Cortisol Spikes: Caffeine can amplify the body’s natural morning cortisol (stress hormone) peak, potentially leading to jitters, anxiety, or an afternoon energy crash.
Acid Reflux: Coffee stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Without food to act as a buffer, this can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms of GERD or heartburn
When to Drink Your Coffee
To maximize benefits and minimize side effects, experts often recommend:
Waiting 60-90 minutes after waking up to allow your natural cortisol levels to begin their decline.
Eating a small meal or snack (like eggs or oatmeal) before or with your coffee to buffer the acid.
Limiting intake to 3–4 cups per day, as excessive caffeine can cause insomnia, heart palpitations, and increased blood pressure.
Johns Hopkins MedicineJohns Hopkins Medicine +4
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