Coffee & Cortisol Debunked

You’ve probably heard the latest health warnings taking the Internet by storm: drinking coffee on an empty stomach will wreak havoc on your gut, send your cortisol levels skyrocketing, and leave you jittery for the rest of the day. But is there any truth to these claims, or is it just another health myth?

Let’s have a chat…about coffee, that is.

How Are Coffee & Cortisol Connected?

One of the most common arguments against having coffee first thing in the morning is that it boosts your cortisol levels. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," is known to peak naturally in the morning to help us wake up and get our day started. Some popular claims suggest that adding caffeine to the mix could cause an even bigger spike, potentially leading to anxiety, restlessness, and digestive issues.

However, it's important to note that not everyone responds to coffee in the same way. In other words, some people might experience a slight increase in their cortisol levels when drinking coffee on an empty stomach, while others feel no noticeable effect. Individual tolerance to caffeine and cortisol sensitivity can vary widely, so what might be problematic for one person could be perfectly fine for another. Similarly, if you’re drinking coffee for the first time ever, you might feel a noticeable effect. However, over time, our body has the ability to adapt to new foods and we don't get any kind of concerning spike in cortisol.

Does Coffee Affect Gut Health?

Another concern is that drinking coffee before eating can irritate the stomach lining and lead to issues like acid reflux or indigestion. While coffee is acidic, there is little evidence to suggest it causes long-term damage to the gut, especially in healthy individuals. In fact, most studies show that coffee doesn’t significantly increase acid production in the stomach, and many regular coffee drinkers report no digestive discomfort, even when consuming it without food.

That said, if you're prone to stomach sensitivity or conditions like acid reflux or GERD, you might want to moderate your daily consumption and consider having a small snack or meal before to cushion its effects. For most people, though, there’s no need to worry and can be enjoyed at a moment that fits you best.

Try a More Balanced Approach

If you're still concerned about the potential cortisol spike, one simple solution is to pair your coffee with a light snack or breakfast. Having something to eat in the morning, such as having fruits with nuts or toast with an egg, can help reduce any potential impact on your cortisol levels, improve digestion and prevent that jittery feeling some people may experience.

Ultimately, the idea that coffee on an empty stomach is universally harmful is more of myth than actual fact.

While there are some valid concerns for certain individuals, such as reflux and possible medicinal interaction, most people can enjoy their morning coffee without any significant harm. Whether or not you should drink coffee first thing in the morning is individual as there is no strong research distinguishing coffee consumed on an empty stomach versus a full one. As with many health topics, the best approach is finding what works for your unique body. So, the next time you reach for that morning brew before breakfast, rest easy knowing that it's not the health disaster it’s made out to be!