Does coffee on an empty stomach raise cortisol?
The popular morning beverage, coffee, gives millions of people energy and focus. Even yet, some coffee lovers continue to question whether or not having coffee on an empty stomach raises cortisol levels and, if so, whether or not it’s harmful.
The body’s response to stress depends critically on cortisol, also referred to by most as the “stress hormone,” The immune system, metabolism, and blood sugar are all under regulation. Natural daily cycles of cortisol peak in the morning and gradually decrease during the day.
The risk is that coffee may upset this regular cycle, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach. This page breaks down the research and potential consequences:
Maybe The Climb:
Research does show that in reaction to coffee, cortisol can momentarily increase. The main ingredient in coffee, caffeine, stimulates the adrenal glands that make cortisol. Those who don’t often drink coffee could see this increase more obviously.
Still, it seems that this expansion is happening to a somewhat modest amount. Long-term coffee consumers may also become tolerant and have a reduced cortisol response, according to research.
Anguish of Empty Stomachs
There isn’t much evidence that the meals in your gut significantly change the cortisol-boosting effects of coffee. Eating may delay the cortisol increase overall by slowing down the absorption of caffeine.
The Uncertain Drawback
Even while coffee seems to mostly cause a brief increase in cortisol, nothing is known about the long-term effects on this hormone. Anxiety, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune have all been linked to long-term higher cortisol levels.
The little increase in coffee, though, is unlikely to be a contributing cause to such long-term problems. Furthermore, because the body normally releases cortisol in the morning, it might be difficult to differentiate the impact of coffee alone.
Personal Sensitivity
Everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Some persons may have cortisol reactivity as a cause of their restless, nervous feeling after coffee. Consider eating coffee with food, switching to decaf, or delaying until later in the day if it causes you issues when you drink it on an empty stomach.
Above and Beyond Cortisol
Coffee has effects beyond only raising cortisol. It affects, among other hormones, insulin and dopamine. In addition, the acidity of coffee might cause stomach problems, particularly when consumed alone.
Should You Then Change Your Coffee Schedule?
The answer varies based on your own response and goals for your health. This is the dissection:
No Problems: If you have your morning coffee empty-handed and don’t feel any negative consequences like anxiety or stomach ache, there’s definitely no reason to change your habit.
If coffee makes you feel anxious or jittery, try drinking it with meals, switching to decaf, or waiting until later in the morning.
Medical Issues: If cortisol or other health issues are concerning you, see a doctor. They can counsel you on whether to limit how much coffee you drink.
A Healthy Coffee Addiction: Advice
Scan Your Body: Remember how you feel after coffee on an empty stomach. Change it if it doesn’t work for you.
Modesty is the key: It is recommended that healthy people consume 400 milligrammes of caffeine per day. Track your total caffeine consumption from all sources.
Hydration: Coffee might dehydrate you; hence, make sure you drink enough water all day long.
Consider The Alternatives: Check out other natural energy boosters like herbal teas if the effects of coffee bother you.
Not to mention:
The link between coffee drinking and cortisol is complex. While coffee could momentarily increase cortisol, it’s unclear what will happen to your health over time. Listen to your body, put your overall health first, and enjoy your coffee anyway you choose.