Most people feel the effects of caffeine consumption, but if you develop a nervous stomach every time you ingest caffeine, you need to talk with your doctor. Caffeine affects your central nervous system, causing jitters, excitability and the feeling of being acutely awake. Ingesting too much caffeine can cause an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Not everyone's body can handle the same amount of caffeine. Talk with your doctor before you consume caffeine.
Caffeine's Effect
Caffeine is a natural stimulant drug used to improve physical performance, mental alertness and pain relief. Some food products and medications use a synthetic form of the drug for various reasons. Caffeine is quickly absorbed into the blood stream and enters the brain within minutes of consumption, affecting the central nervous system. Common side effects include fast heart rate, trouble sleeping, diarrhea and dizziness, according to MayoClinic.com.
Nervous Stomach
The term "nervous stomach" is an out-of-date term that is no longer used in the medical community. According to Michael F. Picco, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic, the term was used about 100 years ago when the medical community thought an upset stomach was the result of increased stomach nerve activity. The term is more appropriately called chronic indigestion. Certain foods cause indigestion more than others. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks can lead to indigestion.
General Indigestion
Indigestion is the general feeling of discomfort and fullness in the upper portion of the abdomen or chest. Common symptoms include pain between your chest bone and navel, burning in the throat and upper-chest region, becoming full quickly after eating and feeling overly full after a meal, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Indigestion is considered common as long as it occurs periodically and not on a consistent basis. Chronic indigestion may be the result of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD.
GERD
GERD is a chronic condition where the muscle flap that separates your esophagus from your stomach malfunctions. When you swallow food, a sphincter muscle allows food to enter the stomach by opening and closing to keep any stomach acid from entering your throat. If your sphincter muscle malfunctions, remaining partially open, stomach fluid will leek back into your esophagus, causing chronic indigestion, heartburn and a nervous stomach. To prevent this, PubMed Health recommends eliminating certain products from your diet, such as coffee, chocolate and carbonated beverages.
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