Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not harmful to your health, but for some people it may cause mild indigestion or discomfort.
According to Bonnie Jortberg, PhD, RD, a nutrition scientist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz, having coffee before you eat is generally safe and at most will only slightly increase stomach acid.
How Coffee Affects the Body?
Coffee impacts everyone differently, but it can influence both the digestive system and the body as a whole.
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Caffeine and Acid Reflux: Caffeine can sometimes cause indigestion or acid reflux because it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
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Stomach Acid Production: Caffeine also stimulates stomach acid production. Together, these effects can allow stomach contents to move back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
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Acidity Levels: Coffee’s pH is about 5, while the stomach’s pH is about 4. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can make the stomach slightly more acidic, which might irritate sensitive individuals.
To reduce the chance of irritation, eating something before drinking coffee can help buffer stomach acid and pH levels.
Coffee also has other natural effects, such as increasing urination and stimulating the bowels. Some people may also experience jitters if they drink coffee without food.
No Serious Health Risk
Despite these mild effects, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not dangerous. A 2014 meta-analysis found no significant link between coffee consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the chronic condition that causes ongoing acid reflux. Coffee does not cause stomach ulcers or lasting damage to the digestive system.
Tips to Minimize Stomach Irritation
If you experience acid reflux, stomach pain, or other symptoms, experts recommend eating first or making small adjustments:
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Add milk or cream to lower coffee’s acidity.
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If you feel jittery or notice acid reflux, try reducing your caffeine intake or switch to decaffeinated coffee.
Bottom line: For most people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is safe. But if you continue to experience gastrointestinal discomfort even after making these adjustments, it’s best to avoid coffee altogether.