Is drinking coffee on an empty stomach harmful? Experts weigh in

Many people cannot imagine starting their day without a cup of hot coffee, even if it doesn't come with breakfast. There are many myths and half-truths about the harm of drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Experts highlight one important consideration.

We have long known that drinking coffee in reasonable amounts is harmless and can offer many benefits to the body. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system, improving concentration and reducing feelings of fatigue, which is quite obvious. Studies suggest that regular coffee drinking may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Coffee may have a beneficial effect on liver health, reducing the risk of cirrhosis and other conditions. It's worth drinking, but it's not always the right time. So, can you have a cup before breakfast?

In the daily hustle, grabbing a cup of coffee is often easier than making a nutritious breakfast. There are also people whose bodies crave caffeine, but it's not time for breakfast yet. Can you then have your favourite black coffee?

The answer is ambiguous: it depends. Although drinking coffee at any time of day has a similar effect on the body, it's worth considering a few nuances. Coffee with milk on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar spikes, and caffeine can disrupt our natural circadian rhythm.

Many people are also concerned about increased cortisol levels. While coffee can raise levels, studies do not confirm that consuming it on an empty stomach causes significantly higher increases than drinking it throughout the day. The reaction to coffee is also quite individual.

Coffee affects everyone differently. In sensitive individuals, drinking it on an empty stomach can lead to indigestion or other minor discomforts. People with sensitive stomachs are advised to drink coffee after breakfast and choose milder coffee, such as drip coffee.

- Most people should not have an issue with drinking coffee on an empty stomach other than maybe having a little bit of extra stomach acid - said Dr Bonnie Jortberg, a dietitian and assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Colorado in an interview with "Health".

It's best to empirically find out whether you can drink coffee on an empty stomach. If you have done so up to now and you feel fine, then everything is great, and we can only wish you a tasty coffee. However, if you feel discomfort, just don't do it.