Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach: Facts, Tips, and More!

Can You Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach? Here’s What To Know!

People from all over the world like to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning. However, for some, this can cause gastrointestinal issues. But why? Furthermore, is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach or not? In this guide, we will explore this topic in-depth and answer your questions so that you can enjoy your Java in the healthiest way possible! 

So can you drink coffee on an empty stomach? 

The answer is technically yes, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is fine. Often, consuming coffee before you eat will not cause issues in healthy adults. However, factors like age, stomach sensitivity, the quality of coffee, its acidity, and individual digestion may make drinking coffee on an empty stomach an issue for some. 

Whether you should drink coffee on an empty stomach depends on whether you suffer from acid reflux, ulcers, GERD, or have a sensitive stomach in general. Even if you don’t have these issues, eating a meal before consuming coffee may be the best course of action. Ideally, it is best to consume some sort of healthy protein in the morning before that first cup of Joe. 

Is it Bad to Drink Coffee When Your Stomach is Empty? 

Coffee affects each individual differently. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, averse to hot drinks, or easily nauseated, drinking coffee on an empty stomach could indeed lead to minor discomfort or indigestion. However, it is a myth that having coffee first thing in the morning is dangerous for your digestive system. 

Most people don't have an issue drinking their hot black coffee (or coffee with milk) without any food in their system. Still, for optimal health and nutrition, it may be best to consume a meal first. This is not because any harm will be done if you don’t first eat, but because caffeine can cause a decrease in your appetite. This can make it difficult to eat breakfast or consume enough calories for long-term energy throughout the day. 

Indeed, even those with a strong stomach and no digestive issues will likely begin feeling nauseous or unwell if they drink nothing but black coffee on an empty stomach all day long. 

Why Eating Before Coffee is Usually the Best Option

Leading health sources agree that having protein and coffee can give you numerous benefits. Consuming some form of high-quality protein before having your coffee can help stabilize your mood and offer a better fuel source in your body for a stable, long-term boost in energy. 

Does coffee give you a stomach ache? 

No, drinking coffee should not cause you discomfort. If it does, there may be another underlying issue in play. Coffee is a popular beverage all over the world. For most people, this drink will not cause a stomach ache or any discomfort. 

However, each individual is different. For certain people, drinking coffee before consuming food can lead to nausea. Additionally, some individuals do not tolerate the acidity of coffee well. If you find that coffee gives you a stomach ache, consider eating something before having your coffee. If that isn’t the issue, you may want to try switching to a smooth, tummy-friendly, low-acidity Arabica blend like this one. 

Empty Stomach Coffee Tips

If you have already consumed coffee on an empty stomach and are now feeling nauseous or dealing with the effects of acid reflux, here are some things that you can do to try and make yourself more comfortable.

Try These Methods to Reduce Your Nausea

Getting fresh air or taking a walk may help to lessen your nausea. Additionally, sipping on cold water may be an effective way to reduce nauseous feelings. Ginger and peppermint tea are both known to help reduce nausea in adults and children. Ginger biscuits can also be an incredibly effective way to decrease nauseous feelings.

Sometimes, simply eating something light can help to reduce feelings of nausea or eliminate a stomach ache entirely. This is true even for a stomach ache from drinking coffee on an empty tummy. If you are feeling sick already, try munching on something mild at first like bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast.

Adding protein powders to your coffee can be an incredibly effective way to reap the benefits of amino acids combined with the energy boost of caffeine. Many tasty protein shakes can easily be poured in with your black coffee or added to espresso shots. Or, you can simply add milk to your coffee. One cup of 2% milk contains 8 grams of protein. Adding milk to your coffee may automatically help to reduce feelings of nausea or a stomach ache, especially if you have coffee first thing in the morning before eating. 

Finally, it may be time to switch to a different type of coffee. After all, if every time you consume a certain type of coffee you feel unwell, it could be a sign that there’s something amiss. Perhaps, there is an issue with the acidity or caffeine content of the coffee beans. Robusta coffee beans, for instance, contain more caffeine and tend to have higher acidity levels. Try consuming pure Arabica coffee instead! This top-rated Arabica coffee retailer is a fantastic place to start, with many low-acid gourmet, organic, and flavored options to choose from!

*Disclaimer: This article offers general information and discussions about health-related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be regarded, or used as a replacement for, medical advice or treatment. This blog does not constitute healthcare advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider.