Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by an immune reaction to gluten in the diet-it can cause damage to the small intestine and lead to malabsorption of nutrients from food. In some cases, an intolerance to coffee can develop as a result of this disease-but is it safe for celiac to drink coffee?
Coffee can contain trace amounts of gluten and barley, which are known triggers for celiac disease, so it is important to understand potential risks before consuming the beverage. Additionally, many coffee flavors, creams, and syrups may contain gluten-containing ingredients, which could present a problem for celiacs.
Dr. Robyn Puglia, a gastroenterologist and medical director of Celia
Care, offered some insight on the topic. She explained, “Coffee is gluten-free when it is pure and not contaminated with other ingredients. Always check labels to make sure the coffee you are consuming is gluten-free.”
There are a few precautions to take if you are a celiac who drinks coffee. One way to be sure the coffee is safe is to buy certified gluten-free coffee beans or look for products from companies that have stringent testing processes to ensure their coffee is free from gluten.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid flavored coffees, as they often contain artificial flavors, which may include gluten-containing ingredients. Additionally, coffee bulk bins should be off-limits, as grain-based biomasses like wheat, barley and rye which can contaminate coffee beans, may also be stored in bulk bins.
Overall, for most celiacs, coffee should be safe as long as it does not contain any added ingredients. Celiacs should also be aware of cross-contamination from grains that contain gluten. Cross-contamination can occur if the coffee is processed in the same facility as other products containing gluten.
Coffee has a psychosomatic factor
Additionally, there may be a psychosomatic factor at play for many celiacs who are considering drinking coffee. Dr. Puglia explained, “There are some people with celiac disease that seem to have difficulty with coffee because it contains caffeine due to a psychosomatic effect- this is because coffee is known to induce symptoms that can be confused with those caused by gluten.”
In some cases, celiacs may believe they are having a reaction to coffee, when it is actually their body responding to the caffeine in the beverage. For this reason, it is important to differentiate between symptoms that may be caused by gluten and those that may be caused by caffeine.
Caffeine sensitivity is not the same as celiac disease, but it can mimic similar symptoms, including bloating, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. If you have celiac disease and experience these symptoms after drinking coffee, it is important to consider if the cause is gluten or a sensitivity to caffeine. The best way to determine this is to experiment with different types and quantities of coffee to see what works for you.
Alternative drinks for celiacs
While coffee can be a safe option for celiacs, there are many other beverages that can be enjoyed, such as herbal teas, chicories and herbal coffee. Additionally, there are many gluten-free alternatives to beer and wine, such as gluten-free hard cider, sorghum and meads.
For those with celiac disease who want to still enjoy a hot beverage, oat milk lattes, chai and mate tea can be tasty and gluten-free alternatives. Oatly oat milk is lactose and dairy-free, and has no gluten-containing grains. Additionally, there are many other tasty and healthy non-dairy alternatives, such as almond and coconut milk-based beverages.
Overall, it is important to be mindful of any symptoms that may arise after drinking coffee and to experiment with different types and quantities of the beverage to find what works for you. Additionally, there are many other gluten-free beverages that can be enjoyed to replace coffee.
Different forms of coffee for celiacs
When it comes to finding a safe form of coffee for celiacs, there are many options. For starters, you can buy certified gluten-free coffee beans, or look for products from companies that have strict testing procedures to ensure their coffee is gluten-free.
You can also opt for freshly ground coffee beans, rather than pre-ground, to ensure there are no traces of gluten. Another option is to invest in a good quality coffee maker with a built-in grinder-this will ensure the coffee beans are fresh and free of any cross contamination.
Cold brew coffee is also a great option for celiacs, as the coffee grounds are soaked in cold water overnight, which eliminates the risk of gluten contamination. Additionally, many specialty coffee shops offer a range of gluten-free coffee drinks, such as almond milk lattes, cold brews and iced coffees.
Finally, instant coffee is a convenient and gluten-free option for celiacs, as it doesn’t contain any added ingredients. That being said, some instant coffee brands may use flavorings or other additives, so it is important to check the label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
Supplements for Coffee Intake
In addition to being mindful of the form of coffee consumed, there are also other supplements that can be taken to reduce the risk of any potential gluten contamination. For example, probiotics can help to maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce any potential medical issues related to gluten intolerance.
Additionally, digestive enzymes can also help to break down any gluten in the diet. In particular, Gluten Digester is a supplement that is designed to break down gluten proteins in the digestive system, thus reducing the risk of a reaction in people with celiac disease.
Apart from probiotics and digestive enzymes, it is also important to consume a well-balanced diet that is low in processed foods and high in fiber. This will ensure you get all the nutrients you need and reduce the risk of any gluten contamination.
Finally, it is important to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, as they can provide you with the most up-to-date information and advise on any dietary restrictions.
Awareness & Advocacy
Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking coffee for those with celiac disease. Additionally, there are many advocacy and awareness initiatives to help raise awareness of the condition and provide support to those living with it.
Celia Care is one example of an organization that is dedicated to helping those with celiac disease. They provide information, support and resources for those affected by the condition. They also offer an online community for those looking for support and advice.
Additionally, Celiac Disease Foundation is an organization that works to raise awareness and support research initiatives in the field of celiac disease. They also offer education and support programs, as well as resources to help those with celiac.
Finally, Celiac Disease Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder to bring attention to celiac disease and its associated challenges. Every May, organizations and individuals work together to raise awareness, share educational resources and provide support to those living with the condition.
