Nutritionist on why you shouldn't drink coffee on an empty stomach
For many people that first cup of coffee in the morning is a ritual that sets them up for the day, but if you're guilty of doing it on an empty stomach a nutritionist has warned it could be wreaking havoc on your hormones.
Nutritional therapist Olivia Hedlund said consuming the beverage on an empty stomach can actually push your body into high stress mode.
"You are messing with your hormones. Coffee is not only acidic, so it's hard on our stomach in the morning," she said in a video shared on her TikTok.
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A nutritionist has warned against drinking a coffee first thing in the morning. TikTok
"But it literally causes our body to go into a stress response to shoot out cortisol and to put us in a sort of fight or flight state.
"That's why some people get jittery when they drink coffee on an empty stomach in the morning."
"Even though it feels really good, it's still really really hard on your body, especially if you're a woman."
Hedland herself admitted she she used to drink multiple cups of it on an empty stomach.
"I would feel like I was on top of the world and then I would have a bunch of hormonal acne and wonder why. It's because your body is stressed out."
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The acidic nature of coffee can "mess with your hormones". Getty
Since changing that habit, Hedland says she's noticed a difference in her skin, her anxiety, her digestion, and even her energy levels. So now she recommends having something small to eat before your first cup.
"Make it your goal. I promise you will notice a difference if you're struggling with hormone imbalances or even gut issues," she added.
The advice struck a cord with many of her followers, especially women, who revealed they had experienced similar side effects.
"I drink coffee on an empty stomach almost every morning and this explains so much," one person commented.
"Maybe this is why I have been breaking out more recently! Thanks for the tip!" another said.
While a third wrote: "This explains so much. Thank you. I do this, and then crash, have hormonal acne so badly."
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