Coffee contains caffeine, which is both a stimulant and a diuretic and can lead to stomach upset and constipation, says the Mayo Clinic. Both problems will result in severe stomach pains. There are also indications that coffee can cause acid reflux problems and gastrointestinal discomfort. What you add to coffee to sweeten or lighten it can also cause gastrointestinal problems.
Stimulant
Coffee's stimulating effects act on the central nervous system to increase alertness and focus. Unfortunately, the caffeine in the coffee can also irritate the stomach lining and intestines, causing pain and discomfort. While coffee may not directly cause diarrhea, it can make diarrhea that is already present worse. The Mayo Clinic recommends removing caffeine from the diet until the diarrhea disappears.
Diuretic
The caffeine in coffee acts as a diuretic, removing water from your body. Lack of water in your intestines can cause hard stools and constipation, which leads to stomach pains and difficulty in evacuating the bowels. Decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas may be a better beverage choice if you are experiencing hardened stools, constipation and stomach pains. Caffeinated coffee can be reintroduced gradually when the problems have abated.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused when stomach contents including stomach acids, foods and liquids move up into the esophagus, causing pain in the upper stomach and in the length of the esophagus. P. J. Boekema et al performed a review of studies on coffee in 1999 to determine whether coffee could cause acid reflux. The data showed that coffee relaxed the upper stomach enough to allow its contents to back up into the esophagus, causing pain in both areas.
Coffee Additives
Artificial sweeteners can contain sugar alcohols, which may cause cramping, stomach bloating and pain, and diarrhea, states the American Diabetes Association. Non-dairy creamers may also contain artificial sweeteners with sugar alcohol. Dairy creamers can cause stomach pains for those who lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down a sugar called lactose found in dairy products. Eliminate coffee additives individually for a few days to determine whether the stomach pains cease.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How much is too much?; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Diarrhea; June 2010
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Coffee and gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction. A review; P.J. Boekema et al; 1999
- American Diabetes Association: Sugar Alcohols
- MedlinePlus: Lactose intolerance
