Fact check: Is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach?

Fact check: Is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach?

Author: QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel January 7, 2026 Duration: 11:38

846. The internet has lots to say about how coffee affects your stomach. Unfortunately, most of it is wrong.

References:

Addition of milk to coffee beverages; the effect on functional, nutritional, and sensorial properties - PubMed

A dark brown roast coffee blend is less effective at stimulating gastric acid secretion in healthy volunteers compared to a medium roast market blend - Rubach

Effect of coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease and healthy controls - PubMed

Effects of Coffee and Its Components on the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Brain–Gut Axis - PMC

Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

Multi‐parametric approach to identify coffee components that regulate mechanisms of gastric acid secretion

Pharmacology of caffeine and its effects on the human body - ScienceDirect

Related episodes

786 - How to beat acid reflux for good

841 - How long does caffeine really stay in your system?

Find a transcript here.

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We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age

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You're probably tired of the constant noise around what to eat, with every headline seeming to contradict the last. Nutrition Diva cuts through that confusion. Hosted by Monica Reinagel, a seasoned expert from QuickAndDirtyTips.com, this weekly conversation feels like getting clear, practical advice from a trusted friend who actually understands the science. Instead of pushing fads, Monica takes the latest nutrition research and unpacks it in a way that makes sense for real life, separating the solid findings from the hype. She directly tackles the questions that pop up in your own kitchen, whether you're wondering about a new superfood or just trying to pack a better lunch. The goal isn't perfection, but building a sensible, sustainable approach to food that leaves you feeling informed and in control. Tuning into this podcast means replacing anxiety with actionable knowledge, so you can make choices that are right for you without the dogma. It's a grounded resource for anyone who wants to think about health and eating well, but could do without the extreme diets and scare tactics.
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