Hardly slept? It can be tempting to drink a coffee or two after waking up before heading to work –but drinking on an empty stomach may not be the best idea.
Let’s be real, coffee is the drink that drags us out of bed in the morning and provides us with that initial boost at work to get the day off to a good start.
It’s sometimes required later on in the day for that afternoon ‘pick me up’, and while it can be useful, I’m sure you’ve all heard of the ‘caffeine crash out’.
You’ve also probably heard it’s not great to have a cup of coffee while on an empty stomach either, as an AI video uploaded by the TikTok account ‘Inside Health’ claims – but is that all really true?
The video starts off by saying: “When coffee hits an empty stomach, it rushes in fast and there is nothing to slow it down.”
The viral clip then goes on on to say how your acid sensors ‘fire instantly’ because it is ‘bracing for a shock’.
“Coffee triggers an immediate surge in stomach acid,” it adds. “The lining tightens and the stomach walls start producing more acid than usual.”
The video also claims that subsequent coffee can cause ‘redness and burning’, as stress hormones are ultimately released by the adrenal glands and the heart beats just a bit quicker.
“Without food protection, the stomach wall becomes more vulnerable. Even tiny drops of acid feel stronger than usual, while coffee pushes the intestines to move faster.”
Caffeine is then reportedly able to enter your bloodstream at a faster rate, which ‘floods your brain with simulation and causing jitters of shakiness’.
However, these claims have been disputed by health experts and doctors as to the impact drinking coffee actually has on the body. As per Healthline, experts have found that the bitterness that can come with drinking coffee stimulate the production of stomach acid.
The health website states ‘research fails to find a strong link between coffee and digestive troubles — regardless of whether you drink it on an empty stomach’.
Cleveland Clinic notes research into coffee causing acid reflux, which can lead to heartburn, is inconclusive.
As per the health resource, Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, said: “Coffee and caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. Coffee also relaxes the valve, allowing excess acid to enter your esophagus.”
@inside_health.1 If You Drink Coffee An Empty Stomach? #health #healthy #healthytips #wellnesstips #usa ♬ original sound – Inside Health
The video also discussed ulcers developing as a result of drinking coffee on an empty stomach – which has been debunked by Cleveland Clinic.
The health sites notes one study that looked into coffee consumption and ulcer formation across 8,000 people living in Japan, and found no link even with those that have multiple cups of copy per day.
Basically, it’s important to see how your body is reacting to the coffee on an empty stomach as it really is different for everyone.
“If you experience digestive issues after drinking coffee on an empty stomach but not when drinking it with a meal, consider adjusting your intake accordingly,” Healthline adds.
The TikTok video notes that those who have coffee on an empty stomach can experience heartburn, while Healthline notes digestive issues can also lead to ‘ ulcers, nausea, acid reflux, and indigestion’.
