Coffee is one of the wide-spread and popular beverages worldwide. Many coffee-lovers enjoy its stimulating effects everyday without knowing that it can lead to various health problems. One of these problems is gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. Let us explore the connection between drinking coffee and gastritis in more detail.
To start with, regular coffee drinkers are more likely to suffer from gastritis than non-coffee drinkers. According to medical studies, caffeine intake correlates with the frequency and severity of the symptoms associated with gastritis. The combination of caffeine and high acidity of coffee supposedly cause alterations in the functioning of the stomach, resulting in episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn.
Moreover, coffee contributes to dehydration, as it forces the body to excrete large amounts of water – almost as much water as coffee drinkers consume. Dehydration might cause a very common gastritis symptom – nausea. Furthermore, it has been claimed that coffee increases the amount of stomach acid, although scientific evidence for this assertion is quite weak.
At the same time, coffee has some positive impact on one’s health, as it is a rich source of antioxidants. It also increases one’s alertness, reduces stress, and improves mood and concentration. All these effects nature it a popular non-alcoholic beverage… and despite the belief that regular consumption of coffee leads to gastritis, the evidence for it being true is inconclusive.
Whether or not drinking coffee can cause gastritis, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and to pay a visit to the doctor when they appear. They include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and heartburn. Although some cases of gastritis can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines, if the symptoms last longer than two weeks, professional medical attention is required.
On the other hand, some lifestyle changes can be beneficial to those suffering from gastritis. Firstly, it is important to modify one’s diet. Avoid eating spicy and fatty foods, large meals, and alcohol as they may increase the symptoms. Fibrous foods are also recommended as they help soothe the affected area. Secondly, healthy habits such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing stress, can also help lessen the symptoms.
Acidity of Coffee
Acidity of coffee is one of the major factors that play a role in the development of gastritis. The higher the acidity level of the coffee, the higher the risk of gastritis. As it is known, some roasts of coffee, such as dark roast, have lower levels of acidity than others, like light roast. Therefore, switching to a lighter roast may help to reduce the risk of gastritis.
Moreover, certain brewing methods can also be beneficial, as they eliminate most of the acidic content from the coffee. For example, when using the cold brew method, the resulting beverage has a higher pH level and less acidity than regular brewed coffee. Not to mention, it also tastes less acidic.
Dangers of Excess Intake
It is not only the acidity of coffee that can influence the development of gastritis. Excessive consumption of coffee can also be dangerous. For example, a study from 2013 showed that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day increases the risk of developing gastritis. On the other hand, drinking up to four cups of coffee daily did not appear to increase this risk.
In light of these findings, it is important to moderate one’s intake of coffee. The effects of drinking caffeine beverages need to be taken into consideration when it comes to gastritis. Although some studies suggest that coffee has protective effects against gastritis, those benefits could be overshadowed if one drinks large amounts of coffee.
Managing Symptoms at Home
Although professional medical help is recommended for gastritis, it is possible to manage the symptoms at home as well. Firstly, using over-the-counter antacids can help to relieve the symptoms. Secondly, certain herbal teas such as chamomile and licorice root teawhich have protective and soothing effects on the stomach, can also be beneficial.
It is also suggested that drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to stay hydrated and reduce the chances of vomiting and nausea. Lastly, warm baths and ample rest can also be helpful in managing gastritis symptoms.
Role of Probiotics
Probiotics are live organisms with beneficial properties that can be found in some foods, or they can be taken as dietary supplements. According to recent studies, probiotics can help heal gastritis by regulating the pH level in the stomach. Moreover, they are believed to have a positive effect on the immune system, allowing it to fight bacteria that can cause gastritis.
In any case, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting a probiotics regimen. Some people may be more inclined to certain side effects of probiotics, so it is important to be aware of them in order to avoid any potential negative consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking coffee can cause gastritis if excessive amounts are consumed. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and to visit the doctor when they appear. Moreover, it is also beneficial to modify one’s diet, exercise regularly and reduce stress in order to minimize the symptoms. Finally, probiotics can be used in cases of gastritis even though doctor’s consultation is necessary.
