People who like to drink coffee in the morning should note these 6 things

(Dan Tri) - Experts warn that if not consumed properly, coffee can be counterproductive and even harmful to health.

Morning coffee is a popular habit all over the world . A cup of strong coffee can help many people start the day alert and excited.

However, experts warn that if not consumed properly, coffee can be counterproductive and even harmful to health.

Drinking as soon as you wake up: Common mistake

You should not drink coffee right after waking up (Photo: Getty).

Many people reach for coffee as soon as they wake up. However, science shows that this is not the right time.

After a long sleep, the body is dehydrated and cortisol levels – a hormone that naturally helps maintain alertness – are at their highest.

Adding caffeine at this time causes an additional increase in cortisol, leading to restlessness, stress, and in the long run can reduce the effectiveness of the coffee itself.

Research published in Psychosomatic Medicine confirms that drinking coffee immediately after waking up significantly increases cortisol levels in the blood, negatively affecting the nervous system.

Experts recommend waiting about 30–60 minutes after waking up to drink, when the body begins to gradually reduce cortisol and actually needs caffeine to stay awake.

When hungry, coffee has a bad effect on the stomach.

Coffee is acidic and can easily stimulate gastric secretions. For people with sensitive digestive systems, drinking on an empty stomach can easily lead to discomfort, heartburn or reflux.

A study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that caffeine increases acid secretion in some patients with gastric ulcers.

However, not everyone experiences this effect. Cleveland Clinic (USA) affirms that most healthy people can drink coffee on an empty stomach without worrying about problems. However, to be safe, doctors still recommend eating a light meal or drinking it with breakfast to reduce irritation.

Avoid overusing sugar and milk

Avoid adding too much sugar and milk to your coffee (Photo: Getty).

A cup of plain black coffee contains almost no calories. But when you add sugar, condensed milk or syrup, it can turn into a “energy bomb” that is harmful to your health.

The American Heart Association (AHA) warns: Excessive consumption of added sugar is strongly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Added sugar is a strong risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In addition, high sugar content also affects the skin: causing dehydration, promoting premature aging. Therefore, the safest way to enjoy coffee is to keep it "minimal" with little or no added sugar or milk.

Do not drink when experiencing sleep deprivation

Many people use coffee as a “quick fix” after sleepless nights. In fact, caffeine only helps to wake up temporarily, but it is not a substitute for sleep.

One study found that after three consecutive nights of less than five hours of sleep, the stimulant effects of caffeine were largely lost, and cognitive performance was severely impaired. At this point, no amount of coffee could compensate.

Experts recommend that if you must work while sleep deprived, take a 20-minute nap. This is much more effective than drinking more coffee.

Anxiety, Stress: Caffeine Makes Things Worse

Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the heart to beat faster, blood pressure to rise, and the body to secrete more cortisol. For people who are already prone to stress or have anxiety disorders, coffee can aggravate tremors, restlessness, and even cause panic attacks.

The Mayo Clinic (USA) recommends: People with anxiety disorders should limit caffeine as much as possible, or choose gentle alternative drinks such as herbal tea.

Coffee is not a “hangover cure”

Many people have the habit of drinking coffee the next morning to “sober up”. However, science proves this to be wrong.

Caffeine only reduces drowsiness, making the drinker think he is more alert. But in reality, judgment and reflexes are still impaired, just like when drunk. In addition, caffeine can make headaches worse by constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.

Experts advise that the best way after drinking alcohol is to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes, instead of relying on coffee.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/nguoi-thich-uong-ca-phe-buoi-sang-can-luu-y-6-dieu-nay-20250819074915036.htm