Didn’t get much sleep? You might be inclined to grab a coffee first thing in the morning before heading to work, but having it on an empty stomach might not be the best decision.
Let’s face it, coffee is often the drink that helps us get moving in the morning, giving us that much-needed energy boost to start our day at work on the right foot.
Throughout the day, it can also serve as that essential afternoon “pick me up.” However, while it can be beneficial, many are familiar with the dreaded ‘caffeine crash.’
You’ve likely heard that consuming coffee on an empty stomach isn’t recommended, as a viral AI video from the TikTok account ‘Inside Health’ suggests – but is that really the case?
The video begins by stating: “When coffee hits an empty stomach, it rushes in fast and there is nothing to slow it down.”
The clip continues by explaining how your acid sensors ‘fire instantly’ because your body is ‘bracing for a shock.’
“Coffee triggers an immediate surge in stomach acid,” it states. “The lining tightens and the stomach walls start producing more acid than usual.”
The video further suggests that consuming more coffee can lead to ‘redness and burning’ as stress hormones are released by the adrenal glands, causing the heart to beat faster.
“Without food protection, the stomach wall becomes more vulnerable. Even tiny drops of acid feel stronger than usual, while coffee pushes the intestines to move faster.”
Caffeine is then reportedly able to enter your bloodstream at a quicker pace, ‘flooding your brain with stimulation and causing jitters or shakiness.’
However, health experts and doctors have contested these claims concerning the effects of coffee consumption on the body. According to Healthline, experts have noted that the bitterness of coffee can stimulate stomach acid production.
The health publication reports that ‘research fails to find a strong link between coffee and digestive troubles — regardless of whether you drink it on an empty stomach.’
Cleveland Clinic acknowledges that research into coffee causing acid reflux, which can result in heartburn, is not definitive.
According to the health resource, Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, mentioned: “Coffee and caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. Coffee also relaxes the valve, allowing excess acid to enter your esophagus.”
The video also touches on the development of ulcers from drinking coffee on an empty stomach, a claim debunked by Cleveland Clinic.
The health site references a study that examined coffee consumption and ulcer formation among 8,000 people in Japan, which found no correlation, even among those who drank several cups daily.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to pay attention to how your body responds to coffee on an empty stomach as reactions can vary from person to person.
“If you experience digestive issues after drinking coffee on an empty stomach but not when drinking it with a meal, consider adjusting your intake accordingly,” Healthline suggests.
The TikTok video points out that those who consume coffee on an empty stomach may experience heartburn, whereas Healthline notes that digestive problems can also result in ‘ulcers, nausea, acid reflux, and indigestion.’