Is It Okay To Drink Coffee Before Eating?

Is drinking coffee before breakfast bad for you? Concerns are common, but experts indicate there’s little science to back up many claims.

At a Glance

Coffee consumption has potential health benefits, but some have expressed concerns about gastrointestinal upset and hormone disruption when it’s consumed on an empty stomach.
While some people can experience heartburn and indigestion due to drinking coffee, there’s no evidence linking the symptoms to morning coffee drinking on a broader scale.
Individual responses to caffeine vary, and there’s limited research on the specific effects of coffee on an empty stomach.

Is Drinking Coffee Before Eating Okay?

Coffee has long been touted for its potential health benefits, including protection against type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and heart disease. However, the practice of drinking coffee on an empty stomach has attracted controversy, with concerns arising of potential drawbacks.

While coffee enthusiasts may swear by their morning cup of joe, some individuals report experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort or jitteriness when consuming coffee before eating. Some TikTok influencers have also claimed that drinking coffee before breakfast can lead to hormone disruption.

That said, experts indicate that while individual experiences may vary, there isn’t much science to broadly back up these claims.

Coffee and Digestion

One of the primary concerns with drinking coffee on an empty stomach is its potential to increase stomach acid production. This heightened acidity can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis in some individuals. For those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coffee’s ability to increase gut motility may exacerbate symptoms.

“While coffee intake and the body’s response varies from person to person, some people may be especially sensitive to caffeine, perhaps more so on an empty stomach,” dietician Alissa Rumsey said, according to Huffpost.

Additionally, coffee can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron, due to polyphenol compounds like tannins. This is particularly relevant for individuals with anemia or iron deficiency, who are advised to avoid drinking coffee at mealtimes and wait at least an hour after eating.

Debunking Coffee Myths

Despite widespread beliefs, some claims about coffee’s effects on an empty stomach lack scientific backing. For instance, social media trends suggesting that drinking coffee before breakfast can disrupt hormones, causing issues like acne, bloating, and anxiety, are not supported by scientific studies.

“There’s a lot of stuff that gets posted out there by people who are relating general information from their own experience that may or may not be accurate from a medical or scientific standpoint,” William R. Lovallo, PhD said.

Experts emphasize that there is no evidence linking coffee consumption to cortisol level changes or hormonal imbalances. There is also no strong connection between drinking coffee and digestional issues for most people. In fact, coffee is generally considered to have health benefits, including antioxidants that may protect against chronic diseases.

Finding Your Coffee Balance

Given the varying individual responses to caffeine, experts advise paying attention to your body’s signals rather than strictly timing coffee consumption with breakfast. Guidance from the FDA suggests that most adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine daily, but individual tolerance varies.

“When it comes to nutrition, there is really no one-size-fits-all approach. No one knows your body better than you do. Tolerance to coffee, and really any other beverages or foods, is very individual,” Good Housekeeping Institute dietician Stefani Sassos said.

For those experiencing discomfort, eating breakfast or a light snack before coffee may help. Foods like ripe bananas, oatmeal, eggs, non-citrus fruits, and whole-grain toast can help calm stomach acidity when consumed with coffee. Alternatively, reducing caffeine intake or switching to decaf could provide relief for sensitive individuals.

Ultimately, while research on the specific effects of coffee on an empty stomach is limited, listening to your body and adjusting your coffee habits accordingly remains the best approach. Remember, symptoms experienced after drinking coffee may not always be related to the coffee itself and could be influenced by other factors like stress or sleep quality.