Though it's a indelible part of many mornings, coffee can lead to digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn and constipation. However, coffee itself may or may not be the cause of digestive problems for coffee drinkers, as the ingredients in coffee can also play a role. If you experience symptoms after drinking it, you should consider limiting the amount of coffee you drink every day.
Coffee
Coffee is an acidic drink, and because of this people have long believed that coffee and heartburn, or acid reflux disease, are related. However, Lee University researcher James Kenney, Ph.D., reports that though many people suspect that coffee leads to heartburn, a recent study found no such causal relationship. However, the study also showed that coffee and alcohol may contribute to acute episodes of heartburn. If you're drinking coffee and experiencing heartburn, in other words, it's probably best to stop for a while.
Additives
Some people who experience indigestion or digestive problems after drinking coffee do so not because of the drink itself but what they add to it. Some people have difficulty digesting dietary products such as cream or milk, and when those people add dietary products to their coffee it can lead to digestive issues. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that if you experience difficulty digesting dairy products that you use only creamers that are labelled as "non-dairy," or refrain from using creamers altogether.
Caffeine
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that caffeine can have a negative effect on digestion and lead to or exacerbate constipation. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, and people experiencing constipation may experienced worsened symptoms if they drink caffeinated drinks, such as coffee. However, decaffeinated coffee may not have the same effect, and drinking fluids can help alleviate constipation in some people.
Other Concerns
If you're already at risk for gastrointestinal health issues, coffee may further contribute to upset stomach or indigestion. People with irritable bowel syndrome, for example, should refrain from drinking coffee as the drink may make symptoms worse. You should also avoid any caffeinated drinks, as well as carbonated drinks, along with fatty foods and milk products.
References
- Lee University; What Causes Heartburn?; James Kenney, PhD
- U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration: Problems Digesting Dairy Products?
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Constipation
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