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Coffee is mainly known for its stimulating and antioxidant properties, thanks to which it is an integral part of the morning routine for many of us. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach brings with it a number of disadvantages. Let’s take a look at what they are.
1) Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach and its role is to digest ingested food. However, if you put a cup of coffee into an empty stomach, you stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid.
As a result of its high level it damages the stomach lining. Once you eat some food, the amount of acid does not decrease, but it begins to digest improperly. The result is a painful stomach, bloating and flatulence.
2) Ulcers
People who have problems with acidity and irritable bowel syndrome should refrain from consuming coffee first thing in the morning.
Caffeine and the acids present in coffee beans affect the condition of the small intestine’s lining and cause irritation.
3) Suppression of normal cortisol function
Our body works 24 hours a day and one of its functions is the production of hormones. These include, for example, cortisol, which is responsible for your reactions to adverse events.
This hormone is produced about three times a day and when you are stressed or frightened. However, consuming coffee on an empty stomach manipulates the normal functioning of cortisol and its natural cycle.
This fact may worsen the stimulating effects of coffee in the future.
4) Dehydration
Our body is significantly dehydrated after a whole night of rest. The first thing you should do as soon as you get up is drink several glasses of plain water. However, if you start the day with coffee, you may contribute to overall dehydration during the day.
5) Worsening blood pressure
Studies have shown that consuming coffee on an empty stomach leads to a significant increase in blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension.
So when is the ideal time for coffee? It’s best to enjoy a good breakfast in the morning and then enjoy a cup of good coffee during the mid-morning hours.
This will contribute to the body’s normal functioning and be beneficial to your body.
