The stomach flu is an infectious disease that leaves a person feeling nauseous and uncomfortable. Suffering from this has its own natural remedies, though one of the most popular ones is drinking coffee. While many think that any time is the right time to indulge in this dark brewed liquid, health experts warn against using it too soon after a stomach flu.
Caffeine works to stimulate the digestive system, it does so by helping to move the food you eat down your gastrointestinal tract faster. This means for sufferers of the stomach flu, it can worsen the issue due to an already irritated digestive tract. Caffeine also activates certain anxiety and stressors which can also make an already uncomfortable feeling worse.
It is suggested that anyone with a stomach flu should abstain from drinking coffee for at least three days after symptoms start. When you do finally introduce the beverage back into your diet, sipping it slowly is the best way to do it. Start with small amounts and increase it gradually.
Time isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding when to drink coffee. The type of stomach flu may also have an effect on the situation, as some infections can be more severe. It is also worth noting that you should eat light, healthy meals during this time period.
Doctor Jafouad Samir, an infectious diseases specialist, suggests in the event you have a more serious form of the stomach flu, to wait a week before drinking coffee and then introduce it gradually. He urges to not drink coffee on an empty stomach and to pay close attention to how your body reacts after drinking it.
It is important to remember that everyone’s bodies react differently. Therefore, one should be mindful of how their body is feeling and how it reacts to certain foods. If you start to feel worse after consuming coffee, then you should hold off for a bit longer and then check in with your doctor.
Being mindful of how food, beverages and our bodies, affects digestive health should always be at the forefront of our minds. While coffee can be a pleasant treat, it might not be the right thing for our bodies depending on the situation.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Drinking too much coffee and then reintroducing it to your diet after a stomach flu can lead to caffeine sensitivity. This can happen when a person takes in more caffeine than the body can handle, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and a racing heart.
If you notice newfound sensitivity after drinking coffee, the best thing to do is to take a break from the beverage altogether. It can take up to a few weeks for the system to adjust back to usual.
It also could be necessary to introduce coffee back into your diet bit by bit. Start with a few sips and increase gradually until you reach a comfortable level. You can also opt for decaf or caffeine-free drinks if that works for you.
Doctor Samir emphasizes one should be careful about the timing and amount when it comes to drinking coffee. If you weren’t a coffee drinker before and start drinking it after the stomach flu, it is best to introduce it in small amounts and take it slow from there.
What Should I Do If I Have a Stomach Ache?
If you find yourself having stomach pains after drinking coffee, instead of continuing to drink it, it’s best to stop and seek medical advice immediately. Doctors suggest taking some antacid or over-the-counter medications. It’s also important to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Your doctor may also recommend eliminating certain foods from your diet until the issue is resolved, such as dairy, spicy foods and alcohol. A bland diet of fruits, veggies, and water will be quite helpful to aid digestion.
How can I monitor My Coffee Consumption?
Monitoring your coffee consumption is still important, even after you are given the all clear by your doctor. While coffee can provide some health benefits, it is also important to keep in mind its possible side effects, like insomnia, headaches and heartburn.
In general, it is recommended to not consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day. This translates to 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day. The number will differ from person to person due to different body weights, so make sure to monitor how much coffee you are drinking.
Alternatives to Coffee
If you choose to remain abstinent from coffee for an extended period of time, there are still lots of ways to get your energy fix. Head to your local health food store and look for caffeinated teas, energy drinks, and other alternatives.
Some of these beverages may also provide health benefits due to the added vitamins and minerals, as well as other immune-boosting options. Health professionals also urge to stay away from energy drinks that include high amounts of sugar and additives – which can be especially harmful to people with weakened immune systems.
When Can I Start Drinking Coffee Again?
In general, health professionals suggest waiting at least three days to a week after experiencing the symptoms of the stomach flu before having coffee. One should always pay close attention to their body and how it is reacting. Gradually increasing the amount of coffee consumed is still important, as it helps build a tolerance to it. If sensitivity occurs, one should take a break from it for a few weeks until their body is adjusted to the substance.
