Coffee & Stomach Bugs: What’s The Link?
Many of us find ourselves nursing a cup of coffee before heading to work in the morning. But for those with a stomach bug, the fear of exacerbating their symptoms may put them off drinking any caffeine. But what does the research say about drinking coffee when you’re feeling under the weather?
A stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, is an infection of the stomach and intestines that results from a virus such as norovirus, rotavirus or adenovirus. The infection typically causes inflammation of the stomach and a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever. While a stomach bug usually only lasts a few days, it can linger for weeks, requiring more than rest and fluids to recover.
Many people turn to coffee when they’re feeling under the weather, with some claiming it helps provide a boost in energy. But the link between drinking coffee when you have a stomach bug still remains unclear. Despite this, evidence points to drinking coffee being more beneficial than harmful.
A recent study has suggested that coffee can have a positive effect when it comes to stomach bugs. The study, conducted by The Open University, found that coffee is able to reduce the excessive contractions that occur in the gut when you have a stomach bug. This suggests that, when consumed in moderation, coffee may actually help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
The study also found that coffee can help with nausea, one of the most common and dreaded symptoms associated with a stomach bug. While caffeine is known for its ability to increase alertness and energy levels, it can also dull the sensation of nausea caused by a stomach bug. This is due to caffeine’s ability to constrict the stomach muscles, reducing the amount of acid production which is often responsible for nausea.
However, while drinking coffee when you’re sick may not seem like a bad idea, it’s important to know when it’s best to limit your caffeine intake. Studies have suggested that too much caffeine can worsen symptoms such as diarrhea and dehydration, causing further discomfort.
Caffeine can also negatively interact with many medications used to treat stomach bugs, including antibiotics and antivirals. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional if you’re taking these medications to determine if it’s safe to drink coffee while taking them.
Coffee’s Role In Nausea
As discussed previously, coffee has been found to help with nausea, one of the main symptoms associated with stomach bugs. This can be beneficial to those who struggle with nausea as a result of their illness, as drinking coffee can provide some relief. But why is this the case?
Studies have suggested that the calming effect of coffee may be due to the way it acts on the brain. Research has found that caffeine has a direct effect on the part of the brain responsible for nausea, helping to ease the feelings of nausea and keep them at bay.
However, it’s important to note that coffee does not contain any curative properties and should not be considered as a replacement for traditional medical treatments. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with prescribed treatments and traditional home remedies, such as rest and fluids.
Coffee Addiction & Stomach Bugs
For those who are used to drinking coffee to start the day, cutting it out while sick can be difficult. Some may find themselves enticed by the potential relief it provides, but this can be a slippery slope.
Caffeine is a highly addictive substance, and regular consumption can result in physical dependence. This means that cutting out caffeine once you’re feeling better can be difficult, as the withdrawal symptoms can be harsh. These include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and a general feeling of unwellness.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of caffeine addiction and make an effort to limit your consumption even when your stomach bug is gone. This will help to ensure that you don’t become too attached to the relief that coffee can provide.
Diet & Stomach Bugs
Often when it comes to dealing with a stomach bug, diet is often overlooked. Although drinking coffee can help to ease some of the symptoms associated with a stomach bug, it’s important to ensure that your diet is adequate.
When recovering from a stomach bug, it’s important to focus on eating nutritious, balanced meals. This means focusing on foods that are high in vitamins and minerals and low in fats, sugars and carbohydrates. Eating foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to recover.
It’s also important to avoid certain types of food, such as dairy, spicy foods and carbonated drinks, which can worsen your symptoms.
Moderate Coffee Drinking
When it comes to drinking coffee with a stomach bug, moderation is key. It’s important to limit yourself to just one or two cups of coffee a day, as too much caffeine can exacerbate the symptoms associated with a stomach bug.
It’s also important to be aware of the type of coffee you’re drinking. Sugar-loaded flavoured lattes and frappuccinos should be avoided as they can cause further digestive distress. Instead, stick to plain black coffee or a cappuccino with a minimal amount of sugar or creamer added.
Herbal Teas & Stomach Bugs
If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee that can still provide some relief from the symptoms associated with a stomach bug, then herbal teas are a great option.
Herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, chamomile and lemon balm are known for their calming and soothing properties. All of these herbs have been found to help ease the symptoms of a stomach bug, such as nausea and abdominal pain.
In addition, herbal teas do not contain any caffeine, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a natural way to ease their symptoms.
Conclusion: Benefits Of Coffee When Sick
When it comes to drinking coffee when you’re feeling under the weather, moderation is key. Coffee can provide some relief from the symptoms associated with a stomach bug, however drinking too much can be counter-productive. As such, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of coffee you’re consuming, and to be aware of the potential benefits and risks.
Herbal teas can also be a great alternative to coffee, as many of them are known for their calming and soothing properties. Therefore, when it comes to drinking when you’re sick, it’s important to know your limits and be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with consuming caffeine.
Thank you for this article. I’m coming off of a stomach bug and was hoping to try coffee as my body seems like it would be favorable to a small amount. Also, it’s so refreshing to see an article written by a human as opposed to compiled by AI. Thank you for writing!