Towards a Scientific Understanding: Is Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Really Harmful?
Moscow – 4 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – For millions of people around the world, mornings begin with a cup of coffee. This deeply rooted ritual offers both a sense of calm and a spark of energy to start the day. But one question continues to stir debate: is it harmful to drink coffee on an empty stomach? For years, conventional wisdom and online commentary have linked this habit to gastritis, heartburn, stress, and even dependence. Yet, new scientific research invites a more nuanced understanding—challenging much of the popular narrative.
Recent studies show that, for most healthy individuals, drinking coffee before breakfast does not pose a significant health risk. While caffeine does stimulate the production of gastric acid, current clinical evidence does not support the claim that coffee—consumed on an empty stomach—directly damages the stomach lining or causes digestive disorders. When adverse reactions do occur, such as mild nausea or acid reflux, they are more often linked to individual caffeine sensitivity than the absence of food in the stomach.
A peer-reviewed study published in Planta Medica found no substantial correlation between early-morning coffee consumption and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Researchers concluded that the discomfort some people report may stem from personal tolerance levels rather than from coffee itself. For the majority of coffee drinkers, the timing of consumption—before or after food—has little to no pathological consequence.
One of the most persistent concerns relates to cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning shortly after waking. Critics of early coffee intake argue that adding caffeine to this hormonal surge may stress the body. However, a clinical study conducted by the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center found that caffeine’s effect on cortisol is temporary and not harmful in the long term. Moreover, habitual coffee drinkers tend to experience a significantly reduced hormonal response, suggesting that the body adjusts over time.
The question of caffeine dependency is another area where science offers clarification. While caffeine does influence the brain’s dopamine pathways and may create a mild psychological reliance, it is not considered an addictive substance in the clinical sense. Problems such as insomnia, irritability, or elevated heart rate usually emerge when individuals exceed recommended daily limits, not merely because they drink coffee in the morning.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advises that the safe upper limit for caffeine intake is approximately 400 milligrams per day—the equivalent of four to five medium-strength cups. People who experience discomfort after drinking coffee on an empty stomach can usually resolve the issue by opting for a lighter roast, eating a small meal beforehand, or reducing the number of cups they consume.
Ultimately, there is no universal rule. Some people thrive on a shot of espresso before breakfast, while others feel better after food. The key lies in understanding your body’s unique signals and practicing moderation. Coffee, when consumed mindfully and within safe limits, remains one of the most beneficial and culturally rich beverages in the world.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions or caffeine sensitivity should consult a healthcare provider before changing their dietary habits.
