Consuming caffeine does not cause gastrointestinal disorders, but it may trigger symptoms of certain digestive conditions. If consuming caffeine causes stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping or constipation, stop ingesting the substance and call your doctor. Caffeine is a stimulant chemical that affects your central nervous system and can help you wake up and provide mental clarity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Consuming caffeine, whether in coffee, soda, tea or medications, can trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects your colon. Although the exact cause of this condition is unclear, the muscles in the colon either contract too slowly, resulting in constipation, or too fast, resulting in diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. Not all foods and beverages affect everyone with IBS the same way, but if consuming caffeine triggers your symptoms, remove the substance from your diet.
Peptic Ulcers
If you have peptic ulcers, consuming caffeine can cause agitation to the open wounds in your digestive system, resulting in pain in your abdomen, vomiting, bloating, cramping and heavy feeling, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Food does not cause ulcers, but some foods can aggravate the sores in the lining of your digestive tract. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that you avoid all caffeinated beverages, acid foods, spicy foods and foods that are high in fat if you have ulcers.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Consuming caffeinated beverages if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD, can cause heartburn, dry coughing, asthma symptoms and difficulty swallowing, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. GERD is caused by stomach acids entering the esophagus during digestion, causing harm to the soft tissue of the esophagus. Dietary modifications and certain prescription medications can help prevent and alleviate many symptoms associated with GERD. Your doctor may recommend that you stop smoking, lose weight and avoid citrus fruits, chocolate, fried foods, garlic, onions, mint, tomatoes and alcoholic beverages.
Hypersensitivity Consideration
You may be hypersensitive to the effects of caffeine. Every person tolerates caffeine in varying degrees. Some people are not able to handle the effects of caffeine, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms from consuming a small amount of the substance. Common side effects from caffeine hypersensitivity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, according to MayoClinic.com.
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