It depends on your stomach. For most people, it's fine. For some, it triggers acid reflux, anxiety, or cortisol spikes.
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Coffee stimulates gastrin → increases stomach acid production. On an empty stomach, this acid has no food to work on → may irritate stomach lining. Also: caffeine on empty stomach amplifies cortisol response (stress hormone) 30% more than with food. Symptoms to watch: stomach pain, acid reflux, jitters, afternoon crash. If you tolerate it fine: no need to change. If you get symptoms: eat a small protein/fat snack first (handful of almonds, half a banana, yogurt). Or switch to cold brew (70% less acidic). Or add milk (buffers acidity). Coffee itself is healthy (reduces all-cause mortality, liver protection, antioxidants) — the question is timing, not the coffee itself.