Health Benefits or Risks?
Coffee has been a staple in many peoples lives for many years, but how is it affected after appendix surgery? If you’ve recently had an appendix surgery, you may be wondering if it is safe to consume coffee. The short answer is yes, but we would advise naturally there are precautions to taking in additional caffeine to promote your overall health.
Due to the complexity of our bodies, the short answer of yes, you can consume coffee after appendix surgery can be viewed more in the grey area. When you had your appendix removed, your appendix no longer secretes the enzyme lipase. This enzyme is helpful in digesting fats, allowing them to be absorbed in the small intestines through the bloodstream as it travels throughout the body.
If you’re ingesting caffeine through coffee, information released has found that it can cause an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal discomfort as it moves through the system. This can be an issue for those who have just gone through a recent surgery and are still mending from the operation.
Damage to the Digestive System?
Doctors warn that heightened consumption of coffee can create damage to the digestive system. Caffeine is a diuretic that can throw your digestive system off balance. Furthermore, it can stimulate the muscles that line your intestines, which can contribute to discomfort, especially in those who are post-appendix surgery.
Coffee has been known to slow the healing process of small wounds and its acidity can create similar issues. As it passes through the digestive tract, it can disrupt the healing process if it irritates the region that was affected by the surgery. Due to coffee having the ability to suppress the digestive system, doctors believe that drinking coffee can cause havoc to the body.
On the other hand, proponents of coffee point out that it has been reported to reduce hemorrhoids, making it helpful during post appendix recovery. The presence of chlorogenic acid has been reported to have “anti-inflammatory” properties, which can be beneficial to the swelling issue some may have post appendix surgery.
Recommended Intake
Due to the mixed reports surrounding coffee, it is encouraged to talk openly with your health care provider on the best approach to your digestion healing process and coffee consumption. Some organizations such as the American Family Physician report that drinking coffee post appendix surgery may be permitted in moderation.
Instead of diving back into coffee as soon as you are mended, it is suggested to take caution and ease yourself into any minor changes. Those that are enthusiastic about coffee could consume decaffeinated coffee to satisfy their coffee cravings and avoid any harmful effects from the caffeine.
Also cold or warm cups of non-caffeinated herbal teas such as Chamomile and Peppermint tea are some other great options. Both have been reported to have calming effects on the body and may further promote the digestive healing process.
Effect on Stress Levels
The presence of chlorogenic acid in coffee has been known to have antioxidant properties. Popular health organizations report that it has the potential to reduce stress levels, helping those who had their appendix removed to relax during their recovery process.
The caffeine in coffee also has properties to help support those in the healing process. Caffeine releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, allowing individuals to remain alert and awake. Furthermore, it has been reported to reduce physical exhaustion, helping you maintain energy during the healing process.
Although caffeine has its benefits, too much of it can be a detrimental to the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to maintain a 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine intake per day to avoid any adverse effects from the effects of the caffeine. This is backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where it’s been reported to have the potential to cause long-term health risks.
Recommended Alternatives
Although coffee does have benefits, there are other alternatives for those post appendix surgery looking for a healthy pick-me-up. Green tea contain polyphenols and an amino acid known as L-theanine. This amino acid has been known to have calming and relaxing effects, helping alleviate any stress related to the healing process. Drinking green tea has also been known to promote overall health, helping to increase your energy during the recovery process.
Kombucha tea is another growing trend in the health world. It has the capability to help regulate and balance inflammation within the body. Offering a combination of bacteria and yeast, it is known to support healing and digestion, and can also help to decrease random post appendix pain.
Summary
The short answer is yes, you can drink coffee after appendix surgery but there are other alternatives that can help support the digestive healing process through the combination of healthy bacteria, yeast and amino acids. However, if you choose to have caffeinated coffee, consult with your physician or health care provider to monitor your caffeine intake and the potential harm it may have on the body. Thanks for reading!
