Can coffee cause Gastritis? (5 Related Aspects)
Can coffee cause Gastritis? (5 Related Aspects)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can coffee cause gastritis? We will discuss what gastritis is and the general consequences that drinking coffee has on the stomach. We will also discuss tips and techniques to minimize the effect that coffee has on gastritis.
Can coffee cause gastritis?
Coffee can cause gastritis in people who already have the condition. Coffee is an acidic beverage that can damage the lining of the stomach and cause inflammation.
The acid from coffee causes an imbalance in the stomach acid because it increases gastric secretions such as Hydrochloric acid and consequently causes colon movement.
Coffee damages the lining of the stomach and causes inflammation. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can affect the GIT and causes conditions like gastritis, reflux, and ulcers.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the lungs. The lining of the lungs serves as a protective barrier for the delicate organs that lie underneath. Acidic foods that include coffee can cause inflammation and infection to the lining. When gastritis occurs, it is usually to blame either the bacteria called H. Pylori or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
Gastritis causes symptoms similar to ulcers such as nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, and abdominal problems. Drink beverages that are at a neutral pH and have no caffeine. Water and soup are good options for you.
How do caffeine and acids from coffee trigger gastritis?
The acid from coffee causes an imbalance in the stomach acid because it increases gastric secretions such as Hydrochloric acid and consequently causes colon movement.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system by producing a hormone called adrenaline. The boosted nervous system affects the colons and GI tract, causing a person to experience stomach discomfort.
Some other digestive symptoms that coffee can cause:
Coffee can trigger GERD symptoms in people who drink regularly. Some people can experience painful Gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume acidic beverages regularly.
Coffee also causes gas. Caffeine can increase stomach acid and cause GIT discomfort. It also stimulates the digestive system and causes spasms in the bowels, and causes gas.
Can decaffeinated coffee cause gastritis?
Decaffeinated coffee has very little caffeine as compared to regular coffee. However, the acid content of decaffeinated coffee is the same as regular coffee. The pH of coffee lies at around 5, which is sufficiently acidic. If your stomach already suffers from gastritis; caused by the same bacterium that causes ulcers known as Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), then you need to avoid decaffeinated coffee as well.
Even an 8-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee has 3-11 grams of caffeine. Caffeine from decaffeinated coffee is also enough to trigger gastritis. It is also recommended to stay away from sodas and fruit juices to prevent gastritis from aggravating.
Who is prone to getting gastritis?
People of the older age group are susceptible to getting gastritis because of their weaker immune systems. Certain health conditions can also cause a person to have a weakened immune system regardless of their age.
A genetic involvement can also cause gastritis due to specific abnormalities. People who take NSAID drugs that help to treat arthritis are also at risk of developing gastritis.
People who smoke, drink alcohol and acidic beverages are also prone to getting gastritis. Stress can also cause the release of gastric acids, which hence cause the condition.
How to prevent coffee from giving you gastritis?
- Choose your coffee with wisdom
Not every coffee is the same, and the acid levels tend to vary. The primary acids are chlorogenic acid and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (C5HTs). When you choose your coffee, try to go for the ones with less acid. The coffee beans that are grown at lower elevations are less acidic. Arabica and Venezuelan Coffee are popular as low-acid coffee.
Dark roast coffee has less acid as compared to medium-roast. Darker roasts of coffee have lesser compounds to make your stomach uncomfortable.
Also, try to choose cold brew over hot. Cold-brew has fewer compounds and acids dissolved, which means that it will be easy for the stomach to handle.
- Add Milk
Milk can reduce the acid levels of coffee. If you are lactose tolerant, adding milk to your coffee will help combat the acid levels of coffee. The proteins found in milk are α-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin bind to the acid in coffee and make them inactive. As the proteins and chlorogenic acid form a compound, the bioavailability of the acid decrease. Hence, the acid will not be able to absorb in your body.
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can coffee cause gastritis? We discussed what gastritis is and the general consequences that drinking coffee has on the stomach. We also discussed tips and techniques to minimize the effect that coffee has on gastritis.
