Is Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Bad? Science Explained
Deepak Rajeev | Mar 30, 2026, 18:29 IST
Should I Drink Coffee on a Empty Stomach?
Image credit : Freepik
Many believe morning coffee on an empty stomach is harmful. Research suggests it can irritate some stomachs, especially those with IBS. However, for most, it is fine. Coffee does raise cortisol, but less so for regular drinkers. Beginners should avoid it on an empty stomach. Ulcers are not caused by coffee.
Highlights
- Coffee consumption is often enjoyed in the morning as part of a daily routine.
- It is generally safe for most people to consume on an empty stomach.
- Read the article to know about exceptions.
- Drinking coffee on an empty stomach does not cause ulcers.
- Pair coffee with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain toast or oatmeal.
Coffee is one of the most famous beverages in the world today. In fact, in many countries, consumption level of coffee comes second only to water. Some of us have a daily habit of “bed coffee” as we start our days with a cup coffee first thing in the morning. Of course, apart from the taste and smell, coffee provides a lot of benefits including increased alertness, mood and brain function. However, it has also been believed that “bed coffees are bad” for your health. Lets explore the reality behind this claim in this article.
![Does Coffee Affect the Digestion Process?]()
Some research point out that the bitterness of coffee can increase the production of acids inside stomach. For some individuals, this may result in stomach irritation. Indeed, those people who are already suffering from gut issues such as IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome may experience their symptoms worsening.
These findings have created a popular belief that having coffee on an empty stomach is bad as there are no other foods present in your belly to thwart the acid from negatively impacting the linings of your stomach. But, the same research also points out that those people who are already prone to acid reflux or stomach discomfort are prone to these issues while for most drinking coffee on empty stomach is fine. The key is to pay attention to your body. If you are facing any of the above-mentioned problems tone down the amounts of coffee consumption or stop having it on empty stomach.
![Relationship Between Coffee and Stress]()
Another popular belief is that coffee raises stress levels when you have it on an empty stomach. The first thing we must realise is that the cortisol levels in our system naturally goes up when we wake up in order to face the day. As a matter of fact, the caffeine content in coffee does heighten cortisol generation. However, it is much lower amongst those individuals who drink it frequently. If you are a beginner when it comes to drinking coffee, then you should be careful. It would be a wise choice for a beginner to not have the beverage on an empty stomach. They can have it along with their breakfast.
Another popular narrative is that drinking coffee on an empty stomach will result in the development of ulcers. But studies point out that this untrue. A reason for ulcer is the infection of Helicobacter pylori bacteria which eats the protective linings of the stomach, thereby allowing the stomach acid to thwart the natural functioning of tissues. Secondly, overusing of NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen also play key a key role in the development of ulcer. Coffee is not considered as a culprit for this.
Health experts say that there is no specific, “best time” to drink coffee as individual responses to the effects of coffee vary from person to person. If you are one of those individuals who face some problems while having coffee on an empty stomach, you can pair it with fibre rich foods such as whole-grain toast, oatmeal, cereal and so forth. Additionally, have coffee along with food items that are packed with healthy fats and proteins.
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Digestion and Coffee Consumption
Does Coffee Affect the Digestion Process?
Image credit : Freepik
These findings have created a popular belief that having coffee on an empty stomach is bad as there are no other foods present in your belly to thwart the acid from negatively impacting the linings of your stomach. But, the same research also points out that those people who are already prone to acid reflux or stomach discomfort are prone to these issues while for most drinking coffee on empty stomach is fine. The key is to pay attention to your body. If you are facing any of the above-mentioned problems tone down the amounts of coffee consumption or stop having it on empty stomach.
Does Coffee Increase Stress?
Relationship Between Coffee and Stress
Image credit : Freepik
Coffee and Ulcer
Another popular narrative is that drinking coffee on an empty stomach will result in the development of ulcers. But studies point out that this untrue. A reason for ulcer is the infection of Helicobacter pylori bacteria which eats the protective linings of the stomach, thereby allowing the stomach acid to thwart the natural functioning of tissues. Secondly, overusing of NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen also play key a key role in the development of ulcer. Coffee is not considered as a culprit for this.
Best Time to Drink Coffee
Health experts say that there is no specific, “best time” to drink coffee as individual responses to the effects of coffee vary from person to person. If you are one of those individuals who face some problems while having coffee on an empty stomach, you can pair it with fibre rich foods such as whole-grain toast, oatmeal, cereal and so forth. Additionally, have coffee along with food items that are packed with healthy fats and proteins.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!