For many, a day without a cup of joe is unimaginable. Coffee is enjoyed by millions for its rich taste and ability to increase energy levels, but it’s not without some potential side effects.
The acids that give coffee its deep flavor can also contribute to feeling queasy after drinking a cup. If you sometimes feel nauseous after drinking coffee, here’s why and what to do about it.
1. You Have Acid Reflux
Most coffees have pH ranges from 4.85 to 5.10, which is on the acidic side of the pH scale, according to one study.
The stomach is an already acidic environment, and because caffeinated coffee also contains acids, this increases the acidity in the stomach, which can cause tummy troubles, according to Cleveland Clinic. These acids can speed up the digestion of food, which is why some people feel the urgent need to use the restroom after drinking coffee.
The acid content in coffee can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and bloating, Cleveland Clinic notes. These symptoms are caused by stomach acid becoming backed up in the esophagus (and are usually caused by highly acidic foods and drinks like coffee), according to Cedars-Sinai.
“Those who experience chronic acid reflux (aka gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) may be more prone to nausea after drinking coffee, says Marie Spano, RD, CSCS, a sports performance nutritionist.
2. You Drink Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Many people head straight to the coffee pot in the morning, pouring themselves a cup before they’ve even had breakfast; this could be the culprit of your coffee-induced nausea.
“Coffee is highly acidic when poured on an empty stomach, which could irritate your stomach lining that may result in nausea in some people,” says Mehak Naeem, RDN.
The acidity of coffee alone isn’t to blame. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, which could also play a role. Caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion, a digestive fluid that helps break down food, according to research.
“It stimulates the release of gastrin that results in abdominal distress when produced in excess amounts. It also makes you feel nauseated. So before you drink coffee, eat some food,” Naeem says.
3. You’re on Certain Medications
Some medications cause side effects, including nausea, when they interact with the caffeine in coffee. “Nausea is one of many possible side effects of a caffeine-medication interaction,” says clinical herbalist Jenna Volpe, RDN. “People should always make sure to check the labels carefully when taking any medications to avoid food-drug interactions.”
How to Prevent Nausea From Coffee
If you regularly experience nausea from coffee, you may consider cutting back — but also note that nausea is one of the side effects of caffeine withdrawal, according to the National Library of Medicine. So if you plan on cutting back on coffee, go slow.
Nausea and upset stomach are also symptoms of too much caffeine, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is no maximum recommendation for caffeine, as it depends on several factors — such as how concentrated it is and how quickly consumed — but the FDA considers 400 milligrams per day of caffeine from any source to be safe.
Pinpointing the cause of your coffee-induced nausea can help you take action to reduce it. Here are some dietitian-recommended places to start.
1. Switch to Low-Acid Coffee
Low-acid coffee options include dark roasts, espresso, and cold brew, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“If you can’t bear to give up your cup of joe, try low-acid decaf coffee,” Spano says. “It’s much gentler on the stomach.”
2. Add Milk or Cream
Drinking your coffee black may make you more prone to nausea. Adding milk or cream to your coffee may cut the acidity and make it more tolerable on your stomach.
“Try cutting the coffee with some unsweetened milk substitute and a natural sweetener to the coffee instead of drinking it black,” Volpe says.
3. Drink Coffee With a Meal
Food acts as a buffer with medication, and the same is true with coffee. To reduce nausea after drinking coffee, try eating a meal beforehand or at the same time.
“Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach if you feel nauseated. Eat calcium-rich food before drinking coffee and increase your daily water intake. The calcium in food helps neutralize stomach acid and the acidity of coffee,” Naeem says.
Read the full article here
