How consuming hot tea or coffee on empty stomach can exacerbate gastritis, ulcers

Hyderabad: Is it safe to take hot tea, black tea, coffee, or black coffee on an empty stomach? The issue is being widely discussed in different public forums. Several social media influencers continue to claim that consuming above mentioned hot drinks can help in reducing weight and losing fat.

Whereas, healthcare professionals warn of the consequences of taking caffeine on an empty stomach and seek medical advice for the weight loss process. Taking caffeine has its repercussions, including a spike in glucose levels subsequent increase in insulin levels, and accelerating fat storage in the human body.

Those with gastritis can face exaggeration in existing conditions, heartburn, and day-long irritation. The effects of caffeine can increase with age, as the individual may become less healthy, less active, and poor diet.

Caffeine can lead to elevated fat levels

Caffeine, a stimulant, is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and most of the energy drinks. It is known to stimulate the central nervous system resulting in increased alertness and energy. Consuming hot tea, coffee, black tea or black coffee can stimulate hormones.

Dr Arshiya Mubi, gastroenterologist and hepatologist, at Gemcare Kamineni Hospital, Kurnool said, “Caffeine on an empty stomach stimulates cortisol hormone, which increases glucose level and subsequently the insulin level”.

This increase in cortisol can lead to increased fat in the body, contrary to the common belief that consuming hot drinks can help reduce weight and fat.

“The increased insulin tries to store fat in the body, resulting in elevated fat levels. This consumption cannot reduce weight, but can help in gaining energy sources. Losing weight by consuming such drinks is just a myth”, Dr Arshiya said.

People with gastritis should avoid consumption

The consumption of such hot drinks on an empty stomach is not advised for people with a history of gastritis. It can worsen ulcers and experts advise taking some food before consuming coffee, tea, or other hot drinks.

“In the early morning, the stomach waits for some food and produces acid in anticipation to digest the food. When tea or coffee is consumed it results in excess gas production resulting in a burning sensation. At least some water must be taken before drinking any hot drinks”, Dr Arshiya said.

Increased acidity and discomfort

The frequent consumption of hot beverages including black tea or coffee can have short-term and long-term repercussions.

Dr. Addu Kiranmayi, chief clinical nutritionist and lifestyle consultant, Rainbow Children's Hospital, Hyderabad said, “Drinking black tea or black coffee on an empty stomach can lead to increased stomach acidity, potentially causing heartburn, indigestion, and discomfort, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs; it can also trigger anxiety, jitters, and may disrupt blood sugar levels due to the caffeine content, making it best to consume them with a small snack to mitigate these effects”.

The caffeine in these beverages can cause heightened anxiety and jitters when taken on an empty stomach, especially for sensitive individuals.

“Some studies suggest that drinking coffee on an empty stomach may negatively impact blood sugar levels. The acidic nature of these drinks can irritate the stomach lining, particularly if you have pre-existing digestive issues like ulcers”, Dr Kiranmayi said.

Who should be cautious?

People with a history of acid reflux, heartburn, or stomach ulcers, individuals sensitive to caffeine, and people with fluctuating blood sugar levels should avoid taking any hot beverages on an empty stomach.

“Pair your black tea or coffee with a small piece of food like a cracker or yogurt to buffer the acidity. Individuals must limit their intake of caffeinated beverages throughout the day to reduce the negative effects”, Dr Kiramayi said.