For those who are lactose intolerant and coffee lovers, this query has remained a tricky one – can I drink coffee if I’m lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body cannot digest lactose or milk sugars. This can cause cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhoea when lactose is consumed. Coffee of itself is dairy-free and therefore it can be consumed by those who have lactose intolerance.
However, you may have to be cautious when it comes to milk-based coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte and mocha. Thus, whether you can consume such coffee drinks depends on your own level of lactose intolerance and the amount of milk used or included in the coffee. If your body can tolerate small amounts of milk, then you may be safe. Moreover, some of the milk often included in coffee is already reduced in lactose because the lactase enzyme has been added. This enzyme breaks down lactose.
Nevertheless, if you are extremely intolerant to lactose, then it is advisable to forgo milk-based coffee drinks and pick something else such as a regular cup of coffee with cream. This is because adding small amounts of milk in coffee will not do much to make the coffee robust in terms of its flavor. You can always choose lactose-free milk substitutes such as almond, coconut and soy milk.
Therefore, those with lactose intolerance must be aware of the sources of the coffee they consume and exercise caution. Furthermore, nutritionists say that the best option would be to stay away from milk-based coffee drinks and opt for dairy-free coffee beverages. One must also remember that coffee can work as a mild laxative and an overdose of it – may cause further aggravation with regards to lactose intolerance.
Overall, it is best to talk to your doctor to plan a dietary approach which works best for you, and even adhere to an elimination diet to figure out what your body can and cannot tolerate. With this in mind, below are four other sections on the topic.
Health Benefits and Downsides
Many people find that a cup of coffee helps them to get going and stay up later. Coffee is known to offer some positive health benefits in moderation, such as decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, helping protect against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and being a source of essential nutrients. However, too much of anything can be detrimental. Coffee can cause irritability, jitteriness and insomnia, interfere with sleep and increase the risk of developing hypertension and osteoporosis.
Flavor and Roast
The flavor and type of roast of coffee and its ingredients can also play a part in how the body reacts to the beverage. For instance, some people with lactose intolerance can handle lighter roast coffees with fewer chemicals than darker roasts. It is worth noting that several flavours are added to coffee through the addition of chemicals, sugars and sweeteners. Some of these can cause digestive problems including bloating and can lead to more severe health conditions, so it is best to keep those ingredients in consideration.
Alternative Drinks
For those of us who are lactose intolerant and love coffee, there are several alternatives. Some of these alternatives are completely dairy-free and can be used as a substitute for traditional coffee. For instance, chicory coffee, made from roasted chicory root and which can be bought in health food stores or even online, is an excellent option. Similarly, grains such as quinoa, barley and oats have high caffeine content and can be used as coffee alternatives.
Coffee Additives
Coffee has a special taste and aromas that can please any fan, but many prefer to add additives and flavoring for more enhanced taste. Artificial flavorings found in pre-made coffees contain a few components that lactose intolerant people must avoid such as whey, evaporated milk and cream. As an alternative, adding cinnamon to coffee can work as a flavoring, as well as adding nutty flavors. Cinnamon not only helps with the taste of the coffee, but it also improves its nutritional value.
