Is It Bad To Drink Coffee Without Breakfast? This Is What Gastroenterologists Say.

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach isn’t as harmful to the stomach as people think, although it could have effects on acidity and, above all, on glucose regulation.

This is according to gastroenterology specialists and recent studies that debunk myths about this common practice among millions of people.

According to Dr. Kim Barrett, professor of physiology and membrane biology and a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, the stomach has a natural defense system: a layer of mucus that protects it from acidity and the food consumed. This means that coffee, by itself, does not directly damage the gastric mucosa.

Internal medicine expert Dr. Byron Cryer agrees that, unlike alcohol, coffee is not linked to stomach ulcers.

Even a study conducted in Japan with more than 8,000 participants found no evidence that coffee consumption causes these injuries. ” Coffee is not likely to cause stomach damage, even in large amounts,” Cryer said.

Possible effects on heartburn and reflux

Although coffee increases acid production and accelerates intestinal transit, specialists emphasize that the stomach tolerates these variations well. However, the problem arises in the esophagus: coffee could relax the esophageal sphincter and facilitate acid reflux, causing heartburn symptoms.

The available data are contradictory, and the medical recommendation is to listen to your body. If a person experiences heartburn after drinking coffee on an empty stomach, it is suggested to moderate the amount, opt for antacids, or add milk to reduce acidity. In the absence of symptoms, there is no cause for concern.

Impact on metabolism and glucose

The most significant effect of coffee on an empty stomach is related to blood glucose. A study from the Center for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism at the University of Bath showed that coffee consumed before breakfast significantly raises blood sugar levels by impairing the body’s ability to process glucose.

Caffeine is responsible for this impact, as it interferes with glucose uptake and stimulates the release of adrenaline, which raises blood sugar levels. This response is more pronounced when food has not been ingested, hindering normal glucose regulation and potentially increasing the risk of prediabetes.

For this reason, specialists recommend consuming food first and then coffee, especially for people with a family history of or predisposition to diabetes. Although the Bath study was conducted on a small group, it opens the door to further studies on the relationship between coffee on an empty stomach and metabolism.

Coffee remains one of the most studied beverages, and its benefits include increased longevity and a lower risk of chronic diseases. However, experts agree that delaying consumption until after breakfast helps reduce the impact on blood sugar and minimizes the risk of heartburn.