Is your morning coffee wreaking havoc on your stomach?
1:03 AM EST, January 16, 2024
The morning coffee ritual is a staple for many. Some candidly admit that their day might not start on the right foot without this caffeinated beverage, often enjoying a cup before breakfast. However, this practice has stirred some curiosity and concern.
Is guzzling coffee on an empty stomach advisable? There are those who harbor serious apprehensions about this practice.
Detractors point to potential health risks associated with the habit, including gastric or digestive problems such as stomach pains, heartburn, bloating, and diarrhea.
So, does coffee consumption on an empty stomach harm the gastrointestinal system? Scientific research hasn't confirmed this notion, but that's not to say it can't become a cause for concern. Experts advise people to pay close attention to their body's reactions.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha from Massachusetts General Hospital emphasizes the importance of observing your body's response when you drink coffee. Each individual's reaction to morning coffee is unique. According to scientists, though, there's no cause for alarm - as underscored by the health guide service.
Researchers from a German University in Leipzig specifically noted that "studies haven't identified a strong link between coffee and digestive problems, irrespective of whether you drink coffee on an empty stomach or not".
Can coffee agitate the stomach?
While some people are convinced that coffee irritates the stomach, no scientific consensus supports this theory. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, the stomach is naturally equipped to handle a broad spectrum of potentially irritating substances, and coffee doesn't deviate from this norm.
"The stomach secretes a layer of thick mucus offering a protective barrier between the stomach lining and your dietary intake. This shield safeguards the stomach from its own acidic environment, essential in food digestion. Unless you consume a very harsh substance that could penetrate the stomach's defenses, it's consistently in a pretty hostile and potentially harmful setting," state specialists quoted by the health guide service.