Caffeine is a commonly consumed drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Many foods and beverages contain caffeine, including chocolate, tea and coffee. While regular consumption of caffeine may cause mild side effects, caffeine is unlikely to cause peptic ulcers. If you suspect you have a peptic ulcer, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
Types of Ulcers
The term ulcer can apply to several different types of ulcers. Peptic ulcer is the general term used to describe lesions in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. When a peptic ulcer occurs in the stomach, it may also be called a stomach ulcer. Similarly, a peptic ulcer in the duodenum is often called a duodenal ulcer, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Caffeine and Ulcers
Caffeine is unlikely to actually cause peptic ulcers. The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, and infections from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, abbreviated H. pylori, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A study reported in the July 1997 issue of the journal "Epidemiology" found no association between caffeine-containing beverages and peptic ulcers.
Worsening Symptoms
While caffeine is unlikely to actually cause peptic ulcers, consuming caffeine may possibly make the symptoms of an ulcer worse. Caffeine can trigger production of stomach acids, which can irritate ulcers, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. If consuming caffeine causes sudden, burning pain in the stomach, or leads to bloody or black stools, it may be a sign that caffeine is aggravating an ulcer.
Recommendations
If you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, you doctor may recommend that you avoid caffeine. Coffee, even decaffeinated coffee, can also stimulate stomach acid production, so your doctor may recommend not drinking any type of coffee. However, reducing consumption of caffeine alone will not cure ulcers. Medications, including antibiotics to kill H. pylori infections and drugs that reduce stomach acid, are often needed to cure peptic ulcers.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How much is too much?; March 2011
- "Epidemiology"; A Prospective Study of Alcohol, Smoking, Caffeine, and the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer in Men; W.H. Aldoori et al.; July 1997
- "Medical Clinics of North America"; Diet and Nutrition in Ulcer Disease; R. B. Marotta et al.; July 1991
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Digestive Disorders - Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers)
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Peptic Ulcers; October 2010
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine in the diet
