Coffee can cause an upset stomach due to caffeine and heartburn. Decaffeinated and low-acid coffee can help reduce side effects. Caffeine overdose and coffee allergies can also cause stomach issues. Alternatives like soy tea and coffee are available.
The link between coffee and an upset stomach may be related to caffeine and heartburn. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate the production of stomach acids, causing heartburn. Heartburn can therefore cause an upset stomach. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate which can be directly linked to nausea.
Coffee is available in caffeinated, semi-caffeinated, and decaffeinated forms. Decaffeinated coffee has less caffeine than other types, but two to four milligrams (mg) of caffeine remain even after processing to remove the caffeine. Semi-caffeinated coffee typically has about 50 mg to 60 mg, and caffeinated coffee contains about 100 mg to 120 mg.
Sensitivity to oral stimulants is a common cause of the link between coffee and an upset stomach. The caffeine in coffee can cause your heart rate to increase, leading to nausea, dizziness, and irritability. Drinking low-caffeine coffee can help reduce side effects. Replacing coffee with tea can further reduce your caffeine intake and any stomach issues associated with it.
People who are not sensitive to caffeine may also suffer from coffee and stomach upset. A caffeine overdose occurs when too much caffeine is consumed in a short period. Often referred to as coffee jitters, caffeine overdose is typically not life-threatening, but it can take hours for the stimulation and nausea to subside.
Coffee also causes the production of stomach acids which can lead to stomach pain. Stomach acids are typically produced when you eat food, to start the digestive process. If there is no food in the stomach, the acids can cause irritation and stomach pain. Therefore, eating food while drinking a cup of coffee can counteract the feeling of nausea.
Some brands or styles of coffee are more acidic than others. Low-acid varieties may not stimulate the release of as much stomach acid. Brewing with hot water can produce more acidic coffee. Cold brewing is a viable alternative, but tends to take longer than warm brewing. Using cold water to make coffee involves soaking the coffee grounds in cold water for three to four hours or overnight before straining them from the beverage.
A coffee allergy may be another source of the connection between coffee and an upset stomach. Coffee contains tannins. Moderate symptoms of a tannin allergy include stomach pain. Pesticides and herbicides used during the growing stage are also linked to allergic reactions.
If coffee and an upset stomach are a concern, alternatives to traditional coffee are available. Soy tea and coffee are two that are widely available in many food markets around the world. Before skipping coffee altogether, you can rule out other causes of an upset stomach, such as sensitivity to dairy products or caffeine.
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