What do you drink on an empty stomach for better health?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a survey, nearly 70% of people consider their morning beverage a critical part of their routine, yet many are unaware of the best options for their empty stomach. A morning drink can either jump-start your digestion and metabolism or cause discomfort and acid reflux, making the choice of what do you drink on an empty stomach crucial for your overall health. This article explores the best choices for your morning health kick.

Quick Summary

An overview of suitable and healthy beverages for an empty stomach, highlighting options that promote digestion, boost metabolism, and support weight loss. Also, explore drinks to avoid due to potential irritation or negative health effects.

Key Points

Start with Water: Plain warm or room-temperature water is the safest and most effective way to rehydrate and prepare your digestive system each morning.
Consider Lemon Water for Digestion: Warm lemon water provides a gentle cleanse, aids digestion, and offers a boost of vitamin C.
Use Herbal Teas for Specific Benefits: Ginger tea can soothe nausea and boost metabolism, while peppermint can help with bloating and gas.
Avoid Acidic and Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and strong green tea can irritate an empty stomach lining and cause acid production, so they are best consumed after a meal.
Stay Clear of Sugary and Carbonated Options: High-sugar juices and sodas can cause blood sugar spikes and bloating and should be avoided first thing in the morning.
Add Seeds for Extra Benefits: Soaking seeds like fenugreek or chia overnight and drinking the water can provide additional digestive and weight-loss support.

Best drinks for your empty stomach

Warm water with lemon

Drinking warm water with lemon is a popular morning habit. It provides vitamin C and antioxidants and the warm water stimulates digestion, aiding in healthy bowel movements. Lemon's pectin fiber may also help control hunger.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea, made from fresh ginger, is known for its digestive benefits. It contains gingerol, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Consuming ginger tea on an empty stomach can ease nausea, reduce bloating, and boost metabolism.

Soaked fenugreek seeds (methi) water

Drinking water infused with fenugreek seeds soaked overnight is an Ayurvedic practice. Fenugreek aids digestion and may help with weight loss by reducing appetite. It also assists in flushing out toxins.

Herbal infusions

Certain herbal teas are beneficial for an empty stomach. Peppermint tea can relax digestive muscles and relieve gas. Chamomile tea is known for its calming effect on the stomach. These are gentle, caffeine-free options for gut health.

Drinks to approach with caution or avoid

Coffee

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid, potentially leading to heartburn and indigestion. The caffeine can also cause jitters and affect blood sugar. It's generally better to drink coffee after eating.

Green tea

Green tea's tannins and caffeine can also increase stomach acid and cause irritation on an empty stomach. To avoid discomfort, it is best to drink it after a meal.

Fruit juices and smoothies

Fruit juices and smoothies can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar when consumed first thing in the morning. Whole fruits are preferable due to their fiber content, which slows sugar absorption. Avoid packaged juices, often high in added sugar.

Carbonated and sugary drinks

Carbonated and sugary beverages should be avoided on an empty stomach. Carbonation can cause bloating, and high sugar content can strain the pancreas and liver, leading to energy spikes and crashes.

Creating your empty stomach drinking routine

Listen to your body to find what works best. Starting with plain water is recommended for hydration. Many experts suggest warm water before other drinks to prepare the digestive system.


Feature	Plain Warm Water	Lemon Water	Ginger Tea	Green Tea	Coffee
Effect on Stomach	Gentle, hydrating	Cleansing, detoxifying	Soothing, anti-inflammatory	Can be irritating	Can be highly acidic and irritating
Energy Level	Gentle energy boost	Natural energy kick from Vitamin C	Metabolism boost	Stimulating, but can cause crash	Jitters and stress hormone spike
Digestive Aid	Promotes regular bowel movements	Aids digestion by stimulating bile	Relieves bloating and nausea	Can interfere with nutrient absorption	Increases stomach acid
Best Time to Consume	First thing in the morning	First thing in the morning	First thing in the morning	1-2 hours after food	After breakfast
Suitability for Sensitive Stomachs	Excellent	Good (start with less lemon)	Good (in moderation)	Poor	Poor

Conclusion: A gentle, nourishing start

Choosing what do you drink on an empty stomach is important for your health goals and tolerance. Plain warm water is a safe and effective starting point for rehydration and digestion. Natural options like warm lemon water or herbal teas can support metabolism and digestion. Drinks like coffee and sugary juices are best consumed later in the day to protect your stomach and prevent blood sugar imbalances. Making informed choices can positively impact your day.

World Health Organization information on healthy diet

Keypoints

Prioritize Hydration with Plain Water: Warm or room temperature water is the most effective drink for rehydration and stimulating the digestive system.
Embrace Gentle Detoxifiers: Warm lemon water, ginger tea, and some herbal infusions can aid digestion, boost metabolism, and help remove toxins.
Be Wary of High-Acidity Drinks: Coffee, green tea, and fruit juices can cause stomach irritation and blood sugar spikes on an empty stomach.
Start Simple and Observe: Begin with plain water to see how your body responds before trying other drinks.
Avoid Sugary and Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and high-sugar beverages should be avoided first thing in the morning due to bloating and blood sugar disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be harmful. It increases stomach acid production, which can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and irritation of the stomach lining.

Yes, you can drink apple cider vinegar (ACV) on an empty stomach, but it's important to dilute it properly with water to prevent irritation to your throat and stomach. Start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.

Warm water with lemon is popular because it aids digestion, boosts metabolism, provides vitamin C, and helps flush out toxins. The warm temperature is also gentler on the system.

While no single drink is a magic solution, options like warm water with lemon, ginger tea, or water infused with soaked fenugreek seeds are known to boost metabolism and curb appetite, supporting weight loss efforts.

For some, green tea on an empty stomach can cause discomfort, nausea, or heartburn due to its tannins and caffeine. It is often better to drink it 1-2 hours after a meal.

Drinking orange juice on an empty stomach can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar due to its high fructose content. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with diabetes.

Safe herbal teas for an empty stomach include ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea. They are generally gentle and can help with digestion and soothing the stomach.