In this text we will discuss whether coffee consumption is related to the appearance of gas in the intestine. In addition, we will give you some tips on what foods should be consumed and avoided if you have gas problems.
Why does coffee give me gas?
The caffeine in coffee could be the culprit (for flatulence), but it could also be something added to coffee, like the milk. Even if you are drinking decaf coffee, some caffeine is still present. For example, according to Drugs.com, a cup of decaf coffee still contains 3 mg to 5 mg of caffeine.
While this is not a lot of caffeine compared to regular coffee – a regular cup has around 40 mg to 180 mg (of caffeine) – this can add up (accumulate) if you drink several cups a day and can generate gas and flatulence, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine
Stomach gas is one of the most bothersome conditions. Everyone has had them at least once, but some people suffer from excessive gas chronically. The reasons why they arise are varied, although the most relevant is food.
In general, the discomfort caused by intestinal gas is more personal or social, as it is expelled as burps or flatulence. We all know that it’s not pleasant to be at a meeting with friends or at home sharing time with family when gas appears.
If this is your case, you can take some infusions, such as mint. The most important thing will be to avoid eating the foods that cause discomfort.
Can coffee on an empty stomach cause gas?
According to research published by the American magazine Reader’s Digest, this practice can harm the digestive system, since coffee, when it comes in contact with the stomach, produces stomach acids that can damage the walls of the organ itself, causing indigestion and heartburn.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach alters the body’s entire circadian cycle. That is, the biological clock stops working effectively, due to the change in cortisol levels – a hormone that keeps the body alert and energized.
What foods can give me gas?
Foods that cause gas, such as beans and broccoli, for example, have a large amount of fiber and carbohydrates that are fermented by the intestinal flora during digestion, causing flatulence and bloating, and the intestine’s intolerance to these foods varies from person to person.
For this reason, it is important for the nutritionist to carry out an assessment to identify which foods produce gas and to develop a nutritional plan adapted to the person’s needs.
Foods that can cause an increase in the production of gas in the intestine are:
- Beans, corn, peas, lentils, chickpeas
- Broccoli, brussels sprouts, onions, garlic
- Cauliflower, cucumbers, artichokes, asparagus, turnips and oats
- Eggs;
- Sorbitol and xylitol, which are artificial sweeteners;
- Fruits, vegetables and products that contain fructose.
- Soft drinks and other carbonated beverages;
- Bubble gum;
- Fried foods, processed meats and bulky meals with lots of sauce.
- Milk and dairy products can also cause gas in some people, especially those who are lactose intolerant.
How to eliminate intestinal gas quickly?
There are several ways to eliminate trapped intestinal gas, but one of the simplest and most practical is to drink fennel tea with lemon balm and walk for a few minutes, as this way it is possible to stimulate the functioning of the intestine, eliminating gas naturally while walking.
In cases where it is not possible to eliminate gas only with the use of this tea, it may be necessary to perform abdominal massages to avoid excessive accumulation of gas that can cause very acute pain, which can even be confused with a heart attack. Know how to recognize the symptoms of gas so you don’t confuse it with a heart attack.
Some excellent strategies to eliminate trapped gas are:
- Press the abdomen
- Get an abdominal massage
- Drinking tea against gas
- Drink a laxative juice
- Use a drugstore remedy
Can gas mean a serious illness?
Gas can signify a serious illness if:
- Abdominal pain is intolerable, with very strong cramps, which can then be an indication of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- The abdomen presents an unusual or unacceptable increase in volume
- There is difficulty in eliminating them, even with an adequate diet and common medicines, sold in the pharmacy, without a prescription
Most of the time, gas is not linked to serious diseases, but if some of the symptoms above appear, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Other FAQs about Coffee that you may be interested in.
Why does coffee make me sleepy instead of awake?
Which Starbucks drinks don’t taste like coffee?
Why when I drink coffee on an empty stomach I have nausea?
Conclusion
In this text we discussed whether coffee consumption is related to the appearance of gas in the intestine. In addition, we gave you some tips on what foods should be consumed and avoided if you have gas problems.
Citations
https://drinkgoldenratio.com/a/blog/does-coffee-cause-bloating
https://www.javapresse.com/blogs/enjoying-coffee/3-reasons-coffee-upsets-your-stomach
