Starting the day off right can be an important ritual, but is it healthy? Yahoo Canada explores this hot topic with registered dietitian Abbey Sharp in our Ask A Dietitian series.

Consuming coffee on an empty stomach may lead to heartburn and indigestion, as well as disrupting your natural cortisol cycle, leading to anxiety or an unsettling feeling. Furthermore, black coffee’s acidity may irritate digestive issues in individuals. Finally, caffeine acts as a diuretic by increasing urine production leading to dehydration.

As coffee’s stimulating effects cause our muscles to work harder than necessary, this strains the digestive tract over time resulting in bloating and constipation. If you only poop once daily this could mean your digestive muscles atrophying over time instead of working efficiently pushing food through your system.

If you’re used to drinking coffee on an empty stomach, it may take your body some time to adapt. While still enjoying your morning beverage, eating something beforehand could reduce potential digestive side-effects or choose decaffeinated version in order to limit caffeine consumption.

Coffee alternatives that can soothe and hydrate can also provide many of the same benefits, while providing caffeine-free tea options like chamomile, peppermint and ginger to offer many health advantages – like aiding digestion and relieving indigestion while peppermint tea boosts focus and promotes calmness. Another excellent choice is golden milk; this warm beverage made up of turmeric-laced milk (or an alternative milk product), spices such as cinnamon, ginger and black pepper can provide joint support, improve circulation and offer a relaxing start-up to start your day!

Golden milk contains spices that help improve digestion and immunity while simultaneously hydrating you. As an alternative to coffee, consider chicory coffee which contains low levels of caffeine while being high in fiber to aid gut health and help regulate blood sugar.