Coffee is a popular beverage that is prepared in a variety of ways. You can make coffee in a percolator, a drip coffee pot, as espresso or in a French press. No matter how you make it, if drinking coffee causes stomach pains, you should avoid the beverage altogether. Stomach pain from drinking coffee might be the result of coffee itself, the caffeine in coffee, a digestive condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, or intolerance from other ingredients you add to your coffee. Stop drinking coffee until you can be seen by your doctor.
Coffee Allergy
Stomach pain might be the result of an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by the proteins found in the coffee bean or by the caffeine content. During an allergic reaction, your body identifies the proteins in the coffee or the caffeine as a dangerous substance. The immune system reacts by defending the body with immunoglobulin E antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The production of IgE antibodies causes mast cells in soft tissues to create histamine, a chemical that leads to inflammation in your intestines, causing stomach pain.
Caffeine Effects
Common side effects of ingesting caffeine include stomach pain, heartburn and upset stomach. A generic 8 oz. cup of coffee contains between 102 and 200 mg of caffeine. In most people, this amount of caffeine doesn't cause many side effects, unless you have a sensitivity. Caffeine sensitivity can cause stomach pain from ingesting a small amount of caffeine, such as from just one cup of coffee. Other side effects of caffeine include nervousness, irritability, diarrhea and dehydration.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Your stomach pain might be the result of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as an ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome. Ulcers are open sores located in your stomach, esophagus or small intestines. Coffee is highly acidic and can irritate an ulcer, leading to pain, burning and general digestive discomfort. If you notice that you develop stomach pain with other foods or beverages, you might have irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is a common digestive condition that will cause stomach pain, cramping and bloating after eating or drinking certain foods, such as coffee, chocolate or dairy products.
Intolerance
If you're lactose intolerant, or unable to digest the sugar in milk, you might develop stomach pain from drinking coffee with milk. Many people add creamer to their coffee, which could trigger lactose intolerance symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and diarrhea. Some coffee beverages, such as a café latte, are made primarily with steamed milk and contain high levels of lactose.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Allergic Reactions
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine (Oral)
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeine Content
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Lactose Intolerance
- MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- FamilyDoctor.org: Ulcers
