Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can sometimes irritate the digestive tract, triggering heartburn, acid reflux, or stomach discomfort. Seniors who already deal with digestive sensitivities may want to pair coffee with a balanced breakfast instead of drinking it alone.
Sleep Disturbances
Coffee’s stimulating effects are a blessing in the morning but a curse at night. Even an afternoon cup can linger in the system for hours, making it difficult to fall asleep. Poor sleep, in turn, affects energy, memory, and overall health. Doctors recommend avoiding coffee late in the day to protect natural sleep cycles.
Anxiety and Heart Concerns
The Risk of Dependence
One of the most common drawbacks of daily coffee is dependence. The body quickly adapts to caffeine, which means skipping a morning cup can trigger withdrawal symptoms—headaches, irritability, fatigue, and even flu-like feelings.
Doctors recommend limiting daily intake to around 300–400 milligrams of caffeine (roughly 2–3 regular cups of coffee). That amount provides the benefits without sliding into dependency or side effects.
Best Practices for Healthy Coffee Habits
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