Should You Stop Drinking Coffee Every Morning? Here’s What Experts Say

For many, the day doesn’t begin until the first cup of coffee. Some consume it before breakfast; others leave the house with coffee as their only morning drink. You would think from the headlines that doctors are telling people to ditch this habit completely, but the reality is a little more complicated. Be it instant coffee or a brewed one, the issue doesn’t lie with the coffee, but it is when it is consumed. If it makes a person uncomfortable, then it is worth paying attention to.

At Cooking Office, we believe healthy habits should be based on evidence, not online misconceptions. If your daily routine starts with coffee, here’s what the experts really say.

Coffee Isn’t the Problem

Usually, coffee is a healthy addition to a diet. It can make a person feel more active and is safe for millions of individuals if used properly.

The issue isn’t that we should all quit drinking coffee in the morning. There is not one “best” time for everyone to have coffee because people respond to caffeine differently.

Is Timing Important?

For some people, timing can matter, especially if it makes you jittery when taken in the morning.

Cortisol is naturally released in the morning, when a person wakes up. It helps you stay awake. This is a normal sleep-wake routine.

Coffee acts as a stimulant, making people alert and jittery, at times also overstimulated if it is consumed right after waking up.

Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach?

One frequent assumption on the internet is that coffee on an empty stomach is bad for everyone. The evidence does not support such a judgment.

Most people have no issues related to coffee; however, if you have any of the following, it is advised to stop your normal intake of caffeine

• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Stomach issues
• Caffeine sensitivity

If you drink coffee on an empty stomach and feel any sort of discomfort, it is advised to have it after any meal.

Small Changes That Can Help 

You don’t have to give up your morning coffee. Instead, try a few basic changes:

• Have a glass of water when you wake up before you have your coffee.
• Have a healthy meal if coffee disturbs your stomach.
• Reduce added sugar and calorie-laden creamers.
• Avoid coffee later in the afternoon or evening if it interferes with sleep.

The Bottom Line

Coffee is generally safe for most people; however, excessive and uncontrolled use of it can pose various health and mood issues. It is usually suggested to think about the timing of coffee, how your body reacts to caffeine, and whether it causes discomfort when taken on an empty stomach.

Drinking coffee can easily be a safe habit to have in the morning. If it disturbs your mood and keeps you awake at night, it might be a safer approach to change when and how much it is taken and whether it should be continued or dropped.