Espresso is an indispensable drink for coffee lovers in the morning. After all, thanks to a cup of strong coffee, the body is activated. It is for this process that it is used. Caffeine and other components of the drink also affect the functioning of internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, the effect of coffee on the stomach, pancreas, and intestines is not always favorable. For patients with gastritis or ulcers, it is better not to drink espresso, especially on an empty stomach. Such patients should avoid drinking natural coffee beans and instant coffee. More details below.
Rules of the coffee ceremony - how to drink espresso without harming your health
If a person has excellent health, then the drink will not harm him in any way. When drinking two or three cups of drink, your health will be strong, your intestines will work like clockwork. The main thing: do not drink it in large quantities, drink strong coffee only after meals (not immediately, but after 30-50 minutes). This way, the process of normal processing of food by enzymes in the stomach will not be disrupted.
Both natural and instant drinks can cause harm to the body. The second, in addition to caffeine, contains chemical impurities to enhance taste and aroma, which are harmful to human health. Natural coffee beans also contain caffeine and chlorogenic acids. These elements can attack the liver, stomach, pancreas and irritate the intestines. Therefore, doctors do not recommend drinking strong espresso on an empty stomach in the morning immediately after sleep.
During the night, the stomach digests leftover food. In the morning he is ready to receive a new portion of healthy food, but not in the form of a drink with an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. Espresso has a sour taste, which is why coffee on an empty stomach hurts your stomach. Hydrochloric acid is released immediately after drinking. Since she will have nothing to eat, heartburn will appear. This threatens the development of diseases such as gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer.
The ancient tradition of serving coffee after meals has long roots. When receiving guests, nobles set the table in a separate room, not the one where the dinner took place. The guests went there later after the meal, had a coffee ceremony, and had leisurely conversations. Already at that time they knew that it was necessary to follow certain rules when drinking a drink made from coffee beans.
If your stomach hurts after coffee, then give it up and replace the drink with chicory or cocoa.
Gastrointestinal tract and caffeine - what happens in the body
This is about:
- caffeine;
- N-alkol-5-hydroxytryptamide;
- catechols.
Daily consumption of coffee for gastritis of the stomach will lead to side effects, ranging from heartburn to exacerbation of the disease.
The principle of the drink is simple: during the night the stomach processes food and enters the pause stage, gaining strength for the next “working” day.
By allowing coffee to affect him during this period - in the morning on an empty stomach, a person deliberately provokes the production of excess hydrochloric acid. The situation will be aggravated by a long break between coffee and the first meal.
The resulting acid will begin to digest the mucous membranes of the stomach.
Consistent consumption of coffee in the morning before breakfast will sooner or later lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract, aggravate the situation of patients with ulcers or gastritis, and may even cause the development of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Instant coffee is considered the most dangerous for stomach ulcers and gastritis. The harm of the drink was confirmed by studies related to its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The mixture that underlies the drink contains numerous tannins that cause heartburn, nausea and heaviness in the stomach.
Drinking coffee in the morning on an empty stomach will reduce the production of gastric juice. In turn, this will cause difficulties in the process of breaking down food. The protective layer of the organ walls, under the influence of caffeine and a number of substances contained in the drink, will gradually be depleted, which will cause an exacerbation of diagnosed diseases.
And yet, despite all the risks and warnings, in certain cases it is permissible to drink coffee with a sick stomach if you follow a number of simple rules:
- Be careful with the consumption of the drink for hyperacid and hypoacid gastritis, diluting the drink with milk or water.
- Avoid coffee before breakfast and immediately after meals, allowing the body to work correctly.
- Drink the drink only warm.
- Replace instant coffee with natural coffee brewed in a Turkish coffee pot.
- Dose the drink, not allowing yourself more than two cups.
Doctors recommend giving up coffee during treatment of acute ulcers and gastritis, replacing it with alternative safe drinks.
You might be wondering: Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?
There are enough coffee substitutes that can satisfy the taste buds and provide no less aesthetic pleasure. One of the most popular is chicory. The unique plant is ground into powder, from which an aromatic and tasty drink is prepared.
It is based on pectin, which is responsible for:
- well-coordinated bowel function;
- normalization of the process of getting rid of waste and toxins;
- restoration of the structure of the gastric mucosa.
All this means one thing - in case of ulcers and gastritis, its regular consumption will not only not worsen the situation, but will also improve the situation.
Additionally, it is worth noting that due to the high content of tannins and the resistance of essential oils to microbes, chicory improves the condition of the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, and accelerates the process of restoration of flora in case of intestinal infections and poisoning.
For ulcers and gastritis, the drink must be taken in special forms. An effective solution is chicory steamed with boiling water in a cup. You need to drink the tincture warm, with the addition of sugar, honey, milk and cinnamon to taste. No more than three cups are allowed per day.
A tincture from the plant will be useful for those who have a stomach ache. To do this, 50 grams of powder are steamed in a thermos and allowed to brew in a warm place. Take 60 grams of tincture before meals.
A decoction of chicory is also suitable as an option. It is prepared simply: pour half a glass of powder into a liter of boiling water, cook for 30 minutes, then let it cool and take a tablespoon during meals.
It is not easy to deny yourself coffee completely, even with serious stomach problems. It’s much easier to do this if you have a tasty and, most importantly, safe analogue in mind. Cocoa can claim its place - rich and aromatic.
The drink has a bright chocolate taste, invigorates and charges you with a good mood. It includes:
- starch;
- polysaccharides;
- organic acids;
- tannins.
Patients with gastritis and stomach ulcers can drink cocoa in the same way as chicory in limited quantities, at the right time with the addition of milk. You need to choose only natural cocoa that needs brewing, and not its instant analogues with a high content of flavors and dyes.
You might be interested in: The benefits and harms of ground coffee
It is obvious that coffee affects the stomach and intestines, but can the drink really cause the development of peptic ulcers? This point of view is not uncommon not only among people far from medicine, but also among experienced doctors. Doctors often place a taboo on even small doses of coffee drink for people with ulcers, considering it an unchangeable evil.
However, it turns out that coffee and the development of ulcers are not related. Indeed, the drink, especially in excess and on an empty stomach, has a negative effect on the health of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of the development of ulcers is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. It is this, and not caffeine, in tandem with the other components of coffee that leads to the development of stomach disease.
In the photo - the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in multiple magnification
With an ulcer everything is clear, with gastritis things are somewhat different. Obviously, if you have an upset stomach with signs of gastritis, you need to deny yourself coffee pleasure at least from time to time, regulating the strength of the drink and the hours of its consumption.
Indeed, people suffering from gastritis, even after drinking one cup of coffee, can experience serious discomfort in the stomach due to cramps and pain. The reason here is not caffeine at all, but chlorogenic compounds that cause excessive formation of hydrochloric acid and irritation of the mucous membrane.
Symptoms intensify if you delay eating after drinking coffee. To the question of whether a coffee drink can cause gastritis, the answer is simple - unlikely. The habit of drinking coffee on an empty stomach will affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract, but will cause the development of gastritis only in the case of global and systematic neglect of the basic rules of nutrition.
If your stomach does not react with cramps and pain to weak coffee with milk or cream, it’s worth allowing yourself it from time to time as a little joy. In case of pain and discomfort, as a reaction to drinking coffee, you can reduce its strength until the stomach begins to react more loyally. Naturally, you need to experiment with intervals between doses of several days.
A norm of 1-2 cups of coffee diluted with milk per day is considered safe for health. It is better to choose a brewed, high-quality roasted drink, enjoying it 1-1.5 after breakfast and before 18-00 in the evening. Following these simple rules will make life brighter and more fragrant, even if you have to deny yourself the usual pleasures while following a diet for ulcers or gastritis.
Gastroenterological diseases impose serious restrictions on the patient’s entire nutritional system. Diet therapy is the main method of treating this type of disease.
Many patients are interested in the question: is it allowed to drink coffee for gastritis? To answer this, it is important to understand in detail the effect of a coffee drink on the affected gastric mucosa for different types of pathology.
Stomach acidity is of no small importance. Depending on the concentration of hydrochloric acid, the drink has different effects on the stomach.
The complex organic compounds of coffee tree seeds contribute to the additional production of gastric juice, so it is important to adhere to strict rules for taking this drink.
When answering the question whether it is possible to drink coffee with gastritis, one should take into account the type of gastritis: if it is hyperacid it is impossible, but if it is hypoacid it is possible.
By following a number of important recommendations, the coffee drink will not have a negative effect on damaged stomach walls.
- Coffee extract should be consumed only in small quantities and exclusively in the first half of the day. You can drink a mug with an invigorating substance an hour and a half after breakfast.
- The drink should not be too hot. High temperatures have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane.
- It is advisable to give preference to natural coffee. Also, the prepared aromatic drink should not be too strong.
The wide range of coffee effects on the gastric tract is due to the active components of the invigorating substance:
- Caffeine and caffeic acid esters (chlorogenic acid) make the digestive environment more acidic. As a result of this, heartburn occurs.
- Frequent use of caffeine depletes the protective layer of the gastric walls due to its complex biochemical composition. Coffee beans are saturated with plant compounds, which also provoke an increase in the production of enzymatic juice. The daily need for caffeine often leads to the development of ulcers and other harmful consequences.
- Coffee drunk during a meal can react with stomach enzymes, which significantly disrupts the digestion process and aggravates the condition of gastritis. That is why it is not recommended to drink this drink during meals so that it does not mix with the food mass.
Unfortunately, gastritis and coffee are not compatible if the disease is accompanied by excessive production of gastric juice. The patient should completely avoid this product to avoid pain and heartburn.
It is allowed to take an invigorating drink only in case of long-term remission. It is important to remember that even a couple of sips can provoke a hyperacid reaction and its painful consequences.
If hydrochloric acid is produced in small quantities, then caffeine will help increase its secretion. The patient is allowed to drink no more than 2 cups of coffee per day. Do not forget that the strength of the drink should not be high, nor should its temperature. If possible, it is better to brew a caffeinated drink in a Turk. It is highly recommended not to use instant coffee.
This difficult period for any patient is characterized by a noticeable increase in the symptomatic manifestations of the disease. The acute stage of the disease requires strict nutritional measures. All irritating foods, and, first of all, coffee extract should be excluded from the patient’s diet.
The effect of coffee on the pancreas
The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. It performs exocrine and intrasecretory work in the body. The pancreas needs to be given special attention. Let's consider the question of how coffee affects the pancreas.
Coffee and the pancreas
If a person does not have pathologies of this organ, then espresso will not harm health in any way. After all, the product contains components that enhance the functioning of the body’s digestive systems. The process facilitates the recycling of products.
When drinking espresso on an empty stomach, the gland begins to produce enzymes to digest food. And they have nothing to synthesize and break down, because there is no food in the stomach. Therefore, enzymes begin to have a destructive effect on the walls of the digestive tract. As a result, health problems arise. Inflammation occurs not only of the pancreas, but of all gastrointestinal organs.
During an exacerbation of pancreatitis, give up strong coffee and do not drink instant drinks.
Properties of the drink
Yes, coffee makes us more resilient and, if you like, smarter thanks to caffeine, which improves cerebral blood flow and is an excellent psychotropic substance.
Coffee improves memory, mood, and adaptive ability.
For hypotensive people, one might say, coffee is the elixir of life. True, this property is lost if you use it frequently - 2-3 cups per day is considered an acceptable norm. But is it possible to drink coffee with gastritis?
Chlorogenic acid, which is part of coffee, burns fat. After all, strong coffee, in the morning, on an empty stomach, is a really strong irritant for the gastric mucosa. Only the fault for this is not caffeine itself, as is commonly thought, but the acids that make up coffee, especially chlorogenic acid. Scientists are still arguing about its benefits and harms.
But there is no escape, the mucous membrane reacts to this acid with the appearance of heartburn and even pain in the stomach. Plus, when coffee enters the stomach, its glands begin to secrete hydrochloric acid, which, of course, does not help improve the condition of the mucous membrane. You shouldn't rely on instant coffee either. Alas.
And experts veto this type of drink. The fact is that instant coffee contains a lot of chemicals, including various additives. Ground coffee in bags, where there are also artificial ingredients, will not save the situation. By the way, natural coffee containing flavoring additives is prohibited for any type of gastritis. And it is better for healthy people to refuse such a product.
It is not the caffeine itself that has a harmful effect on the stomach, but the acids and artificial ingredients contained in coffee.
Coffee beans, like any other plant, accumulate a large number of different chemical elements. One of them is caffeine, which attracts many fans from all over the globe. This substance is synthesized by the plant for a specific purpose, to protect itself from insects that eat the fruits of the tree. And in its essence it is nothing more than a poison capable of destroying living beings.
This is how coffee is roasted
But natural coffee is not really like that. The fruits collected from the tree are subjected to very harsh heat treatment, causing many different reactions and destroying everything that was natural there. The result is a drink that is pure “chemistry”.
About 1 thousand substances are described in the composition of coffee. And almost none of this is found in the raw materials. Everything appears during the roasting process. Therefore, we can conclude that coffee is not a natural, thermally modified product.
- The overwhelming number of substances, about eight hundred, are responsible for the smell. It is this complex and rich composition of volatile substances that forms the unique aroma of coffee.
- About 150 chemical compounds are responsible for taste.
- The rest includes so-called toxins, including caffeine and others.
Coffee on an empty stomach for gastritis, ulcers
When a coffee drinker drinks espresso every day on an empty stomach, over time he may develop gastritis. If your stomach hurts from coffee, get examined by a doctor. Otherwise the disease will develop. The protective lining of the stomach walls will be depleted due to the effects of caffeine and chlorogenic acid, a process that will lead to serious exacerbations. Let us consider in detail the question of whether it is possible to drink coffee if you have gastritis or ulcers.
Concepts: gastritis and coffee are practically incompatible. Drinking strong espresso when you are ill is highly undesirable. Drinking the drink is allowed only if certain rules are followed.
- You can drink coffee only after a meal. Be sure to brew a weak drink with added milk.
- Drink your latte warm. Avoid instant coffee; it is more harmful to your health than real coffee beans.
- For hypoacid or hyperacid gastritis, be sure to add low-fat milk to espresso.
- Don't drink coffee if you have an ulcer. Replace it with chicory, cocoa, simply purified water or green tea.
Some coffee lovers believe that coffee is not contraindicated for stomach ulcers. It is enough to reduce the dosage of the drink - drink no more than two cups per day. You should also drink warm espresso with milk and brew weak coffee. Then the drink will not cause irritation.
Coffee for different types of gastritis
Soluble
Instant coffee has a bad effect on the stomach during acute or chronic inflammation of the organ. This is due to an increase in the level of biological substances in the resulting concentrate. With gastritis with high acidity, drinking instant coffee results in pain, heartburn, nausea and bloating, and intestinal upset.
Ground
In a natural product, the percentage of tannins is lower; this drink is not so dangerous for the health of the digestive tract. But even it should not be consumed uncontrollably.
With milk
If giving up a cup of coffee seems impossible, drinking it with milk may be an ideal option. Thanks to coffee with milk, stomach acidity is normalized. Added milk reduces the temperature of the drink, making it comfortable and healthy to drink. For this, coffee should only be natural, and milk should be added with a low fat content.
For gastritis with reduced gastric secretion, drinking coffee is even beneficial, but be sure to follow the rules of intake - no earlier than 1 hour after eating food, and it should not be hot and strong. Also, in this case, it is not necessary to dilute the drink with milk, but it is preferable to drink a natural product rather than an instant one. You should limit yourself to 3 cups of drink per day.
Drinking it with high acidity is allowed if the disease is in remission. It is also advisable to drink a natural drink and not hot.
Is it allowed to drink coffee during an exacerbation of gastritis? This drink has an irritating effect on the inflamed mucous membrane, so during this period it is better to replace the drink with still mineral water, liquid jelly (brewed from natural berries), and herbal teas (made from herbs that have an enveloping effect).
Every patient who loves coffee can choose an option according to their personal preferences.
Barley drink
This barley drink is known for its general strengthening effect, which is useful for people who are frequently exposed to physical activity and all kinds of stress.
Barley and products made from it are indispensable components of therapeutic nutrition for certain gastrointestinal diseases. They are useful for dysbiosis, biliary dyskinesia, pancreatitis. Biological substances that are found in barley grains have a positive effect on the intestines - they cleanse it and help restore the mucous membrane of the digestive canal.
Complex high-molecular carbohydrates that are present in barley contribute to the development of normal intestinal microflora and improve immunity. The biocomponents of barley grain have an antimicrobial effect and relieve inflammation. Replacing it with a barley drink will have a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa and on the functioning of the whole body.
A barley drink that replaces regular coffee for gastritis can be prepared in this way. Take pre-dried barley grains and fry them in a dry frying pan without oil. Then grind it in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder is used to prepare a drink. 10 g of barley powder is poured into the Turk and 200 ml of cold water is poured.
Chicory drink
Chicory rids the body of toxins and other harmful substances. It contains inulin, which is considered a natural sugar substitute, which is why this drink can be consumed by those who suffer from diabetes. Chicory has pronounced antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties.
For gastritis, cocoa can replace coffee. It helps relieve fatigue and energizes you. Cocoa contains many useful substances: organic acids, polysaccharides, starch, tannins.
Effect of coffee on the digestive system
Why you shouldn't drink coffee in the morning on an empty stomach. The effect of coffee on the stomach is due to the content of chlorogenic, tartaric and caffeic acids in the beans. When consumed after a meal, acids help break down fats and improve metabolism, which is beneficial for the body. But when the gastrointestinal tract is empty, the acid irritates the mucous membrane and causes intestinal colic.
Coffee on an empty stomach not only invigorates our body after waking up, but also irritates the walls of the stomach. The stomach reacts to irritation by producing hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for digesting food, which in turn enhances the effect of the acids contained in the drink.
The harm of coffee to the stomach depends on the concentration of caffeine in it: the more there is, the more harmful the effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The most harmful varieties to consume on an empty stomach are Robusta and green coffee. Robusta contains a lot of caffeine, and the green variety contains large amounts of chlorogenic acid. This acid serves as an antioxidant and helps break down fats, but when it enters an empty stomach, it acts on the mucous membrane as an irritant.
First, unpleasant sensations appear that precede heartburn. Drinking coffee for a long time on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain, gastritis and ulcers.
Coffee in the morning on an empty stomach and the gastric mucosa
On an empty stomach, the effect of coffee is most harmful, since the acids it contains destroy the mucous membranes of the organ. Some people believe that if you drink decaffeinated coffee on an empty stomach, nothing bad will happen. But besides this component, the drink contains other plant compounds, which contribute to the active production of enzymatic juice in the organ.
If you drink coffee on an empty stomach constantly, over time the amount of gastric juice produced becomes less, which makes it more difficult for you to break down food. The drink depletes the protective layer of the organ walls, which contributes to peptic ulcers and other erosive processes.
The effect of the drink on hormonal levels
Cortisol is a stress hormone, it excites the nervous system, creates a feeling of anxiety, and also promotes rapid awakening after sleep and causes a surge of energy.
Coffee affects the body depending on the concentration of a specific hormone in different types of drink, which directly depends on the level of caffeine in them. Thus, Arabica promotes the production of the hormone serotonin, while Robusta promotes the production of cortisol to a greater extent.
Effect on other organs
This invigorating drink effectively cleanses and activates the work of not only the stomach and intestines, but also other systems of the body. Judge for yourself whether this is a negative impact, however, it is worth listening to the recommendations.
Having a diuretic and irritating effect, coffee prevents the full absorption of nutritional compounds found in food. Particularly indicative for all coffee lovers is a lack of iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium. This leads to a number of serious diseases, such as osteoporosis and iron deficiency anemia.
The carcinogenic substance released when grains are roasted is called acrylamide. Unfortunately, this is the only component in coffee that certainly harms humans through the digestive system.
In the USA, this drink is included in a number of dangerous products along with fast food, as it is a cause of cancer. However, recent studies prove that the acrylamide content in a cup of coffee is so negligible that it cannot have a negative effect on the body.
However, in moderation, coffee even has the ability to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (such as colon and liver).
For our body, an excessive dose of caffeine is a malfunction that causes the production of the hormone cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. It is these active substances that are responsible for increased heart rate, high blood pressure and psychological stress. However, this surge will interfere with the digestion process if you drink coffee before meals.
The gastrointestinal tract and nervous system are closely connected. The production of gamma acids, which calm digestion, is interrupted by caffeine.
The effect of coffee on an empty stomach depending on the type
Is it possible to drink coffee on an empty stomach? The composition of different varieties of coffee is different, as is the amount of caffeine and organic acids in them, therefore each variety has a different effect on the body. Let's consider the effect of the drink on an empty stomach, depending on its type.
Why you shouldn't drink instant coffee on an empty stomach. Freeze-dried and granulated beans contain large amounts of caffeine, and have negative consequences if consumed regularly on an empty stomach:
- Prevents the absorption of beneficial microelements: calcium, magnesium and zinc;
- Increases the risk of osteoporosis;
- Causes addiction;
- Coffee irritates the intestinal walls and leads to morning heartburn;
- The risk of gastritis increases.
Instant coffee is contraindicated for people with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and also before bedtime.
The composition of green (unroasted) coffee differs from regular coffee in its increased content of chlorogenic acid. This acid is an antioxidant, so green grains are often used for weight loss. In addition to the breakdown of fats, an empty stomach reacts with irritation, heartburn and pain in the abdominal area appear.
The benefits of green coffee drunk on an empty stomach include vigor, a surge of strength and acceleration of metabolic processes in the body. Here you need to remember that such a drink (especially with milk) dulls the feeling of hunger, so it is important to have breakfast some time after drinking it.
Who shouldn't have green coffee? Like any drink containing caffeine, green beans have contraindications and should not be consumed in the following cases:
- Children's age up to 16 years.
- For hypertension.
- For gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, stomach ulcers and intestinal colic).
- Caffeine is dangerous during pregnancy.
- People suffering from diabetes.
Like any other type of coffee, green beans should not be overused, as this can lead to addiction, problems with blood pressure and stomach.
Freshly crushed grains have a pronounced taste and aroma and contain the largest amount of microelements. The benefits of freshly ground coffee are as follows:
- A surge of vigor and good mood;
- Improves metabolism;
- The antioxidant content in the drink slows down the aging process;
- The presence of potassium and magnesium saturates the body with essential substances;
- Regulates the amount of magnesium in the blood due to the presence of trace elements and organic acids.
Negative effects of coffee on the stomach
Let's look at the harm and some of the consequences of drinking coffee drinks on an empty stomach.
Dehydration
A cup in the morning on an empty stomach increases the release of fluid from the body. The body begins to sweat heavily. In addition, the drink is a diuretic. To avoid dehydration, it is advisable to get into the habit of drinking a glass of water before coffee.
It’s surprising that most people, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, go to brew another portion of the drink. Instead of drinking a mug of water, thereby only worsening the situation.
High stomach acidity
If you drink coffee every morning on an empty stomach, you can get the expected health problems. Some criticize the caffeine, but drinking coffee without it does not avoid the consequences either. Caffeine and other plant-based compounds stimulate stomach cells to release more hydrochloric acid, which can sometimes aid digestion.
But drinking coffee regularly, especially on an empty stomach, reduces the amount of acid it contains, which is needed to digest foods later. This is also unsafe, because the gepirol bacterium, which is responsible for ulcers in our stomach, also prefers an acidic environment. Combine this with the fact that coffee weakens the stomach's protective barrier—the protective layer on the mucous membranes—and the risk of damage and ulcers increases.
Loss of appetite
Many may have noticed that coffee lovers in the morning rarely have breakfast. This is because it dulls the feeling of hunger. There are even so-called “coffee diets” for those who want to lose weight. Despite the good effect, every body still needs a good breakfast. With this regime, you will not be able to lose excess weight.
Rather, on the contrary, trying to make up for the lack of food in the second half of the day will gradually lead to excess weight gain. It is advisable to eat solid food before drinking coffee.
Causes acid reflux
If you drink large amounts of coffee, you can also get heartburn and acid reflux. Coffee relaxes the muscle valve in the esophagus, causing stomach acid to rise up the passage and cause heartburn. If this happens often enough, it can lead to complications, such as ulcers. “Acid release” from the stomach occurs due to the relaxation of the sphincter, which protects the esophagus from food and hydrochloric acid entering back. Caffeine contributes to this condition, which negatively affects the mucous membranes and leads to heartburn.
Increases the chance of food putrefaction in the intestines
When drinking coffee, acidity decreases, which leads to stagnation of food in the intestines. Food that is not completely digested remains in the intestine and gradually begins to fester. This process creates a toxic environment that encourages “bad” bacteria to immediately begin to spread throughout the intestines, damaging the intestinal walls and leading to inflammation.
Diarrhea
Loose stools are the result of the irritating effect of an invigorating drink on the intestines. This is a kind of protective reaction of the body that occurs with excessive consumption of aromatic liquid.
Drinking coffee for health benefits
To ensure that drinking a cup of coffee in the morning brings only benefits to the body, you must adhere to some rules for its use:
- It is allowed to drink coffee after meals: this minimizes the negative consequences on the gastrointestinal tract that has not yet awakened, and also promotes the rapid breakdown of food taken.
- To reduce the harm after drinking coffee on an empty stomach, you should eat no more than half an hour after drinking it.
- To soften the effect of the drink, you can add milk to it. Milk replenishes calcium in the body and also increases the level of sirotonin in the drink. Sirotonin has a beneficial effect on thinking processes and activates brain activity.
- It is advisable to drink black coffee after meals. If you need to drink a drink made from green grains on an empty stomach for weight loss, it is recommended to have breakfast 10-15 minutes later.
- For breakfast, you should choose foods that increase serotonin levels. Such products include millet and buckwheat porridge, cottage cheese, oranges and milk.
Is coffee bad for the stomach? Can you drink coffee on an empty stomach? You can drink coffee in moderation, but only after meals. Coffee on an empty stomach will not cause significant harm to the body if consumed once, but if you drink it on an empty stomach every day, it can cause heartburn, increase nervous excitability, and also lead to gastritis. In order for the drink to give a boost of energy without negative consequences, you need to have breakfast before drinking it.
Espresso is an indispensable drink for coffee lovers in the morning. After all, thanks to a cup of strong coffee, the body is activated. It is for this process that it is used. Caffeine and other components of the drink also affect the functioning of internal organs, in particular the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, the effect of coffee on the stomach, pancreas, and intestines is not always favorable. For patients with gastritis or ulcers, it is better not to drink espresso, especially on an empty stomach. Such patients should avoid drinking natural coffee beans and instant coffee. More details below.
conclusions
The harm of coffee to the body and to the gastrointestinal tract depends on the content of caffeine and chlorhexic acids in it, which increase the level of acidity in the organ, thereby harming the mucous membranes of the stomach. It is not recommended to drink the drink in the morning on an empty stomach, as its effect is then most harmful. It is better to drink a cup of invigorating liquid 60 minutes after eating. Excessive consumption of the drink by young people can lead to problems with posture as calcium is washed out. Therefore, coffee lovers should remember to consume it correctly in the right doses.
How to drink coffee in the morning without harm to your health
The daily intake of caffeine is 300 mg. This amount does not harm the body, which means you can drink up to two cups. This applies to a natural drink. Instant contains less caffeine - up to 200 mg. Anything that exceeds this norm is harmful. According to researchers, the ideal time for the first cup is 10 am.
If patience does not allow you to wait, for example, because you get up early, there is just time to have something to eat, and you can no longer drink coffee on an empty stomach. Even if you follow the norm, but continue to consume it on an empty stomach, this will not save you from problems with the digestive system. Fortunately, there are a couple of useful tips on how to drink a cup of aromatic coffee, wake up, invigorate, and at the same time not harm your health.
To turn coffee into a healthy drink, you need to drink exclusively freshly brewed drink from natural beans. You should not buy coffee made in a coffee machine or drink instant powder. The content of natural components in it is minimal. To maintain a healthy intestine, you should add a little milk. Drink a glass of water after each drink to restore fluid levels in the body.
Even if you are on a diet, you should have breakfast before drinking a cup of green coffee. After a snack, you can safely enjoy a drink without forgetting about your daily caffeine intake. As a result, it will not cause any harm to the body.
Coffee does not directly harm the intestines, but it does reduce the intestines' ability to absorb minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron.
Here is a basic list of the properties of these nutrients:
• Magnesium – participates in maintaining the normal function of the nervous system and heart muscles, promotes intestinal motor activity;
• Calcium is necessary for strong bones and for the body cells to obtain essential nutrients;
• Zinc – fuel of the immune system;
• Iron is needed to create new red blood cells.
Is it possible to drink natural black coffee on an empty stomach?
There are different points of view on which coffee is more harmful - natural ground or instant.
There are several points that will help determine this: the amount of caffeine in the product and its brand. Most often, more caffeine is found in expensive brands.
Based on this, both instant and natural drinks on an empty stomach can bring their share of harm. You can still drink and enjoy coffee in the morning, but you should observe some nuances.
How can coffee affect the digestive canal?
Before drinking your instant coffee or any other coffee drink, it is worth knowing some facts that will explain how coffee affects your intestines.
Let's look at the physiological mechanisms of coffee's effect on the gastric mucosa.
- Like any liquid with a high temperature, coffee irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The phenomenon leads to increased secretion of hydrochloric acid and mucus in the stomach.
- In addition to the physical effects of temperature, coffee acts on the mucous membranes through chemical components. The catechol and caffeine contained in the drink enhance the production of hydrochloric acid.
- Physiologically, the mechanism of the stomach: during the night the organ is freed from food masses, then rests. If a person drinks a cup of coffee on an empty stomach in the morning, such a ritual has an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa and stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid.
- If a person has breakfast at the same time, hydrochloric acid is used to process the food bolus. If, besides coffee, no other food enters the stomach, hydrochloric acid has no choice: the substance digests its own stomach wall. It is extremely harmful to drink an invigorating drink on an empty stomach.
How does coffee affect the stomach: benefit or harm?
There are many opinions regarding the effect on the gastrointestinal tract, both good and bad. Some people believe that coffee has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, as it promotes the absorption of food. Others are of the opinion that caffeine helps in the process of losing weight, prevents a number of diseases, and even reduces the risk of cancer. The drink improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
The liquid is most active in the stomach. Regarding the negative impact on this organ, the opinions of scientists are divided. Some believe that the coffee drink is only dangerous on an empty stomach, while others are confident that the negative impact of the drink does not depend on any factors. There is an opinion that, on the contrary, it has a positive effect on the stomach.
The drink contains not only caffeine, but also chrogenic acid. This substance makes the hostile environment in the organ more acidic, which can cause heartburn. This acidic substance irritates the lining of the stomach, so the drink should not be drunk on an empty stomach, especially if you do not eat anything afterwards. Because if the acid cannot digest anything, it begins to destroy the walls of the organ. This may cause pain.
The development of gastritis is possible if you regularly drink coffee on an empty stomach.
If you drink coffee for a long time on an empty stomach, it can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, which can turn into cancer. The safest varieties are those that do not contain N-alkol-5-hydroxytryptamide, catechol or caffeine.
The most negative effect of coffee on the digestive system is in women under 35 years of age who drink it frequently. It has been proven that the effect of this drink directly depends on the variety and quality of the grains. Some varieties, on the contrary, block the production of hydrochloric acid.
Positive Action
Unique grains were highly valued in Asian countries, where they received their recognition and love. Did our ancestors know that coffee has a beneficial effect on the intestines? Today experts are convinced of the benefits of the drink.
The positive effect of the aromatic liquid occurs due to its antioxidant properties. It is these qualities, which are no less than in vegetables, fruits or green tea, that will help overcome spring vitamin deficiency and strengthen protective functions during the cold season.
Many patients use this tasty drug for constipation. It is useful to take it as a cleansing before a diagnostic operation - colonoscopy. You just need to take into account that the effect of coffee as a laxative will be immediate, stimulating the emptying of the intestines and stomach, so undigested food will quickly enter the small intestine. Thus, not all the nutrients from this food are used by the body.
Espresso, latte, cappuccino - any of these drinks will undoubtedly make bowel movements easier. To avoid negative consequences, follow the rules:
- Drink no more than two cups of coffee per day.
- If you have constipation, you can drink the drink an hour after meals.
- A glass of water would be helpful. In this way, acid plaque will be washed off from the teeth and the excreted fluid will be replenished.
- Coffee for constipation has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane.
When it's safe
Doctors recommend pampering yourself with a fragrant drink an hour after eating. Drinking it during a meal will cause harm to the body and disrupt digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is necessary to prepare fresh coffee, as well as tea, since when cold they can be harmful irritants to the mucous membranes.
The minimum period of time between eating and drinking coffee should not be less than 20 minutes. And in accordance with the energy rises in the rhythm of the human body, the best time for a break is 10-11, 12-13 hours of the day and the afternoon from 17 to 18.
Colon cleansing with coffee can be not only tasty, but also healthy. The main thing is to remember the rules for using this drink so that the body receives exceptional benefits. Coffee lovers should balance their health with the cups they drink, because they can harm the body, and along with the cleansing, the intestines.
Barley coffee as an alternative to natural coffee
When deciding whether to drink coffee if you have gastritis, think about the alternatives. A hundred years ago, Soviet researchers conducted a series of experiments with drinks based on barley grain. As it turned out, a drink made from barley has a general strengthening effect and is useful for people exposed to stress and physical activity. Barley coffee is introduced into the diet for recovery after severe infectious diseases, injuries and operations.
Barley and barley products are an indispensable component of therapeutic nutrition for a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The product is useful for biliary dyskinesia, dysbiosis, pancreatitis.
Biological substances in barley grains cleanse the intestinal cavity and restore the mucous membrane of the digestive canal. The cereal has a choleretic effect.
The complex high-molecular carbohydrates contained in barley grains act as a nutrient medium for the development of normal intestinal microflora. Barley has a beneficial effect on dysbacteriosis and improves immunity.
The biologically active components of barley grain have a pronounced antimicrobial effect and help relieve the inflammatory process. Cereals and drinks based on them have a similar property in the complex treatment of intestinal and stomach infections.
It is healthier to replace the coffee drink with a barley or chicory-based one.
But drinking coffee regularly, especially on an empty stomach, reduces the amount of acid it contains, which is needed to digest foods later. This is also unsafe, because the gepirol bacterium, which is responsible for ulcers in our stomach, also prefers an acidic environment. Combine this with the fact that coffee weakens the stomach's protective barrier—the protective layer on the mucous membranes—and the risk of damage and ulcers increases.
Rather, on the contrary, trying to make up for the lack of food in the second half of the day will gradually lead to excess weight gain. It is advisable to eat solid food before drinking coffee.
Loose stools are the result of the irritating effect of an invigorating drink on the intestines. This is a kind of protective reaction of the body that occurs with excessive consumption of aromatic liquid.
Harm from coffee. 7 Negative Effects of Coffee
The harm of coffee or why you should not abuse this drink.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid. This acid should only be produced when food is digested. If your body begins to produce hydrochloric acid more than it should due to regular coffee consumption, it may have difficulty digesting large amounts of food.
Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach can especially affect the digestion of proteins. Protein foods can simply pass further through the digestive tract before being digested in the stomach. Undigested protein can cause a variety of health problems, from bloating and flatulence to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis and even colon cancer.
The harm of coffee in this case is this. Many of the compounds in coffee, such as caffeine and various acids found in coffee beans, can irritate the stomach and lining of the small intestine. This is a known problem for people suffering from ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. Typically, patients with these problems are advised to completely stop drinking coffee. But the next question arises: can excessive coffee consumption contribute to the development of the above diseases?
The ulcers are believed to be caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori. The acidic effect of coffee weakens the resistance of the gastric mucosa to H. Pylori bacteria. Drinking coffee can also irritate the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to abdominal cramps, colic, and bowel problems (constipation and diarrhea). This condition is known as irritable bowel syndrome and in recent years, more and more people are suffering from this disease. For gastrointestinal diseases, coffee is harmful.
Acid reflux and heartburn can be caused by coffee due to the fact that it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. This small muscle must remain tightly contracted after eating to prevent stomach contents from returning back into the esophagus and damaging the mucosal surface from hydrochloric acid. Caffeine, found in colas, energy drinks and other foods, is also known to relax the esophageal sphincter, but it is coffee that causes the most harm.
Even decaffeinated coffee can cause constant heartburn in some people. Researchers believe that other components found in coffee may also cause acid reflux.
Drinking coffee can stimulate intestinal motility. Some people use it intentionally as a laxative, but there's a problem. By stimulating intestinal motility with coffee, we also help speed up gastric emptying, as a result of which incompletely digested food quickly passes from the stomach to the small intestine. In this case, the harm of coffee is that it complicates the extraction of nutrients from food and increases the likelihood of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which we discussed above. Whether you drink coffee with or without caffeine makes no difference, in both cases coffee has a laxative effect and negatively affects digestion.
People who drink a lot of coffee may be deficient in minerals in their bodies, even if they eat mineral-rich foods or take nutritional supplements. In this case, the harm of coffee lies in the fact that this drink negatively affects the absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the leaching of calcium, zinc, magnesium and other important minerals.
Although all of these minerals are essential for maintaining good health, their deficiency can lead to various types of diseases. For example, a lack of calcium alone can lead to more than 150 different diseases, and coffee flushes it out of the body quite strongly.
The effect of coffee on the pancreas
The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. It performs exocrine and intrasecretory work in the body. The pancreas needs to be given special attention. Let's consider the question of how coffee affects the pancreas.
If a person does not have pathologies of this organ, then espresso will not harm health in any way. After all, the product contains components that enhance the functioning of the body’s digestive systems. The process facilitates the recycling of products.
When drinking espresso on an empty stomach, the gland begins to produce enzymes to digest food. And they have nothing to synthesize and break down, because there is no food in the stomach. Therefore, enzymes begin to have a destructive effect on the walls of the digestive tract. As a result, health problems arise. Inflammation occurs not only of the pancreas, but of all gastrointestinal organs.
During an exacerbation of pancreatitis, give up strong coffee and do not drink instant drinks.
Recommendations from gastroenterologists
To minimize the irritating effects of the drink, listen to these tips that will allow you to enjoy it safely.
- Preference should be given to natural coffee rather than instant coffee. Ideally, it should be ground immediately before use.
- You should not drink coffee on an empty stomach, it will quickly increase acidity, and symptoms of exacerbation will appear. It is best to eat it as a dessert, half an hour after a meal.
- The drink should not be too hot so as not to damage the mucous membrane.
- The safest way to prepare it is coffee with milk. It neutralizes caffeine acids and also makes the drink less hot. Just remember that in case of stomach inflammation, preference should be given to skim milk.
- You are allowed to drink no more than two cups of coffee per day.
- For normoacid or erosive gastritis, try dark roasted beans; for hypoacid gastritis, try lighter roasted beans.
- The drink should not be overly sweet, and you should not add hot spices to it.
- Don't drink coffee grounds. It must be filtered or left at the bottom of the cup.
These simple rules make the drink accessible even with gastritis.
Diseases of the digestive tract are very common today. You should not self-medicate, but it is very important to consult a doctor in time. This will help avoid many undesirable consequences.
It is necessary to strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations, including those related to eating habits and behavior. With the right approach to your diet, food can be made not an enemy and the cause of many diseases, but an ally who will help speed up your recovery.
For any type of gastritis, patients must adhere to certain rules for eating foods:
- Maintain a strict approach to the selection and limitation of alcoholic beverages.
- Take food in small portions so as not to overload the digestive organs, whose activity is already impaired.
- Be careful when taking medications and check with your doctor each time whether this drug is contraindicated in your case.
- Avoid hot and cold foods. Food should be taken orally warm.
- You cannot eat fried, spicy, smoked foods.
- Follow a diet that is appropriate for your disease and prescribed by a specialist.
By changing your eating behavior and following all the recommendations of a gastroenterologist for taking medications, you can successfully carry out treatment and gain normal well-being in a short time.
Coffee contraindications
Since coffee has harmful properties, it has a number of contraindications. People who have gallstones should not drink coffee. It is worth noting that coffee itself does not provoke them, but if they are present, negative effects are possible. Thus, excessive consumption of coffee increases the content of calcium, citrates, magnesium, and other substances in the urine that are part of the stones that form.
You also need to pay attention to how you feel when drinking coffee. If you experience unpleasant consequences, then you need to reduce the amount or give up this drink altogether.
Coffee for digestion
Many admirers note the amazing effect on the gastrointestinal tract:
- stimulation of intestinal peristalsis;
- diuretic effect, which promotes rapid removal of toxins;
- activation of the entire digestive tract to cleanse the intestines.
Fans can drink the drink hot or cold, there is nothing special about it. However, scientific experts have proven that coffee is effective for constipation if consumed in the morning. But if you have stomach problems, you should absolutely not drink it hot.
This substance is part of dark grains. It is no secret that its effect on the nervous system can be excessive, so doctors advise monitoring the amount of coffee you drink per day. It is this that attracts lovers of late sleep, since it is difficult to find a more invigorating remedy in the morning. In addition, it helps to get rid of accumulated waste and toxins in the body.
Instant coffee mixtures do not contain much natural grain - only 15%, and the rest is additives, which allows you to reduce the cost of a jar of aromatic raw materials. The impurities also include other components: barley, oats, acorns and husks, and the main component is artificial caffeine. The benefits of this drink are very doubtful.
Coffee ground in a special machine will give you extraordinary pleasure. In addition, the drink will protect you from many ailments:
- cardiovascular pathologies;
- Parkinson's disease;
- gallstones and kidney stones;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- obesity.
Grains contain a large amount of antioxidants. Soluble samples cannot boast of such indicators. Artificial caffeine, on the contrary, contributes to the worsening of vascular diseases, heart rhythm disturbances and osteoporosis.
When to drink or not to drink coffee
Can this tonic drink be used for gastritis, and in what form? If a patient drinks coffee in the morning, the following happens: to process this product, the body secretes a lot of gastric juice to cope with it. Although the volume of the drink entering the body is small, it requires a large volume of hydrochloric acid to digest it, which ultimately causes heartburn.
The most dangerous time for drinking a tonic drink is the period when one stage of food absorption has ended, and a new one has not yet begun.
If you drink coffee, then only when the acid in the stomach has begun to be released, and the digestion process is in full swing. But it should not be very strong and hot. If you follow this rule, you are allowed to drink an invigorating drink.
If the patient’s medical history includes diseases of the digestive system, then consuming hot drinks is extremely undesirable. They can only cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive organ.
When you want to drink coffee, it is important to consider several points:
- a strongly brewed product can irritate the gastric walls even in a completely healthy person;
- if an inflammatory process occurs in the gastric mucosa, then drinking coffee is not recommended, or is allowed, but in small doses;
- in case of chronic, erosive, atrophic gastritis, it is also undesirable to drink it, since the presence of chlorogenic acids in the drink provokes a small “explosion” of acidity, which leads to severe pain, heartburn and belching;
- due to provoking acid synthesis, coffee is contraindicated in gastritis with increased secretion;
- It is advisable to drink an invigorating drink an hour after eating;
- Patients with gastrointestinal diseases are not recommended to drink coffee prepared in a French press or cezve. It is better if it is a drink prepared in a coffee maker with disposable filters;
- If a patient is diagnosed with gastritis with low acidity, it is recommended to drink no more than 2 cups of a weak drink diluted with milk.