Dietitian Explains What Really Happens When Coffee Hits An Empty Stomach First Thing In The Morning

Key Points:

• Dr. Shannon Lavery, a dietitian with nearly 20 years of experience, states that many online claims about drinking coffee on an empty stomach—such as causing adrenal fatigue or stomach ulcers—are exaggerated and not supported by science.
• Drinking coffee on an empty stomach primarily triggers stomach acid release, which can relax the valve between the esophagus and stomach, potentially causing reflux symptoms, but it does not cause ulcers; ulcers are more commonly linked to H. pylori infections or overuse of painkillers.
• Coffee can worsen existing ulcers and is not recommended for people with anxiety because it blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
• Morning alertness is largely due to the natural hormone cortisol, which peaks within 30 to 45 minutes of waking, so drinking coffee immediately upon waking may not significantly boost energy; experts recommend waiting one to two hours before having the first cup.
• To avoid sleep disruption, Dr. Nighat Arif advises having the last cup of coffee by 2 pm, as caffeine interferes with adenosine production, which is essential for promoting sleep, though this guideline may vary for those with non-traditional work hours.