The Pain Of Drinking Coffee
Coffee drinking is beloved, with caffeine being the go-to stimulant when needing an energy boost to get through the day. Unfortunately, for some, the ritual of coffee drinking can come with a hefty dose of pain in the form of stomach issues. It’s no surprise that caffeine can come with some side-effects, with many experiencing cramps, indigestion or nausea -all of which are especially unappealing in the early hours.
Just what is it about coffee that causes this? GI experts attribute the cause of tummy-issues to the acidic nature of coffee, which can irritate the stomach lining, as well as its strong diuretic effects which can cause increased urination As a result of this, the body can become dehydrated.
If you love coffee, but its side effects cause you significant discomfort, there are some easy precautions that can be taken. Firstly, pay attention to how much caffeine you’re consuming – around two to three cups per day is advised as that’s the amount your body is likely to be comfortable with. Additionally, it can be beneficial to add foods like oat milk, nut milks or dairy to dilute the acid content.
Coffee Alternatives
If reducing your coffee intake is not an option, then there are coffee alternatives that may be more easily tolerated. Recent years have seen the rise of coffee substitutes, with chicory coffee, dandelion root coffee, coffeeberry coffee and grain coffee being amongst the most popular.
Chicory root coffee is a beverage brewed from ground roasted chicory root that is said to provide an earthy and slightly nutty flavor. It has been found to contain properties that may sooth an irritated stomach. And although grain coffee doesn’t contain caffeine, it has a complimentary flavor that many people find favorable.
Another option is caffeine-free herbal teas, such as ginger tea or peppermint. These have the added benefit of being naturally caffeine-free and settle well with those who have particularly sensitive stomachs.
The Benefits Of Coffee
If you love coffee too much to abandon it, then there are many health benefits which shouldn’t be overlooked. Coffee has been found to be filled with antioxidants, which can decrease inflammation and can reduce the risks of developing diabetes and heart disease.
Additionally, caffeinated coffee has many cognitive benefits. Studies have found that drinking coffee can improve mental alertness and clarity, focus, and intensity of concentration. And in an age where mental health issues are on the rise, coffee can help to relieve some of the symptoms of depression and even improve energy levels.
The Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
If hot coffee isn’t sitting well with your stomach, there’s another option on the rise – cold brew coffee – which may be an easier option on the tummy. The cold water process results in a much less acidic drink – just 65% of the acidity of regular hot coffee. As a result, people who have difficulty with the acidity of regular coffee may find that cold brew is much kinder on their stomachs.
For those who don’t love the taste of cold brew, adding a little bit of regular hot coffee can work to alter the flavor and make it slightly less acidic. Additionally, giving it a bit of an ice cream float-style effect is currently a popular trend, with creamy milks, creams, and honey being a favorite combination.
Mindful Drinking
Whenever you’re ingesting anything, it is wise to be mindful of how much you are consuming. Drinking coffee can be a good habit, but drinking too much of anything regularly can mean that, although it serves its purpose, the long-term pros may not outweigh the short-term comforts.
So the best plan, when it comes to minimizing the pain points of excessive coffee consumption, is of course to practice moderation. Labeling that large cup of coffee as a “treat” might be helpful in understanding it’s not something that should be overindulged in on a daily basis, as this will most likely aid in maintaining digestive health.
Natural Supplements
Intestinal flora and enzyme supplements are another helpful tool when it comes to reducing stomach pain caused by coffee drinking. Probiotics are great for helping to restore good bacteria in the gut when it has been disrupted due to over-consumption of acidic foods or drinks, while essential enzymes and probiotics have been found to have positive results on digestion, absorption and gut health in general. Both of which are now readily available in health stores or online.
Taking a multivitamin or a digestive formula is also a great way to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs from those coffee beverages. These have been known to sate acid reflux and support healthy digestion during coffee overload -all of which sounds tempting for those in the caffeine camp.
Digestive Teas
Another natural option would be to try to drink a cup of soothing herbal tea before or after your coffee. Peppermint, ginger, camomile and fennel are also great for providing relief from indigestion and nausea when episodes of coffee overload occur. Other digestive teas, such as slippery elm, dandelion root and lemon balm tea are also known to be able to repair the stomach lining and reduce the acidic nature of coffee.
Stress Reduction
Finally, let’s not forget the importance of managing stress levels. Stress can be a major contributor to indigestion and a very real cause for coffee overdose. So it’s important to make time for self-care and relaxation techniques to reduce the risk of coffee-related stomach distress. Simple activities such as gentle yoga, meditation, walking in nature – can all help to reduce stress levels – and make coffee drinking a more pleasant experience.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee can be a pleasurable experience, but for some their stomachs don’t always agree. If coffee-induced stomach pain is something that you experience, then there are plenty of options available to help reduce the discomfort. From considering less acidic alternatives, to natural supplements, to mindful drinking and stress-reduction – you will soon find the one that works best for you.
