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Many people rely on a morning cup of tea or coffee to ‘wake up’ their system, but according to Dr Susheel Sharma, a gastroenterologist and therapeutic GI endoscopist based in Dehradun, this habit might not be doing your gut any favours.
In an Instagram post, Dr Sharma warned against depending on caffeine for bowel movements. “The tea you drink stimulates your colon, and over time, you start depending on it. You feel like you can’t go without it,” he said. He explained that both tea and coffee “contain caffeine, which increases acid secretion, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. This can irritate the stomach’s inner lining and, in the long run, increase the chances of acidity, bloating, and even conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).”
Over time, Dr Sharma added, relying on caffeine can disrupt your gut’s natural rhythm. “When your body becomes conditioned to caffeine for stimulation, it can weaken the natural urge for bowel movement, disrupting gut health over time.”
To support digestive health more naturally, he advises: “Instead of reaching for tea or coffee first thing in the morning, start your day with a glass of warm water or eat something light. It not only helps hydrate your body after hours of sleep but also kickstarts digestion more naturally and healthily.”
Dr Adithya V. Naragund, Senior Consultant in GI & HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “Caffeine acts as a stimulant for the gut by triggering contractions in the colon. While this may feel like an easy fix for sluggish bowel movements, over time, the gut begins to rely on this external trigger rather than its natural reflexes. Regular dependence on caffeine can desensitise the bowel’s intrinsic motility and weaken the natural gastrocolic reflex, which is the body’s built-in mechanism that signals the urge to pass stool after eating.”
Caffeine increases the production of gastric acid and stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that enhances acid secretion in the stomach. “When consumed on an empty stomach, this surge in acid can irritate the stomach lining and disturb the gut’s pH balance. The result is a higher likelihood of symptoms such as acidity, bloating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort,” states Dr Naragund.
He mentions that people with pre-existing acid reflux, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or those with irregular eating patterns are more vulnerable to these effects. Skipping breakfast or using caffeine as a meal replacement worsens this risk, as there is no food buffer to absorb or neutralise the excess acid. Over time, this habit can contribute to inflammation, gut sensitivity, and irregular digestion.
Simple morning habits can go a long way in resetting gut health. Drinking warm water with a few drops of lemon or a pinch of cumin helps activate digestion naturally.
“A light breakfast containing probiotics such as curd or buttermilk supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Regular sleep schedules, mindful eating, and avoiding late-night meals help synchronise the gut’s circadian rhythm, which is crucial for consistent bowel movements,” concludes Dr Naragund.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
