Doctor gives warning to morning coffee drinkers

DR MASARAT JILANI HAS WARNED THAT PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID DRINKING COFFEE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, PARTICULARLY IF THEY HAVEN'T EATEN. 11:37, 26 Feb 2025 GP Dr Masarat Jilani, speaking

on behalf of Jude, has warned about the potential pitfalls of drinking coffee first thing in the morning. Dr Jilani said: "As we get older, our gut can become more sensitive."

While enjoying a morning cuppa may not have caused any problems before, it could lead to health issues as we age, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach. Dr Jilani cautioned that

having coffee first thing in the morning without eating beforehand could "irritate the gut and ramp up acid production", possibly leading to acid reflux. Acid reflux, defined by

the NHS, is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat. READ MORE: 'I tried David Beckham's vitamin drink for a month and my skin has

never looked better’READ MORE: Expert hails surprising food that stops your kids' teeth from rotting The primary symptoms are heartburn and an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth. Dr

Jilani suggests "waiting about an hour" after waking up before having your first coffee to prevent acid reflux. Ideally, this wait time should be extended to an hour and a half,

and you should eat something before indulging in your coffee. Dr Jilani elaborated: "This gives your natural cortisol levels time to rise on their own and gives you a chance to eat

something, which can help protect your stomach lining." Dr Jilani added: "Plus, spacing out your caffeine intake can lead to more stable energy levels throughout the day, rather

than the sharp highs and crashes that come with an early caffeine hit." Article continues below Overindulging in caffeine could irritate the bladder, potentially leading to increased

bathroom visits. "If you experience bladder sensitivity, you might want to try decaf or half-caffeinated options to see if they make a difference," suggested Dr Jilani. It's

important to note that everyone's tolerance to coffee varies; while some can comfortably sip on five cups a day, others may find their limit at just one or two. Dr Jilani further

advised against consuming coffee post-noon as it could disrupt sleep patterns. Those struggling with insomnia might find relief by switching to decaf after lunchtime. "These simple

changes can help reduce gut irritation, support bladder health, and promote more balanced energy levels throughout the day," Dr Jilani concluded.