4 . The Debate on Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

There’s a popular belief that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can damage the stomach lining (胃粘膜). This article investigates the validity of these claims and explores the broader influences for gut (肠道) health.

    1     But some worry this habit could harm their stomachs. Claims on social media suggest that such a practice could lead to various illnesses. However, Kim Barrett, a physiology professor, assures that the stomach is strong, equipped with protective mechanisms like a thick liquid layer that protects it from potential irritants such as coffee.

While substances like alcohol are known to alter the stomach’s defenses, research, a 2013 study of over 8,000 participants living in Japan, shows no substantial link between coffee consumption and the development of ulcers (溃疡).     2    

The idea that coffee induces stomach acid production is well-established, which could theoretically lead to heartburn, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.     3     A 2014 review found no connection between coffee and heartburn, whereas a 2020 study indicated a possible increase in heartburn symptoms among habitual coffee drinkers.

If you experience discomfort after drinking coffee, consider cutting down the consumption.     4     That means you drink less coffee in a way. For those who tolerate it well, there’s no need to alter your routine.

While the debate on the impact of drinking coffee on an empty stomach continues, the evidence leans more towards its safety rather than harm. Monitoring personal symptoms and making small adjustments can help individuals enjoy coffee without discomfort.     5     And what works for one person might not for another.

7 . Professor Zhang Liangren from the School of History at Nanjing University has found a unique and engaging way to transmit historical and archaeological knowledge to the public—through food vlogs. His approach, combining culinary (食物的) delights with fascinating historical insights, has taken China’s social media by storm, attracting a wide audience and gathering praise for its innovative method of storytelling.

Before digging into food vlogging, Professor Zhang Liangren usually dined at the school cafeteria or restaurants near his community. However, since he started making food vlogs in the summer of 2023, he has been exploring the world extensively, dining at a variety of restaurants that were previously unknown to him. Zhang Liangren frankly admits that he is far from being a qualified “foodie”: He enjoys good food, but has not yet reached the point of searching everywhere for it. What truly led him onto the path of a food vlogger was his passion for archaeology. While watching Zhang taste the food, viewers can listen to him explaining the historical stories behind the dishes. Although the food cannot be immediately tasted, the spiritual nourishment (营养) of archaeology has satisfied the taste buds (味蕾) of netizens, who have expressed their satisfaction.

Speaking of the situation at the beginning of filming, Zhang Liangren frankly admitted, “Because I rarely did these things before, I was quite uncomfortable in front of the camera at first. My Mandarin was not very good either, so my speech and movements were very awkward. But gradually, I got used to it, and overall, it’s much better than before.”

As for which places he prefers to visit for check-ins, Zhang Liangren states that he prefers shops with a certain level of fame, “It must be down-to-earth, the kind of place that caters to the common people.” He mentioned that he usually chooses small stands or shops with a long history and good reputation. Sometimes he also selects based on festivals, tasting the food while narrating the methods of preparation and the cultural significance behind the dishes.