Coffee is a widely popular beverage, enjoyed by millions of adults and children all over the world. It is produced from the seeds of various plants, and has been used as a medicinal or spiritual aid for centuries.
It is also well known for making people happy and is a great social lubricant. It is consumed in various forms all over the world, and various people consume it for different reasons, or like different things.
Drinking up to four cups of coffee a day can help improve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by reducing pain and improving digestion. But some people wonder whether coffee can be bad for IBS.
A number of studies show that moderate coffee consumption is safe for most people, and some even claim that coffee drinkers have lower levels of IBS symptoms.
The world’s leading coffee experts agree, too much coffee is bad for IBS. The addictive substance is bad news for digestive health due to its bitter and acidic qualities.
These characteristics can cause digestive upsets and diarrhea, and some people even experience nausea and vomiting.
For many people, the morning is the most difficult part of their day. Getting out of bed is hard enough, but getting out of bed when you have a stomach ache is even more challenging.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a term used to describe a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms that include stomach cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown.
The symptoms can be followed by a change or worsening of bowel habits, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. Research suggests that IBS is more common in women than men, while it can affect people of all ages.
IBS is currently treated with certain over-the-counter medicines and a diet that reduces the amount of fiber.
However, the exact cause of the symptoms is not known. Theories suggest that a combination of factors is involved, including:
- Babies’ intestines are smaller than adults, and they digest food more slowly than adults, so food remains in the gut for longer. This causes the body to absorb more of the digested food, leading to gas and bloating.
- Microorganisms in the gut can produce more of the gas that is made by fermentation, so more gas is produced.
- Body fluids contain more salt and water.
Why can coffee worsen IBS symptoms?
Having a cup of coffee can be a great way to start your day, and there is no doubt that coffee contains a lot of antioxidants. However, a recent study has shown that coffee may worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in some patients.
IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes severe abdominal pain. It affects between 8 and 15 percent of the adult population in the UK.
Although the mechanism of action is not fully understood, the fact that coffee is a diuretic and can exacerbate symptoms if you have a sluggish colon or irregular bowel movements is not in dispute.
- Speeding up the movement of our bowels.
When you’re suffering from IBS, coffee is a rather unwelcome guest, and it can make the symptoms of your condition worse. This can lead to a feeling of bloating, which could also influence our bowel movements, which can lead to diarrhea.
In severe cases, the symptoms of IBS can have a significant impact on our everyday lives and we may find it difficult to work, study, or socialize.
But, there are ways to make coffee less bad for you so that you can still enjoy a cup of joe.
- Increasing stomach acid production.
Coffee is a popular beverage, enjoyed by hundreds of millions every day, and for the most part, it is a healthy beverage. However, some people have experienced negative side effects from drinking coffee, usually from a lack of stomach acid.
Stomach acid is a digestive enzymes produced in the stomach that aids in digesting food. It also helps to protect the stomach lining from germs and toxins.
Some people believe that too much stomach acid can cause problems with the digestive system. To prevent this, it is important to eat a diet high in fiber and to ensure that you get enough fluid into your system.
- Increasing the stress response
A recent study published in the journal “Nutrients” reported that chronic stress may contribute to IBS-like symptoms. The study looked at the effect of acute stress on the gut, and how this can affect gut health.
Acute stress refers to short-term exposure to unpredictable or stressful stimuli, such as being in a new environment, or having to give a speech. The study looked at how acute stress affects both the digestive tract and stress hormones in mice, using a natural herb called “Chromolaena odorata” (commonly known as “citronella grass”).
The stress response is triggered in the brain when the body is exposed to a challenge, such as loud noises, fear, or pain,
- Coffee contains Salicylates
Salicylates, also known as Aspirin, are found in the seeds of several plants, including the shrub willow, the tree apple, the vine buckthorn, and the fruit of the buckthorn shrub. The most common source of Salicylates is the willow plant, found in many of the foods we consume.
The main reaction that occurs is between salicylic acid and an enzyme called lipase, which occurs naturally in the body and is what makes aspirin and other pain-relievers effective.
Research has shown that drinking coffee can lower our risk of premature death. This is a good thing, as one of the leading causes of premature death is linked to a lack of coffee.
But there is a downside: Coffee contains salicylates, If you drink coffee at a moderate to high level, you are more likely to develop your salicylate levels higher than recommended.
What not to eat with irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome has been associated with multiple causes, including psychological ones. It’s also assumed that diet plays a part in IBS, but many people are still confused as to what exactly to eat and what not to eat.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. It can be a frustrating condition to live with, so why not avoid food that can irritate the bowel?
Here’s some list of food to avoid with IBS.
- Insoluble fiber
It is well known that a diet high in insoluble fiber can help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. But what is insoluble fiber?
Insoluble fiber is that which cannot be broken down by our digestive system. It is found in foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Dietary insoluble fiber goes through our digestive system, but the body does not absorb it.
- Gluten
Those with IBS have been found to have a sensitivity to certain foods, including: gluten, dairy and some types of lactose. Research has shown that IBS sufferers have a sensitivity to certain foods.
- Diary
Many sufferers of IBS try to avoid foods that can cause symptoms, such as caffeine, dairy, or fructose. These days, many people turn to the internet to research potential triggers, and find relief from the symptoms they don’t want to face.
- Fried foods
There are no clear guidelines to what to eat to help the IBS symptoms. However, there are some foods that may aggravate the condition, such as fried foods. Some people say that fried foods can trigger IBS symptoms.
