Doctor Issues Warning Over Your Morning Coffee – Even Just One Cup Could Trigger Health Problems

For millions, the day doesn’t properly begin without a cup of coffee. But enjoying your morning brew on an empty stomach could be doing more harm than good, health experts warn.

Dr Masarat Jilani, an NHS GP based in London, told the Daily Mail that drinking coffee first thing in the morning without having food can stimulate excess acid production in the stomach, potentially leading to acid reflux and a host of uncomfortable symptoms.

“As we get older, our gut can become more sensitive,” Dr Jilani explained. “Having coffee before breakfast can irritate the gut lining and ramp up acid production.”

How Your Morning Coffee May Be Triggering Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This backflow can cause a burning sensation in the chest, bloating, nausea, bad breath, sore throat, and a chronic cough.

Research has shown that caffeine triggers the release of gastrin, a hormone responsible for increasing gastric acid. While this process aids digestion, consuming coffee on an empty stomach can overwhelm the system, especially in sensitive individuals.

Coffee also contains naturally occurring phenols, which can heighten the stomach’s acidity. A 2022 French study further found that coffee may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter—the muscle that prevents stomach acid from rising—making reflux more likely.

What Doctors Recommend Instead

To avoid these problems, Dr Jilani recommends waiting at least an hour after waking before drinking coffee, and eating something beforehand to buffer the stomach.

“This delay allows hormone levels that regulate digestion to rebalance and gives you a chance to line your stomach,” she said. “Plus, spacing out caffeine intake can promote more stable energy levels throughout the day, rather than triggering early highs and crashes.”

The Hidden Danger of ‘Silent’ Reflux

Reflux symptoms are more common than many realise. It’s estimated that around a quarter of UK adults experience acid reflux. But not all cases are obvious.

Long-term sufferers may have what’s called ‘silent reflux’, where symptoms such as throat clearing, hoarseness, or coughing are mistakenly attributed to other causes. In such cases, the oesophagus may already be desensitised after repeated acid exposure, masking the underlying issue.

Left untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to more serious complications, including oesophageal cancer—an increasingly diagnosed condition linked to persistent acid damage.

Public Reactions Are Mixed

The warning has prompted varied responses. One reader from Los Angeles commented: “I drink one latte each morning. The milk helps buffer the acid, and it provides nutrients like calcium and protein.”

Another said: “I start with green tea, then switch to coffee until noon. Works for me and has done for years.”

In Summary

Caffeine—whether from coffee, tea, or energy drinks—can improve focus and mood, but timing and individual sensitivity matter. While experts aren’t calling for people to give up coffee altogether, they advise mindful consumption: wait a little, eat something first, and pay attention to how your body reacts.

Your morning brew may still be on the menu—just with a few adjustments to make it easier on your stomach.