The debate about drinking coffee on an empty stomach continues to divide the population as different sources offer contradicting views on the common morning habit.
According to a report by the National Coffee Association, daily coffee consumption saw a 20-year high in 2024. But how safe is it when consumed before feeding your body anything else?
The debate about coffee on an empty stomach
TikTok users used to drinking coffee on an empty stomach were alarmed when lifestyle content creators and health experts warned them against this habit.
Some offered alternatives to coffee to start your day, concerned about the alleged “dangers of coffee” on an empty stomach.
Among the claims about drinking coffee first thing in the morning is experiencing acid reflux or heartburn.
However, the popular belief doesn’t specify if coffee reacts similarly on all body types or only a few individuals with sensitive stomachs.
Several women on TikTok have claimed that morning doses of caffeine caused their skin to break, which naturally reduced when they took a break from it. Whereas, diehard coffee lovers swear by its benefits, including less bloating and more energy.
A few others alleged that morning coffee for years caused an “energy crash” during the day alongside hormonal imbalance.
However, studies to examine the effect of coffee show varying results, depending on the ingredients added to it and thehealth condition and pre-existing habits of the participants at the time of consumption.
Health expert weighs in
We spoke to an Internationally recognized GP from the UK, Dr. Hana Patel to achieve a better understanding of the effects of coffee on an empty stomach, and she told The Focus that the claims on TikTok are partly true.
She said: “Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, colas, tea, and some fizzy drinks, may boost acid in our stomach, leading to heartburn in some people.”
As the morning beverage may have different effects on individuals, the medical expert says moderation is key, so try to “reduce your coffee and tea intake to 1-2 cups a day, spacing this out, and trying not to have caffeine too close to bedtime is recommended”
When asked about other side effects of coffee on an empty stomach, Dr. Hana Patel told The Focus that it could cause “insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, increased heart rate, and more” in some people.
While “larger doses might cause headache, anxiety, and chest pain”, which the doctor says is “more prominent” in others.
Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, boasts an experience of close to 20 years.
She holds a medical degree from The University of London and is currently a section editor for the RCGP medical journal, InnovAiT alongside her private practice.
