From a morning cup to help wake up, to drinking several cups per day, many people enjoy drinking coffee. But sitting down to your daily cup of joe comes with potential side effects and risks, including stomach pain. Too much coffee can cause stomach pain and other digestive issues.
Whether you’re having a cup of instant, a barista-style cappuccino or espresso, the caffeine content is what makes coffee the stimulant it is. Drinking coffee can affect your stomach, but the actual severity of the side-effects depends on your own individual tolerance to the stimulant. If you’ve ever been kept awake at night after drinking a cup in the evening, then you should be aware that your body doesn’t always get along well with high doses of caffeine.
Coffee is an acidic drink, even when processed through a machine. Too much acidity in the stomach can cause acid reflux and heartburn. This means that when consumed regularly and in large quantities, coffee can irritate and weaken the stomach lining. The main cause of this is attributed to the amount of acidity in coffee, which can have a damaging effect.
While the amount of caffeine you need to experience stomach pain differs from person to person, it is typically recommended to limit caffeine consumption to no more than 400 milligrams each day, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
Consuming coffee can also have an effect on the body’s absorption of minerals and other essential nutrients. Drinking large amounts of coffee can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. For example, coffee consumption has been linked to reduced absorption of iron, zinc, and other micronutrients.
When it comes to coffee consumption and its impact on the digestive system, there can be risks depending on how your body tolerates the stimulant, caffeine. However, if consumed in moderation (up to two to three cups per day) there is no need to worry too much – as long as you remember to allow for breaks in between to ensure your stomach is not overly strained.
Aside from stomach-related issues, too much coffee can contribute to adrenal fatigue due to the cortisol-inducing property of caffeine. This can leave the drinker constantly fatigued and unable to focus on their tasks. The amount of time it takes to recover from this fatigue can take days, making it difficult to focus on anything in the meantime.
To protect your digestive health and maintain your energy levels, it’s important to stay in control of your coffee consumption and not go overboard. Everyone has different levels of tolerance to caffeine, so it is recommended to get to know your limits and to stick to them.
Mental Effects of Coffee
Coffee doesn’t just impact the body, it can also have a significant effect on your mental state. Caffeine is known to cause a “high,” which can result in anxiety, jitteriness and irritability. In large amounts, caffeine can cause difficulty sleeping. Most people are aware that coffee can keep them up at night and should be careful not to drink too much coffee late in the day, so that these effects can be avoided.
Large amounts of coffee can also lead to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased levels of stress hormones. All of these can lead to more irritability and, in the long run, can result in mental exhaustion. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to produce more urine, which can leave drinkers dehydrated and, in turn, more prone to mental illnesses.
While coffee can provide some cognitive benefits to those that drink it, too much of the stimulant can cause psychological issues as well as physical ones. It is important to evaluate your level of tolerance to caffeine before consuming too much of it.
Alternatives to Coffee
With all the potential risks associated with too much coffee, many people may choose to avoid it. Luckily, there are many alternative drinks available. Caffeine-free teas are a great option for those looking for a warm and comforting drink. Teas come in a wide variety of flavors and brands, most of which are naturally caffeine-free.
Another great alternative to coffee is matcha. Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from fine powder. Matcha powder provides all of the benefits of green tea without any of the added sugar found in many processed teas. It is also a great source of caffeine and can provide an energy boost without the potential risks associated with drinking too much coffee.
If you’re looking for a healthy, natural alternative to coffee, fruit-based drinks such as smoothies or juices are a great choice. Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and antioxidants, and fruit juices are a great source of energy. However, it is important to remember that some juices can contain large amounts of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Effects of Sugar in Coffee
For those who are heavily reliant on coffee, reducing their intake can be difficult. If drinking too much coffee is causing digestive issues, it may be time to consider alternative forms of caffeine such as herbal tea. Additionally, if you are using in large amounts of sugar, this could be exacerbating the stomach issues.
Not only does the overconsumption of sugar cause digestive issues, but it can also lead to weight gain and an overall lack of energy. For those that are experiencing stomach pain, it is recommended to reduce the amount of sugar in your coffee or switch to a sugar-free drink.
Overconsuming sugar in coffee can also lead to an increased risk of diabetes. It is important to note that, as with any other food or beverage, moderation is key. It is recommended to cut back on the amount of sugar in your coffee, or switch to a lower calorie option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Despite all of its drawbacks, coffee does come with some health benefits. Drinking a cup of coffee can help to improve alertness and focus, and can also provide a great boost of energy. It can even improve your mood with its natural antidepressant effect.
Coffee is full of antioxidants, which have been linked to potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Also, if you’re trying to lose weight, coffee can help to boost your metabolism, leading to faster calorie burning.
In small amounts, coffee can be beneficial to your health. But, it is important to remember to monitor your coffee consumption and not to overdo it. People with existing stomach issues should also be aware that excessive consumption of coffee can worsen these issues over time. Drinking coffee can also cause jitters, anxiety, and insomnia if not consumed sensibly.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee in Moderation
While reducing your coffee intake to moderation is important, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite drink altogether. If you’re finding that you’re having trouble reducing or limiting your coffee intake, here are some tips to help you do so safely:
- Drink decaf – since decaffeinated coffee contains little to no caffeine, it is a great option for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
- Drink coffee with meals – drinking coffee with food can help reduce the amount of acidity it has on the stomach
- Pick high-quality coffee – high-quality coffee is more likely to have a smoother taste, lower acidity, and fewer digestive side effects.
- Choose cold-brewed coffee – this method of brewing coffee doesn’t require boiling, so it is less acidic than traditional hot coffee.
- Drink herbal teas – there are many caffeine-free herbal teas available which are a great alternative to coffee.
Ultimately, it is important to find a balance between enjoying coffee and avoiding its potential stomach issues. If you are unsure whether or not coffee is causing problems, it may be best to talk to a doctor or nutritionist for advice.
