Health Effects of Coffee
Coffee is an energizing beverage, boasting many nutrients and health benefits. Caffeine, the primary ingredient, stimulates the central nervous system, enhances alertness and improves mood. But it is also a diuretic, meaning it can affect the formation of your stools and potentially result in diarrhea.
Regular coffee drinkers should be mindful of the impact that coffee can have on their gastrointestinal health. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, coffee can stimulate “gastric acid secretion and gastrin release, which can cause gastric irritation, restlessness and an overproduction of stomach acid.” In other words, coffee can lead to indigestion and potentially cause diarrhea.
Dehydration
Not all aspects of coffee have negative side-effects. Depending on the roast, certain qualities of the coffee grounds can provide the body with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Despite the primary flavor, the majority of coffee beans contain micronutrients, including magnesium, that can be beneficial to the digestive system. The University of Oxford identifies magnesium as a micronutrient responsible for “maintaining cell integrity in the colon.”
In moderation, coffee can provide several health benefits. But drinking too much may cause a decrease in hydration levels, which canlead to dehydration and a laxative effect. According to the Royal College of Physicians, coffee increases urine production in addition to stool volume. Taken to extremes, this may lead to chronic dehydration, which can be an underlying cause of diarrhea.
Coffee Intolerance
Coffee consumption does not agree with everyone; some individuals may experience adverse effects, including diarrhea when drinking coffee. While moderate consumption of coffee has been linked to positive health benefits, it can be hard for some people to digest. According to Cleveland Clinic, coffee contains an array of compounds, some of which may cause an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from a mild irritation, to more serious and potentially life-threatening reactions in those who have an intolerance or an allergy.
Drug Interactions
Medications or supplements and coffee can interact with one another, possibly leading to an increase in the risk of diarrhoea. A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology states that “pharmacokinetic interactions between coffee and drugs may vary depending on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug, the individual’s ability to metabolize caffeine, and the amount and the pattern of coffee ingestion.”
Therefore, those taking medication should consult a health care provider to determine if coffee consumption may lead to any significant side effects.
Stomach Disorders
Coffee consumption has also been linked to gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to The American Journal of Gastroenterology, people with IBS may be sensitive to coffee consumption and experience more abdominal pain and increased urgency associated with IBS symptoms. They may also be more likely to experience episodes of diarrhea after drinking coffee.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Caffeine is found in many health supplements, energy drinks, and medications, and some individuals are more highly sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. Therefore, it is important to assess whether your personal caffeine sensitivity may raise the risk of diarrhea.
Areas of study by National Center for Health Research note that people with a higher sensitivity to caffeine experience physical or psychological symptoms after drinking just a small amount of coffee. These symptoms can include diarrhoea, poor concentration, headaches, and anxiety. Therefore, those with partial caffeine sensitivity need to be mindful that drinking coffee may exacerbate the risk of diarrhea.
Alternatives to Coffee
If diarrhea is a recurrent issue following coffee consumption, then consider switching to an alternative drink that is caffeine-free or contains decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated tea is one such example. According to the University of California, decaf tea still contains antioxidants, but has a much lower caffeine content than coffee.
In combination with science-based nutritional advice, decaf tea can also benefit your health. Other alternatives include chamomile tea and green tea. The former can relax the body and reduce abdominal discomfort, while the latter offers anti-inflammatory potential. It is important to maintain adequate hydration levels, which can be achieved through drinking water, decaffeinated herbal tea, milk and fruit juice.
Caffeine Headaches
Caffeine headaches are a common side effect of overconsumption of coffee, but they don’t necessarily lead to diarrhea. Caffeinated products can cause the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. This combination of physical symptoms can result in headaches, nausea and even vomiting.
Caffeine headaches can also occur due to withdrawal from the stimulant. Withdrawal symptoms can occur as soon as six hours after caffeine consumption stops. The body may experience physical and psychological stress, which can lead to headaches, fatigue and even depression.
Coffee and Stress
Coffee can increase the body’s production of stress hormones, leading to elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline. In turn, this can cause muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. A study published in the Journal Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology indicates that “chronic stress has been associated with IBS symptoms such as diarrhoea.”
Psychological stress can be combated with alternative lifestyle measures including positive thinking, exercise, sleep and proper nutrition. In combination with regular bouts of physical activity, coffee consumption in moderation can be beneficial for some individuals.
Habit Formation
It is easy to form unhealthy habits when drinking coffee. Consuming too much can result in numerous side effects, including headaches and potentially diarrhea. Behavioral Health offered the advice to “be mindful of over-consuming coffee in order to achieve other goals like weight loss, workout endurance, or productivity.”
When monitoring coffee intake, keep this general rule in mind: If you haven’t had a drink in the past six hours, then it is best to keep your tolerance in check by avoiding an additional cup.
Increased Gastric Acidity
High doses of caffeine can lead to a decrease in pH levels in the stomach, which can have a laxative effect. Some studies suggest that excess caffeine consumption can lead to an imbalance in electrolyte concentrations, resulting in an increase in gastric acidity, which can lead to discomfort and potentially diarrhea.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can be an underlying factor to consider when combating diarrhea. A healthy, balanced diet should include foods rich in nutrients and vitamins. Iron, for example, is an important mineral needed for the absorption of nutrients. According to the study published in the journal Gastroenterology & Hepatology, iron deficiency can cause an alteration in the microbiota of the gut, leading to subsequent health issues such as diarrhea.
Effects on the Liver
Coffee consumption can affect the liver and its processes. Too much includes the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that high consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages can result in impaired liver function, increasing the risk of diarrhea. Furthermore, caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of developing other medical conditions linked to poor liver health.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming caffeine can all have negative consequences on your digestive system. Moderate coffee consumption is generally safe and can be beneficial, however everyone is an individual and reactions to the beverage vary. If a significant amount of coffee is consumed in a short period of time, it is likely to result in discomfort, in some cases this may be accompanied by diarrhea.
Therefore, it is always worth considering the impact of lifestyle choices and their potential effects on your health. When making adjustments to diet and lifestyle habits, remember that small changes can make a big difference. And if you experience recurrent incidents of diarrhea, then it is always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
