Coffee can have negative side effects for those with sensitive stomachs since it contains caffeine, especially for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In order to increase gastrointestinal motility, it stimulates the gut to work more quickly, according to gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal, MD, FACP, DABIM.
Three cups of coffee are consumed daily by the average American. Even while that is fewer than Finland’s four, it still shows the beverage’s ongoing popularity. After all, what else is as scrumptious and effective in getting you going as a morning cup of joe?
The body’s reaction to coffee is what?
Two-thirds of IBS patients, according to survey results from Sweden, drink coffee; of those, 39% reported that their gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea and stomach pain, had gotten worse.
Although numerous research suggest that caffeine may exacerbate IBS symptoms, there is no concrete proof that adjusting (or eliminating) caffeine can enhance IBS symptom control.
The neurological, cardiovascular, and digestive systems are all affected by coffee. Although the effects of coffee on the neurological and cardiovascular systems are well understood, the effects of coffee on the digestive system are less well understood.
However, the gut-brain connection—the relationship between the digestive system and the brain—is closely related to IBS stomach symptoms.
Alternatives to milk are there?
If you are concerned that drinking milk would aggravate your IBS symptoms, you might want to order a milk-free coffee, such as an Americano or a short or long black.
Otherwise, many commercial milk alternatives, such as soy, oat, and almond milk, don’t contain lactose. Lactose-free milk, which is comparable to ordinary milk, is another acceptable replacement.
Even though milk without lactose may taste sweeter, it doesn’t have any more sugar. The natural sugar (lactose) molecule is composed of two smaller sugar molecules, one of which is glucose; lactose-free milk separates these molecules.
There are five reasons coffee may be problematic for IBS sufferers
Caffeine is frequently blamed for causing IBS symptoms in sufferers. Although three to five cups of coffee a day are associated with a lower risk of several chronic illnesses, IBS isn’t always a good match for the caffeine in coffee.
For those who currently have IBS, it may even increase diarrhoea or cause more severe overall symptoms.
- Coffee may increase gastric acid
Gastrin, a hormone whose production is increased by coffee, stimulates the stomach’s acid-producing cells to secrete more gastric acid.
This has a connection to heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. While decaffeinated coffee also induces the release of gastrin, caffeinated coffee does so more strongly.
- Caffeine increases the activity of your intestines
Coffee and other caffeinated beverages are well known for their ability to give you a rapid energy boost. Unfortunately, it sort of boosts gut enzymes as well.
For instance, after consuming coffee, you can experience flare-ups, increased stomach pain, increased intestinal motility, and “restlessness.”
This is partially due to the fact that caffeine stimulates the production of the hormone cholecystokinin in the small intestine, which can rev up your digestive system.
The large intestine may move food more quickly, and the nerves that communicate with your gut may be more sensitive and receptive.
Additionally, coffee directly stimulates the colon, which may make you feel uneasy and like you need to “go” more frequently.
- Caffeine can worsen the symptoms of your stress response
Stress and IBS may be closely related. Stress levels are frequently higher in IBS sufferers than in non-IBS sufferers.
In turn, stress can make IBS symptoms like bloating worse, which can set off a chain reaction of heightened pain sensitivity, irritability, potential worry or melancholy, and more stress.
Caffeine could cause your heart rate to increase, which could make you feel more anxious or tense.
- Coffee has stomach-testing salicylates
Salicylates are compounds that some plants possess as a form of defence, and some researchers are looking at potential links between worsening IBS symptoms and these chemicals.
Some people are extremely sensitive to salicylates, which can make coffee problematic for them. Salicylates are found in several fruits and vegetables, as well as in aspirin and toothpaste.
- For people with IBS-D, caffeine may be difficult
People with IBS-D may be the most likely IBS patients to experience the effects of coffee and caffeine because they already struggle with loose stools and diarrhoea.
Caffeine may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms such discomfort, pain, and diarrhoea in those with IBS-D.
Conclusion
Since coffee’s caffeine speeds up gut motility, doctors generally don’t advise it to IBS patients because it might exacerbate symptoms like diarrhoea and stomach pain.
However, not everyone with IBS will experience problems with coffee, so the best approach to determine whether you do is to cut it out of your diet and then gradually return it to observe how you react. Additionally, IBS sufferers could find it simpler to eat lighter roasts or coffee beans with less caffeine.