Have you experienced stomachaches in the morning? Maybe you’re just sitting in your kitchen, having a cup of coffee. But suddenly, you feel bloated and nauseated. “But I haven’t eaten a thing yet,” you thought to yourself. But maybe it’s not you. Maybe it’s that drink in your hand. Can coffee cause gastritis?
Coffee is a popular drink in many countries. But popularity does not always mean it’s for everybody. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of belly aches and indigestion, then maybe the culprit has to be your cup of joe.
What is Gastritis
Gastritis is when your stomach lining is inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Gastritis is classified as either acute or chronic. It’s a common condition, especially for older people. People who smoke, drink, or are under constant stress are also at risk.
Common symptoms to look out for are pain, indigestion, and bloating. But gas belching, heartburn, hiccups, and bloody stool are also worth noting.
There are plenty of causes for gastritis. A bacterial infection or the use of certain medications can trigger gastritis in some patients. Certain foods and drinks, like tomatoes, sodas, and fried foods, can also upset the balance in your belly. This is where coffee comes in.
Can Coffee Cause Gastritis?
One drink that every gastritis patient should avoid or limit is coffee. Coffee is a drink that contains both caffeine and acid, two natural components that can irritate your stomach.
So do you have to say goodbye to coffee forever? Not necessarily. If you experience mild and manageable gastric symptoms, then a cup or two won’t hurt. But if your gastritis is severe or chronic, then you might want to replace your morning joe.
But what about decaffeinated coffee? While decaf has significantly less caffeine than regular coffee, it still has a significant amount of acid. And that acid can worsen your existing symptoms.
So What Can I Consume Instead?
First and foremost, you want to minimize acidic food in your diet. Coffee is a part of that list. But alcohol, soda, and fruit juices can also trigger gastritis. If you can tolerate coffee, make sure to consume what your body can take. Too much can throw you off balance, even if you only experience mild gastritis.
One good alternative for coffee is eating an apple. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients can help people who have gastritis. Apples are also a good source of fuel, thanks to their natural sugar content. And while you can’t really enjoy the same rich flavor of coffee from an apple, at least you can say goodbye to any stomach aches and indigestion.
Gastritis patients should also consume products that are high-fiber, low-fat, and non-carbonated.
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Are You Ready to Say Goodbye to Coffee?
It can be hard to let go of that cup of joe every morning. But coffee can cause gastritis, and it can also worsen its symptoms. You can still consume coffee as long as your symptoms are tolerable. But if your stomach is ready to fight you every time you have coffee, then you might as well stick to water.
