Coffee is a must-have beverage for many. Be it an early morning or late night workday, a hot cup of coffee can add instant energy anytime. For some, however, having a nice cup of coffee is like a morning ritual, accompanied by severe side effects such as an aching tummy, nausea, and gastric issues. Many people report experiencing intense stomach pain right after having their coffee. Let us explain why you experience such weird sensations and how you can love your coffee without accompanying stomach pain.
Why Does Coffee Upset Your Stomach?
It causes stomach upset, as all types of coffee have a natural acidity in their pH value of about 4.85 to 5.10. This acidity upsets your stomach even more when one has acid reflux or generally sensitive stomach conditions. Also, the acids of coffee, basically chlorogenic acids, expose your stomach to even more acid, which probably causes heartburn or stomach ache.
Caffeine is an active stimulant in coffee; it wakes a person up but further provokes and increases stomach acid production. High acidity irritates some people and, therefore, may cause discomfort. Also, caffeine in coffee may relax the lower esophagus sphincter, which is the muscle that keeps the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux.
Additives to coffee are sometimes not the coffee itself but the thing added to it. Creamers, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and even milk can be harsh on the stomach and cause some people to experience bloating, gas, or discomfort. For example, lactose intolerance can turn regular milk addition into an invitation for stomach problems.
Dehydration Coffee is a diuretic. If taken in excess, it increases the quantity of urine passed. This dehydrates the person and leads to different digestive complications, including constipation and stomach cramps. If you are dehydrated, your stomach lining is highly prone to irritation by the acidic content of coffee.
How to Fix It: Enjoy Your Coffee Without the Stomach Upset
1. Opt for low-acidity coffee
Not all coffees are created equal when it comes to acidity. Low-acid blends will cut down on the chances of getting a stomach upset. They use either naturally low-acid beans or beans that go through processing methods to ease up on the quantity of acidity. Cold brew coffee is fabulous, too, because it produces a much smoother, less acidic coffee when you cold-brew. Furthermore, you can also choose darker roasts. These darker roasts don’t contain a higher amount of acidic components. Therefore, choosing this healthier version of coffee can save you from experiencing intense stomach pain.
2. Steer Clear of Unwanted Additives
If the ‘dairy’ seems to be the culprit, use lactose-free milk, almond milk, or oat milk. These milks are typically gentle on the stomach and help calm digestion irritation. Another thing to try is using at least sugar or artificial sweeteners since these tend to upset some people’s stomachs. The other ingredients you add to your coffee can contribute to stomach issues. Therefore, avoid adding chocolate syrups, honey, creams, or other ingredients to your coffee. Please keep it simple to avoid bloating or stomach pain.
3. Rehydrate Yourself
Drink water throughout the day to avoid coffee’s dehydrating side effects. This could help your body maintain its overall hydration levels and reduce any possible chance of gastrointestinal disorders. The best rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee.
4. Eat before you drink
Having a light healthy meal or snack before your coffee helps buffer acidity and reduces the chances of stomach irritation. Foods with whole grains, nuts, or bananas should be included for the protective lining of the stomach and to make the stomach less prone to the effects of coffee. Remember not to drink coffee on an empty stomach. Consider having lightweight snacks or protein-based foods like sliced avocado, dry fruits, or chia pudding before your first coffee break.
5. Prepare your coffee with alkaline water
Research has suggested that alkaline water is great for your health. It contains proper pH balance, which can lower the chances of an acidic reaction from caffeine. Therefore, consider preparing your coffee using alkaline water. Use alkaline water while brewing your coffee. Such a healthy practice will reduce the ill effects of coffee on your stomach.
6. Do not eat something spicy or Oily immediately after consuming coffee
Restrict yourself from having something oily or spicy after you finish your coffee. Eating spicy or oily foods after caffeine consumption can contribute to acidic reactions. Such acidic reaction often causes excessive bloating and stomach pain. Therefore, allow yourself some time before having your post-coffee meals.
7. Control consumption
As tempting as that third cup of coffee might sound, it always pays to listen to the body. Reducing your coffee consumption, especially for people prone to sensitive stomachs, significantly minimizes the potential for irritation. Scale this back gradually, or try switching to decaf, which contains less caffeine and does not irritate the stomach quite as much.
8. Pay attention to your body
Everyone has different caffeine tolerance. Some people don’t experience any stomach pain even after consuming 3-4 cups of coffee, which is not healthy in the long run. On the other hand, some people report experiencing gastric issues even without having a lot of coffee. Therefore, focusing on your body’s responses to coffee consumption is important. Also, be mindful of the brewing method. Track down your body’s responses to different brewing methods and choose the most convenient one that doesn’t discomfort your stomach.
Conclusion
Coffee is among the most consumed drinks worldwide; it doesn’t have to come with stomach upset. Be it a low-acid blend, more water intake, or even something as simple as having food in the body before drinking, those small changes can make a big difference when digesting the coffee. Also, being mindful about the additive sometimes works like magic. You might get to discover it was never the coffee but the additives making your stomach upset. So enjoy that coffee, but do it gently and moderately. These healthy choices will let you enjoy your coffee without experiencing any stomach issues.
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