Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal condition in which a person experiences cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and diarrhea. When seeking treatment for IBS, the consulting professional will ask the patient to keep a record of foods or beverages that trigger symptoms. Patients often find that once they eliminate coffee and other caffeinated beverages from their diets, their symptoms improve.
Coffee and Stomach Acid
Coffee, in part because of the caffeine it contains, leads to an increase in stomach acid production. Greater amounts of stomach acid are linked to increased intestinal activity. Because IBS primarily manifests as a disorder of cramping and gastrointestinal overreactivity, the increase in stomach acid as a result of drinking coffee can lead to a marked worsening in symptoms.
Caffeine and Stress
In addition to the increase in stomach acid production that coffee causes, the beverage's caffeine content can affect IBS via its effects on the nervous system. Heavy caffeine use, which MayoClinic.com defines as 500 to 600 mg a day, and is equivalent to 4 to 7 cups of coffee, can induce irritability, nervousness, restlessness and anxiety. The autonomic nervous system, which responds to stress, plays a role in controlling contractions of the intestines. As a result, stress is a common stimulant of colonic spasms, particularly in people with IBS.
Hidden Sources of Caffeine
In addition to familiar sources of caffeine, such as coffee and caffeinated soda, caffeine is also found in chocolate and foods containing chocolate. MayoClinic.com notes that not all food products list caffeine on their ingredient list, but reading ingredient lists can help you gauge roughly how much caffeine you are consuming from food and beverages.
Eliminating Coffee
While coffee lovers may find it difficult to swap their daily brew for a decaffeinated beverage, doing so will likely lead to an improvement in IBS symptoms. Decaffeinated teas like peppermint are one alternative to coffee and caffeinated beverages, as are beverages made with chicory. With its bitter taste, chicory is often used as a coffee substitute.
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