Coffee also increases the risk of heartburn because it can stimulate acidity in the stomach. Although digestive enzymes and gastric juices are released regardless of what you consume, acidic food or drinks, such as coffee, can be particularly irritating to the stomach, as the average pH of coffee is between 4.85 and 5.13 (below pH 7 no substance is considered acidic). It follows that drinking coffee without having eaten triggers an acidifying process. stomach acid, experts recommend eating alkaline foods (such as toast with eggs or avocado, for example) along with coffee. An alternative solution to coffee could be that of chicory coffee or green tea, which has a pH between 7 and 10.
Additionally, acid reflux can be a reaction to toxins or mold in coffee, an effect that could be amplified if the stomach is empty when drinking. Long-term chronic acid reflux could lead to esophagitis, which is inflammation that could potentially damage the lining of the esophagus.
Did you know that caffeine ...
The caffeine contained in a cup of coffee is equal to 85 mg (in a cup of tea there are 28 mg). Several studies have confirmed that caffeine, in addition to affecting the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems, has a stimulatory effect on the basal metabolism. In particular, 500 mg of caffeine (the equivalent of 5 or 6 coffees) increase the basal metabolism by 10-15%.
15 minutes to two hours after consumption. The effects of caffeine (excitability, improved reflexes and ability to concentrate, analgesic action, increased metabolism, etc.) will be felt more quickly on an empty stomach. It must be said that some people metabolize faster, while others break down caffeine slowly, so the effects are more pronounced and long-lasting. Those who tend to have a slow digestive process, after having taken coffee on an empty stomach immediately feel the exciting burst of the cafferina coffee which can also turn into nervousness and restlessness. On an empty stomach the effect tends to be amplified.
The general rule, according to experts, is to limit total caffeine intake to a maximum of 200 mg per day, or just over two cups of home-made mocha coffee per day.
When to drink coffee
The ideal way to avoid the side effects of coffee on an empty stomach would be to consume it in the late morning, after breakfast. If you drink it before you have food in your stomach, you could experience an increase in blood sugar, heartburn and acid reflux and nervousness. In addition, cortisol levels peak around 7 am, and being an energizing hormone in itself, caffeine intake can be postponed for a few hours once cortisol has started to decline. .
However, experts advise avoiding coffee after 2pm and especially in the late afternoon or evening, as it may interfere with sleep. One study of sleep medicine found that consuming 400 milligrams of caffeine (about five cups) six hours before bed reduced sleep time by over an hour.
(IF), which limits the length of time during which food is consumed, is associated with a range of health benefits, from weight loss to lowering blood pressure. Zero calorie beverages such as black coffee are foreseen by the diet in question even during the hours in the absence of food. In this case, taking coffee on an empty stomach is a subjective choice based on the reactions of individuals. If no symptoms occur when taking coffee on an empty stomach , then there is nothing to worry about, if instead you feel stomach discomfort, tremors or nervousness, then it is better to prefer decaffeinated coffee, barley or green tea.