Is It Okay To Drink Coffee And Skip Breakfast?

According to research by the National Coffee Association, 9 out of 10 people will welcome the new day with a hot cup of coffee. And especially these people often skip breakfast or start it after enjoying the aromatic, "addictive" flavor of coffee. However, a question is "Is it okay to drink coffee and skip breakfast?"

Harmful effects of drinking coffee when skipping breakfast

Coffee is full of caffeine, a natural stimulant, helping to start the day in the most energetic and alert way. However, this habit has many potential health risks, specifically:

1. Affects the intestines and stomach

According to experts around the world, coffee actually does not cause direct damage to the stomach. However, it has an impact and influence through the mechanism of stimulating intestinal motility and increasing stomach acid.

When intestinal peristalsis is stimulated, the digestive process is accelerated. This causes the muscles in the intestinal tract to contract more strongly, leading to loose stools and diarrhea in some people. In addition, chlorogenic acid and citric acid in coffee can stimulate acid secretion glands in the stomach. For people with sensitive stomachs, they will experience pain in the upper or lower half of the chest, accompanied by heartburn.

However, drinking coffee with food or with milk can reduce these negative effects. Milk or cream can act as a buffer between acid and the stomach lining, helping to reduce the risk of unpleasant symptoms.

2. Dehydrated

Coffee contains a lot of Caffeine. This ingredient has a diuretic effect, enhancing the process of water excretion through the kidneys. In particular, when waking up after a sleepy night, the body has lost a certain amount of water through the process of transpiration and elimination through the urethra.

Therefore, when drinking coffee without adding enough water, the body can become dehydrated quickly, leading to unwanted symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue. To avoid this situation, you need to maintain a balance in consuming coffee and drinking enough water every day.

3. Causes anxiety and restlessness

Beyond its digestive effects, coffee consumption also influences cortisol, a key stress hormone. Cortisol levels naturally peak upon waking and continue rising for approximately 30-45 minutes. Drinking coffee during this peak can further elevate cortisol, potentially leading to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Caffeine's effects are noticeable within 15 minutes and can persist throughout the day. Notably, women experience fluctuating cortisol levels due to their menstrual cycle, meaning caffeine's impact may vary depending on the time of month.

Drink coffee properly in the morning

1. Golden time to enjoy coffee

Optimal coffee consumption timing varies based on individual needs and physical conditions. Stanford University Professor Andrew Huberman suggests delaying your first cup of the day by approximately 90 to 120 minutes after waking. This allows your body to stabilize and for cortisol levels, the "stress hormone," to decrease naturally. This delay maximizes the positive effects of coffee, minimizing the potential for anxiety or restlessness associated with consuming caffeine during peak cortisol production.

While 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is often considered the ideal time for coffee consumption due to declining cortisol levels, maximizing the alertness-enhancing effects, it's important to recognize individual variations.

An afternoon slump after 1 p.m. can be effectively combatted with coffee, as cortisol levels naturally dip again at this time.

However, individuals with sleep difficulties should avoid caffeine at least 12 hours before bedtime, while those who fall asleep easily may tolerate it 4-6 hours before retiring without sleep disruption.

Ultimately, the "best" time for coffee is subjective, as individual responses to caffeine vary.

Being mindful of your body's unique reactions will allow you to enjoy the benefits of coffee while minimizing potential health concerns.

2. Some notes when drinking coffee in the morning

• Here are some key considerations for maximizing refreshment and minimizing potential drawbacks associated with coffee consumption:

  1. Avoid Empty Stomach Consumption: Coffee consumed on an empty stomach can disrupt digestion and blood sugar balance. To mitigate these issues, enjoy your coffee after breakfast.
  2. Hydration Before Coffee: Drinking a glass of water before coffee helps neutralize intestinal acidity and supports your body's metabolism.
  3. Smaller Doses Throughout the Day: Dividing your coffee intake into smaller portions throughout the day allows for better control of caffeine intake and reduces the risk of side effects.
  4. Cinnamon Addition: Incorporating a small amount of cinnamon powder into your coffee can reduce inflammation, aid in toxin removal, and enhance flavor.
  5. Recommended Caffeine Intake: Adhere to the recommended daily caffeine intake of 400mg, roughly equivalent to 4 cups of coffee. Individuals with existing health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or anxiety should consult their doctor before consuming caffeine.

Conclusion

So is it okay to drink coffee and skip breakfast? In fact, this problem causes many negative effects on our health. If you feel your body is sensitive to caffeine, try combining it with a protein-rich, nutritious breakfast. Let's enjoy the great benefits of this Vietnamese national drink and start your day with lots of excitement!

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