Flatulence is a normal bodily function in which you pass excess gas out of the rectum. Swallowing air can cause this condition, but in most cases it is the byproduct of foods and beverages you consume. Coffee, a popular beverage, sometimes is the culprit. This can be due to the coffee itself or to some other products often added to the beverage.
How Coffee Causes Flatulence
The caffeine in coffee stimulates the walls of your bowels, leading to an increase in gas production. In addition, the University of Michigan explains that if you tend to gulp when drinking a beverage such as coffee, you are at increased risk of developing excess gas. Drinking beverages with food also can cause you to swallow excess air and lead to flatulence.
Other Ingredients That Can Cause Flatulence
Lactose intolerance is a lack of adequate enzymes in your digestive system to digest milk and milk products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal bloating, diarrhea and flatulence. Adding milk or cream to your coffee can cause problems if you can't digest these products. Replacement lactase enzymes, in drop or tablet form, are available at your local pharmacy and might help improve your ability to digest milk products. Additionally, some artificial sweeteners can cause flatulence, particularly if they end in the suffix "tol," such as mannitol and sorbitol.
Food Allergies and Flatulence
You also might have a food intolerance or allergy to coffee itself or to other products you add to your beverage. The National Institutes of Health explains that a food allergy is the response of your immune system to a perceived antigen. In the case of an allergy, the antigen is something that isn't necessarily dangerous but can be if your allergy is severe enough. Artificial sweeteners, flavoring syrups, cocoa and cinnamon are examples of coffee additives that might cause an allergic reaction. A common side effect of an allergic reaction to food is flatulence, although responses tend to vary by individual.
Decreasing or Preventing Flatulence
If you experience flatulence after consuming coffee, it might help to first identify the ingredients you add to your beverage, if any. If you add milk products to your coffee, substitute a non-dairy version instead and monitor the effects. If a type of sugar appears to cause flatulence, substitute a different type of sugar or use a natural sweetener like turbinado sugar. Finally, if you want to enjoy your coffee and it appears the coffee is the cause of your flatulence, you can try an over-the-counter gas reliever, available at your local pharmacy.
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