Truth, myths, and why your stomach might start singing opera. Morning without coffee? For some, it's a daily lifesaver, for others, it's a nightmare. For many of us, the first thing our hand reaches for in the morning, still half asleep, is the coffee machine button. But when we haven't eaten a bite of breakfast yet, the question arises – is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach?
Spoiler alert: yes, you can. But there are a few things you need to know.
What happens when we drink coffee on an empty stomach?
Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system, speeds up metabolism, and improves alertness and concentration. However, if caffeine enters the body on an empty stomach, it can cause various reactions that should be taken into account.
1. Increased stomach acid levels
Black coffee, without milk and without a small croissant, stimulates the secretion of stomach acid. This acid is good when you eat – it helps break down food. But if food is delayed... stomach acid starts to eat away at whatever is at hand – the stomach lining.
With prolonged coffee consumption on an empty stomach, some people may experience:
- Acid reflux or burning sensation in the esophagus
- Gastritis or irritation of the stomach lining
- Abdominal pain or feeling of heaviness
- Wrinkles on your forehead and unnecessary Google searches (“why does my stomach hurt after drinking coffee?”)
However, it is important to emphasize that these symptoms are not the same for everyone. Many people can drink coffee on an empty stomach for years without any complaints. It depends on the individual sensitivity of the body and the health of the stomach.
2. Increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol
Another frequently mentioned aspect is that coffee increases levels of cortisol, the so-called "stress hormone." Cortisol is naturally secreted in the morning, helping us wake up, but caffeine can further stimulate its secretion. Excessively high cortisol levels can affect sleep quality and the immune system in the long term, and can even cause anxiety. Although this effect is not particularly dangerous for healthy people, regularly consuming large amounts of coffee on an empty stomach can affect your overall well-being.
When is it not recommended to drink coffee on an empty stomach?
- If you have a sensitive stomach or have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal problems (such as gastritis or acid reflux)
- If coffee causes anxiety, heart palpitations, or restlessness
- If you experience stomach pain or discomfort after drinking coffee on an empty stomach
- If you feel tired in the afternoon, it is possible that drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the morning causes excessive cortisol fluctuations.
How to drink coffee healthily in the morning?
To avoid possible negative consequences, it is advisable to follow a few simple tips:
1. Drink a glass of water before coffee
After a night's sleep, the body is slightly dehydrated, so you should first restore your fluid balance with water. This will help prepare your stomach for caffeine.
2. Eat a light breakfast
You don't need to eat a big breakfast right away – even a small snack or piece of fruit before your coffee will help neutralize the acid in your stomach.
3. Choose coffee with milk or a plant-based beverage
Adding milk or a plant-based beverage reduces the acidity of coffee and makes it gentler on the stomach.
4. Limit the amount
Coffee can also be drunk on an empty stomach, but it is advisable not to exceed 1–2 cups and to assess how you feel. If you experience negative symptoms, adjust your morning routine.
Is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach?
The answer is not clear-cut. You can drink coffee on an empty stomach if you do not have stomach or health problems and do not feel any discomfort. However, people with a more sensitive digestive system or hormonal imbalance are advised to enjoy coffee after a light breakfast.
Like any dietary choice, this one is also individual – listen to your body and adapt your habits to your well-being and health.
Interesting fact (so you can impress your colleagues at the coffee machine): Studies show that the human body absorbs caffeine best between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning, as cortisol levels naturally drop during this time.








