The early morning ritual of sipping tea or coffee is cherished by people worldwide. The calming aroma of tea and the invigorating kick of coffee make them popular choices to start the day positively. However, did you know that scientific studies have delved into the effects of having these beverages on an empty stomach? These findings align with Ayurveda's cautious approach. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology revealed that the high acidity in coffee can lead to increased gastric acid production, possibly causing heartburn and indigestion when consumed without food.
But do you know about the potential downsides of starting your day with these beloved drinks ( tea or coffee), according to Ayurveda? Let's explore:
Aggravation of Pitta Dosha:
Coffee and tea are known for their heating and stimulating properties, which can aggravate the Pitta dosha. When taken on an empty stomach, they may lead to heightened acidity, resulting in heartburn, acidity, and indigestion.
Digestive Disruption:
Drinking coffee or tea before eating interferes with the natural digestive process. It can disrupt the release of digestive enzymes and slow down metabolism, potentially causing issues like bloating and gas.
Impact on Vata Dosha:
The stimulating nature of coffee and tea can disturb the Vata dosha, causing feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness—especially in individuals with a Vata-predominant constitution.
Dehydration:
Coffee and tea act as diuretics, increasing urine production and potentially leading to dehydration, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach without sufficient water intake.
Adrenal Fatigue:
Ayurveda emphasises supporting the body's natural rhythms. Having coffee on an empty stomach may overstimulate the adrenals, resulting in an energy crash later in the day.
Blood Sugar Imbalance:
Coffee can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, causing mood swings and energy dips when consumed without food.
Sleep Disruption:
Caffeine's stimulatory effect can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep or disturbed sleep patterns when taken too early.
Weakening Ojas:
Ayurveda refers to "ojas" as the vital essence supporting immunity, vitality, and overall health. Having coffee or tea on an empty stomach can diminish ojas, compromising the body's natural resilience and well-being. Ayurveda emphasises mindful consumption, considering factors like one's constitution, time of day, and body's needs. If you enjoy tea/coffee, consider having them after a balanced meal to minimise potential negative effects on an empty stomach.
"Just as we wouldn't start a car engine without fuel, our bodies need nourishment before experiencing the stimulating effects of coffee or tea. Mindful consumption aligns with Ayurvedic principles of harmony." - Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar
Substitute Drink Options:
While some prefer warm water or green tea in the morning, others opt for homemade concoctions like ginger, turmeric, lemon water, or honey. But why go through all of this hassle in the morning to start your day when smartveda has it all sorted for you?
Smartveda’s Tejas Amrit:
