Coffee is the beverage of choice for many in the morning and throughout the day. It is well-known that caffeine can have some powerful impacts on the human body, but can drinking too much cause stomach pains?
Drinking too much coffee can result in several physical and psychological drawbacks, including abdominal pain and indigestion. For example, a 2019 study published in Gut exploring the role of caffeine found that some participants felt abdominal pain after regularly consuming caffeinated beverages.
Experts suggest limiting caffeine consumption to 200mg per day – the equivalent to two or three 8-ounce cups of coffee. Consuming more than that can make people more prone to experience digestive issues.
“Drinking too much coffee can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” explains nutritionist Christina Boufos. “These can all be signs that the body is experiencing too much caffeine, which can be difficult for the digestive system to process.”
Moreover, people with underlying gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), should be even more cautious of caffeinated drinks as they may exacerbate existing symptoms. It is not uncommon for an IBS patient to experience cramping, severe stomach pain and bloating, sometimes for several days, after consuming coffee in excessive amounts.
The best way to avoid caffeine-induced digestive issues is to stick to moderate amounts of the drink. If people find themselves reaching for the coffee pot multiple times a day and experience continued abdominal pain, they should consider consulting with a healthcare provider.
Impact on Metabolism
In addition to abdominal pain, coffee may also have an effect on metabolism. A study by Science Direct found that coffee can boost metabolism in short-term, but long-term consumption can create health risks due to the way caffeine impacts the body.
Dr. Tim Greiling, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, notes, “Although caffeine stimulates your metabolism in the short term, at higher doses it can create health risks such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia and even irregular heart rhythms.”
If people are looking for a natural way to boost their metabolism and achieve weight loss, coffee should be used sparingly and incorporated into a diet full of healthy and balanced meals. Truly reaping the benefits, such as reduced fatigue and improved metabolism, likely requires moderate, regular doses distributed throughout the day, says dietitian Courtney Rosen.
“If you’re going to use coffee, I would recommend two to three cups a day, considering the amount of caffeine being consumed and spread out over the course of the day. That’s a great way to get the benefits without the risks,” says Rosen.
Environmental Impact
Coffee is a popular beverage, so there must be a corresponding life cycle to ensure the sustainability of the production process. The ethical, social and environmental commitment of coffee companies is under greater scrutiny today, with both producers and consumers seeking to do the right thing with their coffee purchases.
For instance, the sourcing of coffee beans should be done in an ethical manner, from sustainable and fair production settlements. The production of coffee and its derivatives also needs to adhere to ethical practices, offering quality jobs and salaries to workers.
Organizations such as Fair Trade USA are actively striving for businesses to adhere to a sustainable business model and produce coffee that is ethically grown and traded. Additionally, the packaging of the coffee should be done in an environmentally safe manner.
Finally, the industrial footprint that coffee production has on the environment is well-known. In other words, the agricultural sector contributes to global emissions of carbon dioxide. To combat this, sustainable farming practices should be inculcated, such as organic farming, which can stimulate soil growth as well as help retain water.
Conclusion
Like most things in life, moderation is key when it comes to drinking coffee. It can offer many health benefits and give people the boost of energy they need at certain times of the day if taken in moderation. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with overconsumption and to ensure that any coffee ingested is produced with social and environmental responsibility.
Informed Drinking Decisions
Making informed drinking decisions is the key to getting the most out of drinking coffee. Talk to a doctor or read up on the scientific studies to gain a better understanding of how much caffeine is safe for people to consume and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Drinking coffee can help provide additional energy, but it if taken to excess can become problematic. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of caffeine consumption and excessive consumption, such as jitteriness, stomach pains, headaches, and other issues. Keeping an eye out for these symptoms will help people make sure that their coffee drinks are not causing them undue harm.
In sum, drinking coffee can make a person’s day, but moderation is a must. Making informed decisions about how and how much coffee to drink will go a long way towards optimizing physical and mental health.
Mental Health Benefits of Cofee
Coffee can also supply mental health benefits, in addition to its physical effects. For starters, studies suggest that regular coffee consumption can help protect against type 2 diabetes and various other chronic medical conditions, and can even help increase focus and cognitive productivity.
Drinking coffee can also boost the mood. This is due to the presence of certain feel-good chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, in coffee. These chemicals are released while drinking coffee and can trigger several positive emotions. That said, everyone responds differently to coffee, and it’s important to find a balance that works for each person.
It’s also important to keep in mind that coffee can interfere with certain sleep patterns if taken too late in the day, and some people may experience increased levels of anxiety from drinking coffee. In these instances, a person should consider switching to decaffeinated coffees or decreasing their intake of caffeinated beverages.
Using Coffee for Increased Energy
Coffee has long been associated with increasing energy levels, but the effectiveness of this depends on how a person chooses to use it.
When coffee is used to increase energy at the wrong times, such as late in the evening, it can cause disruption to sleep or other aspects of mental health. However, when coffee is utilized as a means to give people the much-needed energy to function during the day, it can be a great tool.
Using coffee strategically is the key to reaping all the benefits while avoiding potential issues, like those related to the caffeine crash. People should find ways to use the energy gains effectively, like taking breaks or exercising during the day. This allows for a more sustainable use of the energy coffee can bring without overexerting or relying on coffee for energy day in and day out.
Finally, finding ways to reduce coffee intake for those who rely on it heavily over a long-term period is important, as it can be detrimental to health if overused. There are many alternatives that provide a much more sustained energy than just coffee, such as looking into different types of workouts, diet changes and incorporating more natural sources of energy, such as fresh fruits and veggies.
