One concern often mentioned is that coffee may irritate the stomach. Coffee naturally stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can sometimes lead to symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, or mild stomach discomfort. However, research has not found strong evidence that drinking coffee on an empty stomach causes digestive problems for most healthy people. The stomach is generally well equipped to handle these acids, and many individuals drink coffee first thing in the morning without experiencing negative effects.

Another factor experts discuss is caffeine absorption. When you drink coffee without food in your stomach, caffeine may be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. This can intensify caffeine’s effects, potentially leading to jitters, anxiety, or a rapid heartbeat in people who are sensitive to caffeine. Eating food alongside coffee can slow down caffeine absorption and reduce these effects.

Coffee may also temporarily increase levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, especially in the morning when cortisol levels naturally peak. While caffeine can cause a brief rise in cortisol, research suggests that this effect is short-lived and unlikely to cause long-term health problems for regular coffee drinkers. In other words, having coffee before breakfast does not appear to significantly disrupt hormone balance for most people.

That said, some individuals—particularly those with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or digestive conditions like IBS—may experience discomfort when drinking coffee on an empty stomach. In these cases, health experts often recommend pairing coffee with food, choosing lower-acid coffee, or adding milk to reduce irritation. Listening to your body’s response is the best way to determine what works for you.

Overall, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is generally safe for most healthy adults, but it may not be ideal for everyone. If you notice symptoms like stomach discomfort, jitters, or heartburn after your morning cup, having coffee with breakfast or shortly after eating could help. Ultimately, moderation and paying attention to your body’s signals are key to enjoying coffee in a healthy way.