Coffee on an Empty Stomach: What Happens to the Body When You Start the Day with Your Favorite Drink

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Doctorpiter
Publiation data: 29.05.2026 18:25
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Your body's reaction to the invigorating drink largely depends on what kind of coffee you prefer to drink in the morning.

For many people, the morning starts with coffee. For some, this drink replaces a full breakfast. But how does our body react to a cup of Americano on an empty stomach? This question was answered by Doctor of Medical Sciences Brunilda Nazario.

A Big Difference

How coffee affects you largely depends on the type of beans and the brewing method. Arabica produces a milder drink, while Robusta yields a stronger coffee. The longer the contact with water your brewing method involves, the more invigorating the coffee will be.

A Wake-Up Call for the Brain

The main thing that unites both Americano and Raffaello is the presence of caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the brain, allowing you to wake up faster and charge up for the whole day.

Moreover, recent studies have shown that coffee does help partially restore memory after sleep deprivation. Of course, on a regular basis, the drink cannot replace quality nighttime rest. But from time to time, a cup of invigorating coffee can be a real lifesaver.

Coffee can be considered a beneficial drink for many reasons. It reduces the risk of developing diabetes, heart diseases, Parkinson's, and is good for the liver.

Better to Eat First

What happens if you drink coffee on an empty stomach? If you don’t overdo it with caffeine throughout the day, nothing bad will happen from having Americano before breakfast.

However, it is important to understand: drinking coffee on an empty stomach means that caffeine will be absorbed more quickly in the stomach. This can lead to the substance having a stronger effect on the body, resulting in unpleasant side effects. Some people may experience a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, headaches, stomach discomfort, or nausea. This is especially true for those who enjoy a stronger and more concentrated drink in the morning — filter coffee, coffee from a cezve, or French press.

People with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract are also at risk. The fact is that coffee irritates the stomach — this can lead to heartburn. Additionally, the intestines may not appreciate coffee on an empty stomach either — you might suffer from bloating and diarrhea afterward.

However, Nazario emphasizes: it is important to pay attention to your own characteristics and monitor your body's reactions. If you have a hard time with coffee, try alternative options: black or green tea, mate, or matcha, writes ETNT.

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