Drinking coffee before eating isn’t inherently dangerous for most, but it can trigger digestive discomfort in some. While coffee won’t damage your stomach, it might cause acid reflux, heartburn, or increased bowel movements – especially if you’re sensitive.
How Coffee Impacts Your Body
Caffeine in coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps stomach acid from flowing back up into your esophagus. This relaxation, combined with coffee’s own acidity, can lead to heartburn. Even with food already in the stomach, these effects can occur.
Coffee’s pH (around 5) is only slightly higher than the stomach’s (around 4), meaning drinking it on an empty stomach can increase overall acidity. This isn’t a long-term issue; coffee doesn’t cause ulcers or permanent damage. However, it might stimulate bowel movements in some, leading to loose stools, and can cause jitters.
Managing Discomfort: Simple Solutions
If you experience symptoms like acid reflux or stomach pains, eating something before coffee is the easiest fix. Adding milk or creamer can also reduce acidity (plant-based options are best if you’re lactose intolerant).
Dark roast coffees tend to stimulate less stomach acid than lighter roasts. If jitters are an issue, reducing your intake or switching to decaf is a good idea. Experts recommend limiting caffeine to 400 milligrams daily for optimal health.
The key takeaway is that while coffee won’t hurt your stomach in the long run, listening to your body and making small adjustments can make your morning brew much more comfortable.
