How Does Coffee Affect an Upset Stomach?
Coffee, for many individuals, is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. However, caffeine – the main ingredient in coffee – can cause distress in the stomach. On the other hand, some research has suggested that caffeine can have a beneficial role in the digestive system. So, is it bad to drink coffee with an upset stomach? Let’s take a look.
Background Information
Caffeine is a naturally-occurring stimulant that is found in many different foods and drinks. In coffee, it has a bitter, robust taste that many individuals find pleasing. Indeed, coffee is believed to date back to the 15th century and it is a psychological part of many individuals lives as it helps to boost energy levels and improve alertness.
Coffee is also extremely popular around the world and billions of cups of the brewed beverage are consumed on a daily basis. It is commonplace for many individuals to consume two or three cups of coffee a day, which means that it can have an effect on the stomach.
The Acid Reflux-Coffee Link
As coffee is acidic, drinking it can often cause acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. This can cause chest pain, heartburn, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, it is understandable why many individuals believe that coffee should be avoided if there is an upset stomach present.
As the human body can respond differently to different substances, some individuals may be sensitive to the acids naturally found in coffee, even when it is consumed at a low level. For example, decaffeinated coffee may be seen as a cure to drinking coffee with an upset stomach. However, this is not necessarily true, as it still contains some of the same acids.
The Benefits of Coffee
Despite this, research published by Gastroenterology and Hepatology concluded that coffee had a positive effect on the liver, which suggested that it could also reduce the risk of gastroesophageal reflux. This data may provide some evidence to suggest that it is not actually bad to consume coffee with an upset stomach.
That said, coffee is recommended to be consumed with caution as drinking it excessively can cause restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is important to try and remain as low as possible with coffee consumption.
The Power of Moderation
In conclusion, it appears that it is bad to drink coffee with an upset stomach if too much coffee is consumed. That said, drinking in moderation can enable individuals to still enjoy coffee while helping to reduce the likeliness of an upset stomach. It is important to be mindful, however, of the sensations in the stomach that coffer causes and to adjust the intake of coffee accordingly.
Recommendations from Experts
Furthermore, it is advisable to listen to experts who recommend that individuals with GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) should avoid having more than two cups of coffee in a 24-hour period, and it is ‘desirable’ to maintain the amount of caffeine in espresso cups to one, even for those who do not have GERD.
Always Consult a Professional
Ultimately, it is not always clear as to what individuals should do with regards to their own physical health. While drinking two cups of coffee in a day could be suitable for some individuals, it may not work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult with a medical doctor if there are any doubts at all.
Other Beverages to Drink
If individuals do not want to take the risk of drinking coffee with an upset stomach, then there are several other beverages to drink. For example, a cup of hot herbal tea or a glass of apple juice can often soothe an upset stomach and provide comfort for individuals.
Food That Can Help Reduce Coffee Intake
Alternatively, there are several types of food which can help to reduce coffee intake. Foods rich in magnesium – such as nuts, bananas, and avocados – can help to reduce the need for coffee and provide energy in a healthier way. Similarly, oatmeal is a nutrient-rich breakfast that contains a wealth of beneficial compounds which can power millions of people through the day.
The Role of Exercise
Regular exercise is also beneficial when trying to reduce coffee intake. Not only does exercise help to reduce stress and provide energy in a healthy way, but it can also reduce the need for coffee, which can help to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Walking and running are two activities that can be done each day to reduce stress and enhance physical and mental well-being.
Coffee Alternatives to Consider
Finally, there are several coffee alternatives to consider that contain no caffeine whatsoever. For example, herbal infusions such as dandelion root tea – which is believed to help reduce fatigue – are full of flavour and often loved by coffee drinkers. Similarly, herbal teas made with ingredients such as rooibos, lemon balm, and chamomile can provide great flavour without the need for caffeine.
