ritual
Many people start their day with a cup of strong coffee before breakfast. Although caffeine is stimulating, this morning ritual is not always beneficial to health. A dietitian warns that in some cases, it's better to postpone that "little black" to later.
Coffee has been immensely popular for years, especially in the morning. Many treat it as an indispensable element of their daily routine. It improves concentration, boosts energy, and reduces drowsiness. However, not every body reacts the same way, especially when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach.
Morning coffee can exacerbate stomach problems
Dietitian Ewa Trusewicz points out that caffeine stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. For individuals with reflux, peptic ulcer disease, or chronic heartburn, such a reaction can cause significant discomfort. Symptoms are exacerbated, especially when the stomach does not yet contain any food to alleviate the acid's effects. In such cases, it is recommended to wait with coffee until breakfast. Consuming the drink after a meal mitigates its impact on the digestive system and reduces the risk of discomfort.
It's not just the caffeine that can be harmful
Equally important is how the beverage is prepared. Milk, sugar, and flavoured syrups added to coffee often cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels. The dietitian warns that such changes can promote the development of insulin resistance, especially if the body has not received any calories beforehand.
The expert also debunks the popular myth about the harmful rise in cortisol caused by coffee. She points out that morning physical activity induces a similar hormonal effect, yet it brings health benefits. Therefore, a moderate increase in cortisol after coffee should not be cause for alarm.
