Increase stomach acid and absorb caffeine faster
Coffee is a globally popular drink thanks to its ability to help keep alert and increase performance. However, drinking on an empty stomach can cause many side effects.
According to Dr. Qin Rao, a digestive expert at Beijing Medical University (China): "Coffe is acidic, when drunk on an empty stomach, the amount of acid secreted is higher, easily causing heartburn and irritation of the stomach lining". A 2014 study also showed that light roasted coffee increases acidity more than deep roasted coffee, suggesting that choosing the type of seed can affect the body's reaction.
In addition, caffeine is absorbed faster on an empty stomach, easily leading to a feeling of restlessness, anxiety or a rapid heartbeat. Many experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to a maximum of 400 mg/day, equivalent to 4 - 5 cups of coffee. The effects of caffeine can last up to seven hours, so drinking on an empty stomach near bedtime can easily cause difficulty sleeping and increase anxiety, says Carrie Madormo, a public health expert in Wisconsin.
In particular, during pregnancy, caffeine can pass through the fetus and affect the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to only drink a maximum of 1 - 2 cups per day.
Digestive disorders and hormonal changes
Many people have digestive problems when drinking coffee before breakfast. Common symptoms include bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a feeling of wanting to get out soon after. For people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the condition can get worse, causing prolonged discomfort.
Another less noticeable impact is hormonal changes. Caffeine can increase cortisol, the stress hormone. According to Dr. Rao, High cortisol levels over the long term can affect sleep, cause severe irritability and increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. However, most studies show that moderate increases in cortisol caused by coffee often do not pose a significant danger.
Some studies have also suggested that drinking coffee with meals can affect the ability to absorb iron. But fortunately, the habit of drinking coffee on an empty stomach does not greatly affect the absorption of other nutrients.
To reduce the negative effects, experts recommend snacking before drinking coffee. A slice of bread or a few pieces of fruit can help reduce stomach irritation and slow down the absorption of caffeine.
