Is Your Morning Coffee Hurting Your Stomach? Here's What the Science Says

For many of us, that morning cup of coffee feels like a non-negotiable ritual, the boost we need to jumpstart the day. While the benefits of coffee are often celebrated, you might have wondered: Is drinking coffee on an empty stomach doing any harm?

A recent New York Times article delved into this very question, exploring whether your beloved brew might be causing any stomach troubles. If you've ever experienced a jittery stomach after a few cups, you're not alone—coffee is known to have some effects on digestion, but the real question is whether these effects are harmful.

The main takeaway from a study involving over 8,000 people is reassuring: coffee doesn’t seem to have any significant negative impact on your stomach. There's no evidence that it harms your intestines or causes ulcers, so you can sip your morning joe without too much concern.

But what about those other nagging worries, like heartburn or indigestion? Could coffee's acidity lead to reflux? Surprisingly, the research suggests you don’t need to worry here either. A review of 15 studies found no link between coffee consumption and heartburn symptoms. While it's conceivable that drinking too much coffee—especially more than three cups—could potentially trigger reflux, it’s not a proven connection. Additionally, studies show no link between coffee and increased blood pressure, easing concerns about hypertension.

So, if you’re a coffee lover without any negative side effects, there’s good news: your morning habit is likely doing more good than harm. With benefits like increased longevity, a reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes, your morning cup might just be one of the healthiest parts of your day.