You wake up after a rough night. Your eyes feel sandy. Your brain feels slow. So you reach for coffee before you reach for food.

That first sip can feel like rescue. However, some viral videos paint a scarier picture. They claim coffee “hits harder” on an empty stomach. They show stomach acid surging. They warn about burning, jitters, and even ulcers.

Here’s the calmer truth. Coffee can stimulate stomach acid. It can also relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus. As a result, some people feel heartburn or reflux, especially first thing in the morning. Coffee can also speed up the gut. That may lead to nausea or an urgent bathroom trip in sensitive folks.

Still, research does not show a strong, universal link between coffee and digestive trouble for everyone. And experts do not blame coffee for causing ulcers in most cases.

So what should you do? Start with your body’s signals. If you feel fine, your routine may work. If you feel queasy, switch the order. Eat a few bites first. Choose a smaller cup. Try a darker roast or lower-acid option. Also drink water alongside it.

In the end, coffee is not the villain. But your morning timing may need a little kindness.