According to nutrition experts quoted in Real Simple, coffee in particular can significantly affect the stomach when consumed on an empty stomach.
Jacqueline A. Vernarelli, a nutritional epidemiologist, public health nutrition specialist, and associate professor at Sacred Heart University, notes that coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which increases acid production and can irritate the stomach lining.
Amanda Sauceda, a registered clinical dietitian and nutrition expert specializing in gut health, adds that people prone to reflux may experience worsening symptoms if they drink coffee before eating.
Both point out that a small snack can reduce the impact.
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Caffeinated teas show similar effects. Kristen Carli, a dietitian at WOWMD, explains that the caffeine in tea also increases stomach acid production.
She recommends letting the drink cool slightly and avoiding strongly brewed teas, which can irritate both the esophagus and the stomach.
Gas and acid fluctuations
Carbonated drinks expand in the stomach because carbon dioxide produces gas.
Kristen Carli points out to Real Simple that this can push stomach acid up into the esophagus and trigger reflux, especially when there is no food to bind the gas.
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Rapid consumption further increases the risk.
According to Amanda Sauceda, citrus juices can irritate the stomach lining in people prone to reflux or stomach ulcers.
Jacqueline A. Vernarelli also notes that drinking juice on an empty stomach can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar followed by a drop, which may lead to fatigue and dizziness.
Strong stimulation
Energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar.
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Jacqueline A. Vernarelli emphasizes that additives such as taurine, guarana, and niacin can cause nausea when consumed without food.
Kristen Carli also warns that alcohol is absorbed particularly quickly on an empty stomach, increasing both irritation of the stomach lining and the risk of rapid intoxication.
Many drinks only become problematic when consumed without food. A small meal beforehand can significantly reduce the strain.
Sources: Real Simple.
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