Coffee is considered a morning friend of millions of people and is beneficial for the liver if used in moderation.
However, according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist in California, trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford universities, many people who are drinking coffee incorrectly have unintentionally harmed their intestines and liver.
Mr. Saurab Sethi outlines 7 common mistakes that most coffee drinkers often make, which have a negative impact on their long-term health.
1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
According to Dr. Sethi, coffee stimulates stomach secretion of acid. If you drink it before breakfast, this increased amount of acid can cause reflux, nausea and gastritis. He recommends drinking coffee about 30 minutes after meals to reduce the risk.
2. Add sugar, ice cream or syrup
Many people think that coffee is only delicious when it has a sweet taste. However, a cup of creamy or syruped coffee contains up to 30-50 grams of sugar, equivalent to hundreds of empty calories. This increases the risk of fatty liver and diabetes.
3. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day
Caffeine in excess of 400 mg/day causes cortisol to spike, causing intestinal irritation, heart palpitations and anxiety. Sethi recommends limiting to 23 cups per day to maintain the benefits without putting stress on the liver.
4. Coffee in the evening
The half-life of caffeine lasts 5-6 hours, so drinking coffee after 4pm can cause insomnia and reduce the liver's ability to recover.
Late-night coffee makes the body tired even though you think you are alert, said Mr. Saurab.
5. Using coffee to hide fatigue
Many people rely on coffee instead of rest. According to the doctor, "Using caffeine to fight lack of sleep only makes nervous tension, digestive disorders and exhaustion worse".
6. Using artificial sweeteners
Subjects such as sucralose and aspartame are advertised as calorie-free, but can actually disrupt the intestinal microflora, leading to bloating, indigestion and reduced nutrient absorption.
7. Believe that lightly roasted coffee is good for the stomach
Contrary to popular opinion, roasted coffee is less acidic and more tolerated by people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to Dr. Sethi, drinking coffee properly and without overdose, without added sugar, drinking after meals can protect the liver, improve metabolism and support the digestive system.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health questions).
