Can I Drink Coffee After Taking Probiotics?
Coffee is a popular beverage among many across the globe. Far from being just a tasty and energizing beverage, there’s a range of positive effects coffee can have on physical health. Similarly, probiotics are being widely used to boost the body’s health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that add to a range of benefits. However, coffee and probiotics have raised an interesting questions – can coffee be consumed after consuming probiotics?
Experts have conducted a series studies over the years on whether coffee can be consumed after probiotics. Meanwhile, one of the myths surrounding the issue has been that coffee can prevent the absorption of probiotics into the body. This theory has been debunked, as coffee does not take away the overall benefits one could get from probiotics. Instead, coffee does not in any way impact the absorption of probiotics, or even reduce their efficacy.
Some of the possible benefits of coffee having probiotics include gut health, improved cognition, better nutrient absorption, and expediting the metabolism. Therefore, as long as coffee is not consumed in huge quantities, its presence would not reduce the efficacy of probiotics.
Experts say that probiotics require special storage conditions, such as refrigeration. This means that coffee can only break down probiotics if the coffee is acted on before the optimal storage conditions are met. Therefore, if coffee is consumed right after the probiotic is taken, it can reduce its efficacy. However, the shelf-life of probiotics is often so short that the risk of coffee breaking down its efficacy would be small.
Although coffee and probiotics can blend well in the body, if consumed within short timespans, there could be some adverse side effects. Drinking coffee soon after it is taken usually results in gas and bloating in the stomach. It is advised to wait at least two to three hours before consuming coffee after consuming probiotics in order to avoid such side effects.
Storage of Probiotics
The storage condition for probiotics include keeping it refrigerated after it is consumed. This is because probiotics are delicate living organisms that are susceptible to external temperature conditions. The optimal storage temperature for probiotics is often around 4ºC, and so it is recommended to refrigerate the intake of probiotics within 30 minutes of consuming them.
On the other hand, it is not necessary to refrigerate the content of probiotics all the time. For example, if one was to be travelling on their commute, they did not have to refrigerate probiotics on the go. As long as the temperature outside is not above 4ºC, the probiotics will not suffer any degradation. Therefore, the consumption of coffee, or any beverage for that matter, within this temperature span should not affect the efficacy of probiotics.
Nevertheless, the efficacy of probiotics can be affected due to external factors. For example, direct contact with sunlight can destabilize the probiotics and reduce their potency. Similarly, low pH levels, food additives and fillers, can all affect the delicate balance of probiotics. Sometimes, capsules and powders can cause electrostatic charges that might reduce the efficacy of these microorganisms.
Finally, exposure of probiotics to external contaminants can cause the destruction of these microorganisms. Therefore, it is recommended to properly store probiotics in order for them to retain their efficacy when consumed.
The Effect of Coffee on Probiotics
One of the biggest misconceptions people have regarding the consumption of coffee after taking probiotics is that coffee will reduce the absorption of probiotics into the body. However, this is a false notion, as the presence of coffee does not affect the absorption of probiotics in any way. Instead, it can be argued that the two microorganisms can blend together in order to produce a synergistic effect in the body.
Coffee is known to contain certain helpful compounds, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. These compounds have beneficial effects on overall health. A study conducted in 2013 showed that coffee can improved the antioxidant content of probiotics. This further means that the combined effect of coffee and probiotics can help the body circulate more antioxidants which can help in preventing certain diseases.
Moreover, research suggests that coffee and probiotics also have a positive effect on gut health. For instance, coffee has been linked with improving digestion and reducing inflammations in the stomach. By combining the presence of both probiotics and coffee, the positive effects can be amplified. Through these positive effects, coffee can work towards mitigating infections and rebalancing the pH levels inside the gut.
Right Time to Consume Coffee
As much as coffee and probiotics can together have a beneficial effect on the body, drinking coffee immediately after consuming probiotics can be quite problematic. Immediately consuming coffee after probiotics can cause gas and bloating which is an uncomfortable feeling. This can be avoided by waiting for at least two to three hours after consuming probiotics before having coffee.
In spite of this, the waiting duration can be further reduced if coffee is consumed in low amounts. Generally speaking, the benchmark should be set at one to two cups of coffee instead of more than this. This will help in keeping the caffeine levels low and won’t have any adverse reaction on the body.
Also, as an additional precaution, it is recommended to drink room temperature coffee after consuming probiotics. Room temperature coffee is less likely to aggravate the stomach and provide relief from any discomforts that might arise from the combination of both these microorganisms.
Possible Adverse Side Effects
Although drinking coffee after consuming probiotics can have a positive effect on the body, it is important to note that some of its side effects can be unpleasant. As discussed previously, gas and bloating can surface immediately after drinking coffee after consuming probiotics. However, if coffee is consumed in low amounts, this side effect can be suppressed.
Furthermore, if coffee is consumed in high amounts, there can be some long-term negative effects on the body. High amounts of caffeine can cause a variety of aggressions in the body, such as anxiety and lack of sleep. Another issue is that the acidity of coffee can damage the delicate balance of probiotics in the body, leading to an imbalance in the gut health.
Another downside to coffee is that it can become addicting. Over time, an excessive intake of coffee can lead to physical dependency which could disrupt the natural sleep cycles of a person. Although moderate consumption of coffee can have beneficial effects, one should be careful while using both it and probiotics.
Risks of Interaction with Other Food Sources
In addition to considering the effects of coffee on probiotics, it is also important to consider the impact of other food sources. Apart from coffee, some food and beverages are not suitable for consumption with probiotics. For instance, some soft drinks and alcohol can contain acids, which can destabilize probiotics. Similarly, the presence of alcohol can also reduce the efficacy of probiotics and reduce its effectiveness in the body.
On the other hand, milk can also affect probiotics. Milk is known to contain calcium which can reduce the efficacy of probiotics. Other dairy products are also known to trip the efficacy of probiotics, so it is best advised to avoid milk, butter, and cheese right after consuming probiotics. The same goes for other food sources such as meats, vegetables, and fruits.
Precautionary Measure to Take
In order to get the best possible results from consuming probiotics, it is important to practice a set of precautionary measures. Among the most important and effective measure is to take probiotics regularly. Taking probiotics in consistent intervals helps the body adjust to the dose and the effects of probiotics can be optimized in the body.
In addition, it is advised to drink plenty of water along with probiotics. Water helps to disperse the probiotics evenly across the body, and helps promote their effectiveness. Moreover, foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can also play a major role while taking probiotics. Eating fruits and vegetables can help in breaking down the probiotics to allow more fiber and nutrients to be absorbed by the body.
Finally, it is important to time the consumption of probiotics, and the consumption of food and beverage accordingly. One should wait at least two to three hours after consuming probiotics before having coffee, or any other food and drinks for that matter. Additionally, it is also important to store probiotics in optimum conditions after consumption.
