Table of Contents
- Caffeine and Stomach Issues
- How Much Caffeine Should We Consume?
- Caffeine and Children
- Caffeine and the Heart
- Is It OK To Drink Coffee on an Empty Stomach?
- How to Relieve Stomach Pain From Coffee?
Caffeine and Stomach Issues
To be honest, most individuals have a mixed relationship when it comes to caffeine.
Although we enjoy it for rousing us in the morning, our stomach doesn’t always feel the same way.
Have you ever felt a sickly feeling after drinking two or three cups of coffee?
Yes, that isn’t just you anymore. It’s believed that caffeine might be a little harsh on the stomach, especially when you’re empty.
Acid reflux, anyone? It increases the production of acid, which may be the source of that burning feeling.
Let’s see the relation between caffeine and stomach issues.
Additionally, it can quicken the rate at which food passes through your digestive system, which sounds great until you realize that it may also cause bloating, cramps, or an unexpected run to the bathroom.
Good times, huh?
If you notice that your stomach starts to grow after drinking coffee, it’s generally a good idea to cut back on your intake or, at the very least, stop drinking it when you’re not feeling well.
Try eating it with anything; your stomach will thank you for it.
How Much Caffeine Should We Consume?
Okay, so what amount of material is too much?
The majority of experts concur that individuals can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.
That roughly equates to four cups of freshly prepared coffee. I know what you’re thinking right now—four cups?
I’m capable of handling that.” But remember that caffeine isn’t just found in coffee before you down that extra shot of espresso. It infiltrates soda, tea, chocolate, strong beverages, and several prescription drugs.
Thus, it’s easy to go too far without realizing it. And in the event that you do?
Alright, brace yourself for nerves, a pounding heart, and maybe even some nausea.
It’s possible that you’ll have trouble falling asleep, which might ruin your entire day. Among other things, moderation is key.
Nobody wants to be that person who can’t stop shaking because they thought a double shot would be a great idea at four p.m.
Caffeine and Children
Let’s now talk about children and caffeine. You’re probably wondering, “Wait, kids and caffeine?”
It’s true that they’re consuming it as well, in the form of unhealthy beverages like soda, chocolate milk, and even strong drinks.
Because children’s bodies are more sensitive to caffeine than adults’, even a small amount can cause hyperactivity, difficulty sleeping, and yes, stomach problems.
Caffeine is really believed to interfere with their growing bones as well.
The experts advise against giving caffeine to children at all, but if it does make an appearance in their diet—for example, through a chocolate bar or a sip of soda—it’s best to keep it to a minimum.
Getting kids to unwind before bed is challenging enough without adding caffeine to the mix!
Also Read – Does Turmeric Help With Stomach Issues? (2024)
Caffeine and the Heart
This is where things start to get a little more serious.
We understand that caffeine causes the heart to race. in the true sense.
It’s no longer a big concern in small doses, but if you’re doing too much of it, well, let’s just say your heart can feel like it’s training for a marathon without your consent.
Caffeine overuse can cause an increase in your heart rate and, in certain situations, palpitations.
Have you ever had a heart palpitation after consuming a drink of double strength? Yes, that is the effect of caffeine.
Caffeine overindulgence can raise blood pressure in people who already have coronary heart disease, but this isn’t always anything you should worry about.
The exact information?
A small amount of caffeine doesn’t really pose a risk to heart health for most healthy persons. But if you already have cardiac problems or are drinking cups of coffee like they’re water, it’s probably time to give up caffeine.
Is It OK To Drink Coffee on an Empty Stomach?
Now, let’s answer the question that has been on everyone’s mind: “Is it really okay to drink espresso on an empty stomach?”
You know the routine: you wake up, feeling a little off, and that espresso glass seems like it will save your life. That moment, though, when you ask yourself, “Is this a very good idea, or am I putting myself up for a stomachache later?” still occurs all the time.
This is what is unquestionably happening. Even though we enjoy it so much, coffee is quite acidic. Espresso comes in at a 4. five to five on the pH scale (remember those from technology class?), which puts it on the acid side.
On the other hand, your stomach is already an acidic environment; it functions somewhat like an acid production plant, ready to disrupt your meals.
Espresso consumption on an empty stomach may result in even greater acid production.
When there are no meals present to help absorb some of the acid, it swirls around and can irritate.
At that point, you can start experiencing symptoms like nausea, heartburn, or just a vague sense that your stomach is rebelling.
Additionally, if you already have digestive issues such as gastritis or acid reflux illness, drinking espresso before meals can really turn things up (both literally and figuratively).
You might find yourself regretting your choice of morning coffee. And when your abdomen is sensitive? You are effectively taking a chance with fire. But there are other factors to take into account besides stomach issues. A
Espresso may enter your system more quickly if you consume it on an empty stomach.
You could be conscious that the effects of the caffeine rush feel a little too strong—jitteriness, trembling in your hands, or perhaps that anxious sensation that makes you feel like you’re inside vibrating.
Some people would feel like they’re ready to take on the world, while others would just find it to be a fast tune that makes them feel stressed out.
To top it all off, some research suggests that drinking espresso first thing in the morning without eating could affect your cortisol levels. Cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone, is known to surge in the morning and aid in waking up.
However, espresso can make it even more spikey, which over time might not be so great for your body. Overconsumption of cortisol ought to impact your immune system, digestion, and mood.
How to Relieve Stomach Pain From Coffee?
Alright, so you disregarded the advice, and now your stomach is punishing you.
It takes place!
However, there are effective ways to improve and defuse the situation. Let’s examine a few tried-and-true methods to relieve the ache that coffee caused in your stomach.
1. Eat Before Your Coffee
This is a tried-and-true advice that is well worth remembering.
It’s like putting a buffer between your stomach and that acidic brew when you eat something before drinking espresso.
A modest item like a piece of toast or some crackers could have a big impact worldwide. Your stomach won’t respond to the espresso as strongly if it has anything to paint on.
If you’re among those who find it difficult to have breakfast in the morning, consider having a small snack in addition to your espresso. Perhaps a granola bar or a banana.
Although your stomach will feel much more at ease, you will still experience the caffeine rush.
2. Pick a Milder Roast
Not every espresso is out to harm you! Try switching to a milder roast or a low-acid espresso if you’re experiencing stomach pain. Despite what their strong flavor may imply, dark roasts are typically far less acidic than lighter ones. Additionally, bloodless brew is believed to have less acidity than regular heated espresso. You get your coffee fix without feeling the burn!
3. Mind the Brewing Method
The acidity of your espresso can also be affected by the method you use to make it. For instance, coffee tends to be significantly less acidic than regular drip espresso even though it is most likely highly concentrated.
Using a paper filter during brewing can help reduce the oils and other elements that cause espresso to be more harsh on the stomach.
Consider it the way that espresso behaves when it is at its best.
Also Read – Are Protein Shakes Good For Losing Fat? – Are Protein Shakes Good For Your Stomach? (2024)
4. Add a Little Something to Balance It Out
Adding cream or milk to your coffee can help balance out some of its acidity.
Because dairy milk contains calcium, which is a natural acid reducer, it helps. Almond, oat, or coconut milk can be used as a dairy substitute to soften the blow.
A quick dash of cinnamon may also help; it’s said to calm the digestive system and provide a little flavor to your morning brew.
5. Drink Water Alongside Your Coffee
A great idea to try is to have a tumbler of water beside your coffee.
Coffee has some diuretic properties, so if you’re not careful, it can cause you to become dehydrated. By reducing the acidity causing your stomach ache, drinking water helps counterbalance that.
Furthermore, it does no one any damage to be hydrated!
6. Ginger Tea: The Magic Fix
Ginger tea is a great treatment if your stomach is already upset.
Ginger is believed to have the ability to reduce nausea and abdominal pain. After your espresso, you should each have a cup of ginger tea or perhaps bite into some ginger candies.
It’s like dispatching the personal bodyguard to the belly to defuse a situation.
7. Try Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are definitely your secret weapon if you’re one of those die-hard espresso connoisseurs who just can’t get enough of the morning brew.
These tiny assistants can assist your body in digesting food and relieving any unpleasant stomach.
They are available as supplements, and they may offer your stomach a little more support as it adjusts to the acidity of espresso.
8. If All Else Fails, Cut Back
I know this one is difficult. However, if you’re consistently experiencing issues with coffee, it’s probably time to cut back or, at the very least, take a quick break. Even going to decaf should be beneficial.
It’s coffee anyway, just a little less strong.
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