That said, it’s important to listen to how your body responds to coffee on an empty stomach, as we all tolerate what we eat and drink differently. If you feel fine after, then there’s no need to stop. But if you experience discomfort, you may want to adjust your habits.
“When it comes to nutrition, there is really no one-size-fits-all approach,” said Stefani Sassosregistered dietitian for the Good Housekeeping Institute. “No one knows your body better than you do. Tolerance to coffee, and really any other beverages or foods, is very individual.”
We talked to experts about the potential downsides of drinking coffee on an empty stomach and what to do if it’s triggering unpleasant symptoms for you.
If You Have Digestive Problems
Coffee stimulates the production of acid in the stomach, which can be irritating to some, including those who deal with heartburn and reflux. For certain people, the discomfort may be more noticeable on an empty stomach. If that’s the case for you, registered dietitian Maya Feller of Maya Feller Nutrition recommends pairing your cup of joe with foods that calm stomach acidity.
“These include ripe bananas, oatmeal, eggs, non-citrus fruits, and whole-grain toast,” she said. “Be mindful of added sugars and synthetic creamers when enjoying your coffee, as they are known triggers for reflux and heartburn in some individuals.”
Coffee also increases contractions of the muscles in your colon, which is why it helps some people poop. While many regard that as a benefit, for some with preexisting gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or those prone to diarrhea, it could make their symptoms worse. Caffeine, a stimulant, is thought to play some role in the laxative effect of coffee. But other compounds in the beverage are likely responsible, too. That’s why even the decaffeinated variety can increase gut motility. (And having milk or cream with your coffee could be upsetting your stomach if you have a dairy sensitivity.)
