Morning coffee: Why it might be better after breakfast
Many people start their day with a cup of strong coffee before breakfast. Although caffeine is stimulating, this morning ritual is not always beneficial to one's health. A dietitian warns that in some cases, it's better to postpone the "little black" to later.
Coffee has been immensely popular for years, especially in the morning. Many consider it an indispensable part of their daily routine. It improves concentration, boosts energy, and reduces drowsiness. However, not everyone reacts the same way, particularly when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach.
Morning coffee can exacerbate stomach problems
Dietitian Ewa Trusewicz points out that caffeine stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. For individuals with reflux, peptic ulcer disease, or chronic heartburn, such a reaction can cause significant discomfort. Symptoms are exacerbated, especially when the stomach does not yet contain any food to alleviate the acid's effects. In such cases, it is recommended to wait on coffee until after breakfast. Consuming the drink after a meal mitigates its impact on the digestive system and reduces the risk of discomfort.
It's not just the caffeine that can be harmful
Equally important is how the beverage is prepared. Milk, sugar, and flavored syrups added to coffee often cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels. The dietitian warns that such changes can promote the development of insulin resistance, especially if the body has not received any calories beforehand.
The expert also debunks the popular myth about the harmful rise in cortisol caused by coffee. She points out that morning physical activity induces a similar hormonal effect, yet it brings health benefits. Therefore, a moderate increase in cortisol after coffee should not be cause for alarm.
