Fairfax, Va. – A growing number of social‑media posts warn that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can damage the gut and trigger a cortisol surge. Leading gastroenterologists, however, say the evidence does not support a serious health risk for most people.
What the experts say
Dr. Asma Khapra, a gastroenterologist at GastroHealth in Fairfax, told Fox News Digital that “coffee doesn’t seem to cause major problems when you drink it on an empty stomach. Studies haven’t really shown that it causes problems with your cortisol or blood sugar or any other kind of metabolic issues.” She added that the hormone cortisol naturally peaks in the morning, so any perceived “spike” is likely part of the body’s normal rhythm rather than a coffee‑induced effect.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body’s response to stress. While unusually high or low levels can affect health, the typical morning rise is expected and not necessarily linked to coffee consumption.
Potential side effects
Both regular and decaffeinated coffee stimulate the release of stomach acid and gastrin, a hormone that aids digestion. This occurs whether a person has eaten or not. Without food in the stomach, some individuals may experience nausea, abdominal burning, or an urgent need to use the bathroom, according to Dr. Douglas Weine, a gastroenterologist based in New Jersey who spoke to Everyday Health.
Weine also noted that caffeine relaxes the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach, which can allow acid to move upward and potentially cause heartburn. Additionally, caffeine’s stimulant properties can raise blood pressure and heart rate, leading to anxiety, heart palpitations, or sleep disturbances in sensitive people.
Individual differences matter
Doctors emphasize that everyone handles caffeine differently. Some people are more sensitive to its effects, while others experience no negative symptoms at all. “It shouldn’t really cause too many GI symptoms,” Khapra said, adding that enjoying a cup of coffee on an empty stomach is fine for most, provided it is not loaded with large amounts of cream, milk, sugar, or other additives.
The Cleveland Clinic also points out that the body absorbs coffee and caffeine more quickly on an empty stomach, which may intensify the stimulant’s impact for those who are particularly sensitive.
Practical advice
For readers who enjoy their morning brew, the experts recommend paying attention to personal tolerance. If coffee causes heartburn, anxiety, or digestive upset, consider pairing it with a small amount of food or choosing a lower‑caffeine option. Those who experience no discomfort can continue their routine without concern.
Overall, the consensus among the physicians consulted is that coffee on an empty stomach is not inherently harmful, and any minor symptoms are more likely tied to individual sensitivity than to a universal health danger.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
