Stop Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach – Expert Shares Why You Should Rethink Your Morning Habit
If you’re someone who starts their day with a steaming cup of coffee before anything else, you might want to pause and rethink that habit. Well-known holistic lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho has recently sparked a conversation online with a strong message: drinking coffee on an empty stomach might be doing more harm than good. I just saw a post on Instagram where someone shared some interesting thoughts about drinking coffee first thing in the morning. They mentioned that it could actually lead to some health issues, like messing with your hormones, causing your cortisol levels to spike, and even triggering anxiety and mood swings if you haven't eaten anything beforehand.
Why Your Body Might Be Feeling More Stressed
According to Luke, when we wake up, our cortisol levels—commonly known as the stress hormone—are naturally high. If we consume caffeine at that time, it can push those levels even higher, making the body feel even more stressed. This ongoing cortisol spike, over time, could disrupt hormone balance, lower immunity, and lead to fatigue.
Coffee on an Empty Stomach Can Upset Your Digestion
In addition, caffeine stimulates stomach acid production, which is harmful when the stomach is empty. This may lead to acidity, bloating, indigestion, and other digestive problems that are often brushed off as minor discomforts but can become serious over time.
Why You Feel Anxious or Jittery After That First Cup
Many people drink coffee to feel more awake or focused, but the caffeine gets absorbed much faster when your stomach is empty. This sudden hit can overstimulate your nervous system, causing symptoms like shakiness, increased heart rate, irritability, and even anxiety.
Luke Coutinho’s Simple Morning Formula Before Coffee
Luke suggests that it's not about giving up coffee, but rather changing the way we consume it. In his post, he offered a simple morning routine to follow: hydrate first with water, then consume healthy fats and proteins, followed by fruits—and only after that should coffee come into the picture.
This order, according to Luke, helps prepare the digestive system, balance blood sugar levels, and reduce the harsh impact of caffeine. So instead of reaching for that espresso or cappuccino right after waking up, he recommends starting the day with a glass of water to rehydrate the body. Next, eating a few almonds or walnuts, maybe even a boiled egg, can introduce healthy fats and proteins to your system. Following that up with a fruit like an apple or banana can give your body a gentle energy boost and provide much-needed fiber. Once all that’s done, then it’s finally time for coffee.
Can’t Pass Stool Without Coffee? Here’s What Luke Says
A lot of people might wonder what to do if they rely on coffee to help with bowel movements. One of Luke’s followers asked him that exact question in the comments section: “But without coffee, I can’t move my bowel. What should I do?” Luke responded by saying this is a sign that something needs attention, and it shouldn’t be something you struggle with daily. He pointed out that it could be related to a magnesium deficiency or other lifestyle factors like stress or lack of movement. In short, your body shouldn't be dependent on coffee to function properly every morning.
How to Make Your Coffee Healthier, According to Luke
Luke has previously spoken about ways to make your coffee even healthier. One of his biggest tips is to drink it black if possible. That’s where the real health benefits are—the antioxidants and compounds in pure coffee can support your body in multiple ways. But when you add sugar, flavored creamers, or syrups, you’re not only increasing calories but also risking a blood sugar spike.
He also warned people who use oat milk in their coffee, saying it can cause a quick increase in blood sugar, especially in those with insulin sensitivity or diabetes. For those people, almond or coconut milk may be better options.
Moderation is Key – Don’t Overdo It
Another major point Luke made is the importance of moderation. Just because coffee is popular and has health benefits doesn’t mean more is better. Drinking more than two cups a day can lead to nausea, restlessness, and even vomiting in extreme cases. The key is to be mindful of how much you consume and how it’s affecting your body.
Be Informed, Not Just Influenced
At the end of his post, Luke shared a simple but powerful reminder: “Be educated, not influenced.” He emphasized that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Still, some basic health principles apply to most people, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach is something that’s generally not recommended. His advice is not just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about long-term health and balance.
