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Why Coffee on an Empty Stomach Is Dangerous: Hidden Threats of the Morning Ritual
26.08.2024 02:10
For many people, the morning begins with a cup of aromatic coffee.
This invigorating drink has become an integral part of the morning ritual, helping to wake up and get ready for a new day.
However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can have a number of unpleasant health consequences.
Increased stomach acidity
Coffee stimulates the production of gastric juice, which on an empty stomach can lead to increased acidity.
Excess acid irritates the gastric mucosa, which can cause discomfort, heartburn, and even contribute to the development of gastritis or peptic ulcers.
Risk of developing gastritis
Regular consumption of coffee on an empty stomach increases the risk of developing gastritis – inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Caffeine and other substances in coffee can irritate and damage the protective lining of the stomach, especially when it is empty and unprotected by food.
Impaired absorption of nutrients
Coffee may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients, especially iron.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron from food, which is especially important for people with or at risk of anemia.
A sharp rise in cortisol levels
Caffeine stimulates the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. On an empty stomach, this effect is enhanced, which can lead to a sharp jump in cortisol levels in the blood.
This can cause feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and even lead to cardiovascular problems.
Effect on blood pressure
Caffeine has the property of increasing blood pressure.
When coffee is consumed on an empty stomach, this effect can be more pronounced and abrupt, which is especially dangerous for people with hypertension or a tendency to high blood pressure.
Bowel dysfunction
Coffee stimulates intestinal peristalsis. On an empty stomach, this effect can be too strong, causing discomfort, cramps, and even diarrhea.
This is especially true for people with sensitive bowels or irritable bowel syndrome.
Risk of developing addiction
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to a more rapid development of caffeine dependence.
The body quickly becomes accustomed to the stimulating effects of caffeine, which may require increasing the dose to achieve the desired effect of alertness.
Effect on blood sugar levels
Coffee can affect insulin levels in the blood. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes or a predisposition to this disease.
Dehydration
Caffeine has a diuretic effect. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase this effect, leading to faster dehydration, especially if a person does not compensate for the loss of fluid by drinking additional water.
Effect on tooth enamel
Acids contained in coffee can negatively affect tooth enamel. When coffee is consumed on an empty stomach, the protective mechanisms of the oral cavity work less effectively, which increases the risk of enamel damage and the development of caries.
