If you've noticed gastrointestinal discomfort after caffeine consumption, it might be a result of the excess stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid, your stomach lining releases after caffeine ingestion. The stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid when you eat or drink to aid digestion, and because various foods, beverages, medications and dietary supplements contain caffeine, it may be the culprit behind your stomach struggles.
The Digestive System
The human digestive system begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. When living, it measures approximately 20-feet long. When you eat, digestion immediately begins in the mouth when the salivary glands produce saliva that contains amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starches into simple sugars. After swallowing, the food passes through the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter is a round, disc-like muscle that relaxes to allow food to pass into the stomach. It also prevents gastric juices from entering the esophagus, which can lead to esophageal erosion. The contents pass into the stomach where it is stored, mixed and passed into the small intestine. Nutrients diffuse into the bloodstream through the folds located in the mucosal lining of the small intestine. Contents are then passed into the colon, or large intestine, and eliminated as feces through the anus.
Gastric Juices
The body produces gastric juices to aid digestion. The digestive glands found in the stomach lining produce stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, hydrochloric acid may seep into the esophagus, causing the burning feeling associated with heartburn or indigestion. The pancreas produces gastric juices that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder between meals. The gallbladder releases stored bile after eating or drinking to aid in the initiation of gastrointestinal lipolysis, or fat digestion, in the small intestine.
About Caffeine
According to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, caffeine is "the most robust form of drug self-administration known to man." It naturally occurs in more than 60 plants including coffee beans and tea leaves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that 80 percent of American adults consume 200 mg of caffeine on a daily basis; that's equivalent to one to two 5-oz. cups of coffee. Because caffeine is a drug, pharmaceutical companies include it in various medications. Headache medications contain caffeine because it triggers vasoconstriction in the brain, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels. This releases pressure and pain associated with migraines. Because caffeine causes excessive urination, diuretics sometimes contain caffeine. Foods such as chocolate bars, sodas, teas, coffees and coffee-flavored foods, such as ice cream or yogurt, contain caffeine.
Caffeine's Side Effects
Caffeine elicits a variety of side effects, including an increased production of hydrochloric acid, which might aggravate heartburn or indigestion in someone who suffers from acid reflux. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so you might experience an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle twitches, sleeplessness, irritability and restlessness.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Medicines in My Home: Caffeine and Your Body; 2007
- "Psychological Reports"; Caffeine's Effects on True and False Memory; S. Capek and R.K. Guenther; June 2009
- Drugs.com: Caffeine
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; "Your Digestive System and How it Works"; April 2008
- Neuroscience on the Web; "Anatomy of the Swallow"; Patrick McCaffrey
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre: Caffeine Fact Sheet
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