Overview
Most of us have heard tales of people drinking coffee to settle their upset stomach, but is this healthy and advisable for everyone? The answer may depend on the cause and severity of your discomfort, as well as your overall health. Many experts now recommend avoiding coffee during times of upset or unsettled stomach. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential risks and benefits of drinking coffee while experiencing an upset stomach and provide helpful advice on whether or not it’s a good idea.
What Causes an Upset Stomach?
An upset stomach is an umbrella term that may describe many different issues, including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and several other conditions. The cause of the upset stomach can be a medical emergency or other medical condition, such as gastrointestinal tract infection. It can also be due to dietary issues, such as consuming too much caffeine or too much sugar, or other external factors like stress.
Caffeine and Stomach Acid
Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can affect digestion. Caffeine can speed up the rate of digestion and put the digestive system in overdrive. At the same time, caffeine can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can lead to indigestion and disgorgement. Additionally, coffee is an acidic drink by nature, which can further irritate an already-upset stomach.
What the Experts Say
A consensus of medical experts agrees that it’s generally best to avoid coffee if you are experiencing an upset stomach. Even if you’re not sure of the exact cause, the caffeinated beverage can still cause added exasperation. Instead, it’s recommended that you drink herbal tea or warm lemon water since they are gentle on the stomach and have milder effects on the digestive system.
Over-the-Counter Options
If you choose to take over-the-counter medication for an upset stomach, then you should avoid coffee until the medication is finished. The safest bet is to read all directions on the package and avoid any foods, beverages, or other substances that are listed as potential interactions. Additionally, you should avoid coffee after the completion of any medication cycle to ensure that all substances have been expelled from the body before drinking coffee.
Other Common Precautions
It’s usually best to avoid caffeinated beverages altogether while you are experiencing an upset stomach. Aside from coffee, you should also avoid energy drinks, soda, and any other drinks or food with caffeine or other stimulants. Also, it’s best to avoid any alcoholic beverages, since they can cause dehydration, worsen symptoms, and increase the risk of acid reflux.
The Bottom Line
Drinking coffee while experiencing an upset stomach can potentially worsen the symptoms and is likely to make you feel worse. If you are struggling with an upset stomach, your best bet is to drink something soothing and drink plenty of water. Avoid coffee and any other foods, beverages, or medications that can worsen symptoms until your stomach is feeling better.
Additional Tips to Consider
If you experience an upset stomach, there are some other tips and strategies you can try in order to find relief. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals and avoiding certain trigger foods, such as dairy and greasy foods, can help. Additionally, avoiding overly processed foods can be beneficial, as well as limiting your intake of sugar and caffeine. Proper hydration is essential for digestion, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Ginger and Turmeric to the Rescue
Ginger and turmeric are both potent anti-inflammatory agents that can help relieve symptoms of an upset stomach. Both spices can be added to food and drinks, as well as taken in capsule form as a supplement. Additionally, if it’s a particularly bad episode of upset stomach, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Gut Health Is Key
Taking steps to improve gut health is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Try to include plenty of probiotic-rich foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, in your diet. Additionally, consuming prebiotic foods, such as oats and bananas, can also help to keep your gut bacteria healthy and provide relief from an upset stomach.
Relaxation and Stress Management
Stress and anxiety can both contribute to episodes of an upset stomach, so it’s important to manage your stress levels. Try taking some deep breaths and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes, or try stretching your body for relief. Additionally, practicing yoga or meditating can be particularly beneficial for reducing stress and restoring calm in the body.
Avoiding Stimulants
Aside from avoiding coffee, it’s also important to reduce your intake of other stimulants, such as nicotine and drugs. Anything that stimulates the release of adrenaline in the body can make upset stomachs worse. Therefore, if you find yourself experiencing an episode of upset stomach, it’s best to stop consuming all stimulants until the symptoms have passed.
Exercise and Sleep
Exercise and quality sleep will help to improve digestion and reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Regular exercise helps to stimulate the digestive system, while quality sleep helps to relaxed the body and create a sense of balance in the body. Try to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily lifestyle and make sure you’re getting adequate sleep at night.
