Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and can be consumed both for its energizing properties or for its flavor. It is no surprise, then, that so many of us often turn to this caffeinated beverage for its beloved effects. However, for some people, coffee can cause physical discomfort, such as nausea, a racing heart and even vomiting. So can drinking coffee make you feel sick?
The thought of coffee making you sick may be a surprise to some, as this cognitively stimulating beverage is seen as revitalizing and healthy. The possible cause of feeling sick after drinking coffee actually lies in the stimulant that the coffee contains. Caffeine is a psychostimulant and increases the levels of some neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. This can have a range of effects on people including helping to fight fatigue, increasing concentration and providing a feeling of alertness. This stimulation however, when consumed in high doses, may lead to what is known as ‘caffeinism’ – a set of symptoms experienced when drinking large doses of coffee. Symptoms may include nervousness, restlessness, insomnia or feeling ‘edgy’. Overconsumption of coffee can therefore lead to coffee-induced nausea.
Psychophysiological Factors
Psychophysiological factors may also contribute to how drinking coffee makes certain people feel unwell. Caffeine functions as a stimulant for the whole body, and as a result, can lead people to tense up and experience anxiety. This process can be exacerbated for those who are prone to anxiety, as the stimulating effects of caffeine can heighten the symptoms of this condition. This can ultimately lead to nausea or even vomiting.
Studies have also shown that those with higher levels of anxiety experienced more symptoms of ‘caffeinism’ – the main symptom being nausea – after drinking a moderate dose of coffee, than those with low levels of anxiety. This further supports the argument that those susceptible to anxiety can more easily experience the adverse effects of drinking coffee, such as feeling sick.
Individual Reactions
It is important to note that since everyone is different, and processes caffeine differently, it is individual reactions which will ultimately determine how one feels after consuming coffee. In many cases, some people may find drinking coffee to be beneficial and not experience any adverse effects. Another individual, however, may find the same cup of coffee to make them feel sick.
Those who are particularly stressed or emotional may be more susceptible the nauseating effects of drinking too much coffee; whereas those who are in high-alert such as athletes or students may need more coffee in order to experience the cognitive enhancing effects.
Health Concerns
Although there is no definitive answer as to how coffee may make certain individuals feel sick, there are still health considerations to take into account when drinking this beverage. While moderate coffee drinking is considered to be safe and have a range of health benefits, drinking too much coffee can become dangerous.
Caffeine is known to be a diuretic which can lead to dehydration if not kept in check. This means that caffeine intake should be monitored, especially in hot or active situations, which may put further strain on the body. Furthermore, too much caffeine can overload the nervous system leading to agitation and even panic attacks.
Caffeine Intolerance
Caffeine intolerance is another factor to consider when thinking about how drinking coffee can make us unwell. This particular condition affects the body’s capacity to metabolize caffeine and results in adverse reactions. People with caffeine intolerance may experience digestive problems, sleeping issues, as well as headaches or anxious feelings.
Symptoms of caffeine intolerance may also include stomach pain, diarrhea and nausea, especially after drinking coffee. Although there is no evidence that suggests that it is impossible to drink coffee with this condition, it is advised to consume smaller amounts of the beverage.
Effects of Coffee Withdrawal
If someone is used to having several cups of coffee every day, abruptly giving it up can also lead to feeling sick. This happens as individuals draw from their diminished caffeine reserves and their bodies hormone levels become unstable. Irritability, headaches and nausea can all be caused by coffee withdrawal and those affected should approach reducing their intake gradually.
Coffee can also affect the stomach directly. Coffee can slow down the movement of food from the stomach into the intestine. This can make people feel full or even nauseous. Furthermore, some people may be sensitive to acids contained in coffee beans and as a result, may develop acid reflux or other digestive problems.
The Role of Dietary Habits
When discussing how coffee makes us feel unwell, it is also important to mention diet. As coffee can be quite acidic, it is important to always consume it alongside food, particularly if taken in large amounts. Eating food with coffee helps to counteract the acidity and reduce gastrointestinal distress.
It is also advisable to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach, as it can further irritate or increase the risk of acid reflux.In addition, it is important to make sure you drink plenty of other fluids apart from coffee to ensure adequate hydration.
Healthy Habits for Coffee Consumption
If you are anxious about how drinking coffee affects you, it can be helpful to incorporate some healthy habits into your coffee drinking routine. For one, it is advised to only drink water between cups of coffee and not to exceed a maximum of two to three coffees a day. Secondly, it is useful to keep track of how much caffeine one is consuming, as this can help to monitor one’s intake.
Furthermore, never drink coffee on an empty stomach – always consume it alongside food, as this can help to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Lastly, it is important to ensure you drink other fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
Impacts on Psychological Health
Due to its stimulating effects, caffeine not only has an impact on the physical body, but also on one’s psychological health. Caffeine has been linked with increasing levels of adrenaline – the hormone related to anxiety – and can result in anxious or jittery feelings. As previously mentioned, this may be especially useful for athletes or for those studying for exams, but it is also important to remember this can become an issue if too much caffeine is consumed.
All in all, the effects of coffee consumption are subjective and individual’s responses to coffee may vary significantly. As the potentials for adverse effects of drinking coffee exist, it important to recognize one’s individual needs and know how to drink coffee responsibly without putting one’s health in danger.
Role of Genetics in Caffeine Intolerance
In order to understand the role of genetics in caffeine intolerance, one needs to understand that every person’s body has different genetic makeup that can respond differently to various substances. As such, some people may not be able to metabolize caffeine as well as others, and this inability to process caffeine can result in several adverse health effects, such as nausea.
It is now known that some individuals carry genetic variants that influence their individual response to caffeine. Variations in several genes, such as CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2E1 and other specific genes, can lead to different reactions to coffee. Involvement of these genes in caffeine metabolism can lead to higher levels of caffeine in the body and can manifest a range of physical reactions. As a result, some people may be more prone to feeling nauseous after drinking coffee than other individuals.
The Effects of Coffee on Sleep Quality
Caffeine is known to have a stimulating effect on our bodies, and as a result, it can disrupt our sleeping patterns by making it easier to stay awake, but more difficult to actually fall asleep. Therefore, it is advised that one should try to consume their last cup of coffee several hours before going to bed. This is because caffeine takes about 6 hours to completely leave our systems.
On the other hand, if one does not adjust to a regular daily caffeine intake, it is possible to become more sensitive to certain doses of caffeine and experience caffeine-induced insomnia. Therefore, it may be necessary for certain individuals to reduce their overall caffeine intake, or eliminate coffee altogether, to ensure better quality sleep.
Effects on the Cardiovascular System
It is well known that caffeine can have stimulatory effects on our cardiovascular system, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and more. It can also produce these effects more strongly in certain individuals than in others, depending on their genetic makeup and health conditions.
As a workaround, individuals can start by drinking smaller amounts of coffee, as this can allow them to adapt to the effects of caffeine before going on to consume larger doses. Also, drinking more water between each cup of coffee can also help to prevent any dehydration or digestive problems caused by caffeine.
Strategies to Reduce Caffeine Intake
If one is feeling ill after drinking coffee, it could be beneficial to reduce their caffeine intake and even substitute coffee with other beverages. For example, one could choose to switch to decaffeinated coffee or other stimulating beverages such as tea or matcha.
Another strategy to reduce caffeine intake is to switch from regular coffee to an alternative such as a turmeric latte or a golden milk. These types of coffee replacement drinks, not only provide a wide variety of flavors, but also provide additional nutrients. On the other hand, it is possible to start reducing one’s caffeine intake by cutting back on their coffee consumption in relation to their normal daily routine.
Conclusion
It is important to be mindful of how coffee affects us and to know one’s individual limits when it comes to consuming this popular beverage. Although coffee can be an excellent source of energy, it is important to keep an eye on one’s caffeine intake, as too much coffee can have adverse effects, such as feeling sick, nausea and even leading to fatigue.
Therefore, it is important to consider the individual’s reaction to coffee and the potential for adverse effects when drinking it. It is important to remain aware of one’s individual needs and to make sure to maintain healthy habits when it comes to consuming coffee. Furthermore, it is wise to be aware of options alternatives to coffee in the case of feeling unwell.
