Caffeine can cause an upset stomach in large doses or in people who have an existing intestinal or stomach complaint, but no evidence exists to suggest that caffeine can trigger stomach ulcers. If you have a sore stomach or indigestion, avoiding coffee and tea until symptoms subside will help your stomach settle faster.
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, making you feel more awake. Coffee is one of the most common ways for Americans to consume caffeine. A 6 oz. cup of instant coffee contains 57 mg of caffeine, and a 6 oz. cup of filter coffee 103 mg, according to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Other foods and drinks also contain caffeine. For example, a small bar of dark chocolate has 30 mg, while a 12 oz. diet cola contains 50 mg.
Amounts
Daily doses of between 200 and 300 mg of caffeine likely won't negatively affect most people, but very large doses of caffeine can trigger problems, including an upset stomach. MayoClinic.com suggests that drinking four or more cups of a strong caffeinated beverage each day could lead to stomach problems, as well as others symptoms ranging from restlessness to insomnia.
Upset Stomach
An upset stomach usually points to indigestion, food intolerance or infections such as gastroenteritis. Bacterial damage to the stomach lining, known as a peptic ulcer, also commonly causes stomach upset and discomfort. All of these conditions might make your stomach and gut more sensitive to certain foods or chemicals. If you already have an upset stomach, avoid caffeinated drinks until your stomach settles down.
Stomach Acid
Caffeine can stimulate the release of extra stomach acid, according to the FDA. Additional stomach acid can increase the symptoms of conditions such as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This occurs when acid rises back up into the esophagus, causing damage to the esophagal lining. Symptoms include a painful sensation in the throat and stomach. Even if you don't have GERD, excess stomach acid triggered by caffeine can cause acid reflux, or heartburn.
References
- FDA; Medicines in my Home: Caffeine and Your Body; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peptic Ulcer; Sept. 20, 2009
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension; Caffeine; Jackie Walters, M.B.A., R.D.; June 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?; March 9, 2011
- McKinley Health Center; The GERD Diet (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease); April 16, 2008
