Coffee is often considered essential for starting your day. In moderate amounts, the beverage is quite harmless, but during winter, an increase in digestive issues might render it unsuitable for those who are susceptible to its effects. At this time, weather changes, contaminated food, and more frequent cases of infections may increase the likelihood of experiencing acidity, bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pains.
In this article, Dr. Saiprasad Lad, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai – A Fortis Associate, tells us everything about drinking coffee and whether it can increase digestive health problems.
Coffee acts as a stimulant to produce additional gastric acid that helps with the digestion process. In cases where the person suffers from acid reflux, gastritis, or peptic ulcers, this effect may only worsen the symptoms of heartburn, pain in the upper part of the abdomen, nausea, and sour taste in the mouth.
How Does Caffeine Affect Digestion and Diarrhoea?
Caffeine also induces bowel movement through increased colonic activity. Though this is beneficial for those suffering from constipation, it tends to make things worse for people suffering from diarrhoea or stomach cramps following a stomach infection, which happens more frequently in the rainy season. Since diarrhoea itself leads to dehydration, one must avoid excessive consumption of coffee till the stomach heals.
Should People With IBS Avoid Coffee?
Persons suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also need to be careful. Though consumption of coffee does not cause IBS, it is a known trigger that may aggravate bloating and abdominal pain as well as change in bowel habits in certain people. Being aware of triggers and limiting coffee consumption can keep IBS flare-ups at bay.
How Much Coffee Is Too Much During the Rainy Season?
The quantity of coffee consumed, and timing of its consumption matters as well. Having several cups of coffee daily, especially if it is very strong, along with spicy and oily/greasy foods during the winter season would put you at a greater risk of acidity and indigestion. Having coffee immediately after a meal may lead to indigestion.
Water consumption is another significant factor to consider. It is often seen that people consume little amount of water during the winter season due to cold weather. While moderate consumption of coffee cannot make a person dehydrated, those who suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting need to focus on drinking water rather than coffee.
How to Drink Coffee Safely?
One or two cups of coffee per day can be safely consumed during the winter by healthy people. The main thing here is moderation. Never drink coffee on an empty stomach; always drink it along with a proper meal; keep hydrated and observe food safety rules.
In case digestive complaints like persistent acid reflux, recurring abdominal pain, diarrhoea, presence of blood in feces, or unexplained weight loss are experienced, then it is crucial to consult a physician, and not just attribute the problem to coffee being consumed.
Coffee itself does not harm anyone, and it has antioxidants in it. But in winter, since there is a higher incidence of digestive disorders, it will only exacerbate the existing digestive problems among vulnerable people.
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