Drinking coffee on an empty stomach: a habit harmful to your internal balance
Many people start their day with a black coffee, often on an empty stomach. This practice, far from being harmless, can affect several essential functions of the body. Lindsey Schmidt, doctor of chiropractic, points out on Instagram:
“Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can unbalance your cortisol levels, impact your nervous system, disrupt your gut microbiota and cause symptoms like bloating, weight gain or increased anxiety.”
Coffee and cortisol: a problematic combination
Coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the production of cortisol, a natural hormone that regulates stress and blood sugar levels. According to Alexandra Murcier, “cortisol is hyperglycemic: it increases blood sugar levels, which can promote weight gain and accentuate chronic stress. Excessive coffee consumption can also disrupt sleep, amplifying fatigue in the long term.
An impact on digestion and the stomach
In addition to its hormonal effects, coffee consumed on an empty stomach is aggressive for the stomach, especially in people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastric acidity. These digestive disorders can be exacerbated by the acidity of coffee, worsening discomfort from the start of the day.
What alternatives to coffee on an empty stomach?
There is no question of completely banishing coffee! Alexandra Murcier simply recommends shift your consumption
after breakfast, a strategy that helps minimize its harmful effects. For those looking for alternatives, tea or decaffeinated drinks without chemical solvents can be a good substitute for morning coffee.