Hello and welcome to Indyvit! As the founders of indyvit.com, we have made it our mission to produce customized nutritional supplements on demand in Switzerland. In this blog post, we focus on a popular topic: coffee and its effects on digestion. You'll be surprised how the ubiquitous caffeine in your morning coffee can affect your digestion. Let's dive deeper!
The impact of coffee on digestion:
Coffee is known to many as an invigorating drink that boosts the metabolism and gets us going in the morning. This effect is largely due to the caffeine it contains, a natural stimulant found in many plants, including coffee beans.
Caffeine can have a stimulating effect on the intestines and increase peristalsis, i.e. the movements of the digestive tract. This can lead to an accelerated transit time of food, which in turn leads to a faster bowel movement. It is therefore not uncommon to feel an increased need to go to the toilet after drinking coffee (Martins et al., 2014).
However, coffee can also lead to excessive stimulation of the digestive system. People with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts in particular can experience problems such as stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhea. This is not only due to the caffeine, but also to other ingredients in coffee, such as acids and oils, which can increase the production of stomach acid and increase intestinal movements (Boekema et al., 2017).
How to avoid coffee and digestive problems:
If you are a fan of coffee but suffer from digestive problems, you don't have to give up your favorite drink right away. Here are some tips that can help you minimize the effects of coffee on your digestion:
Drink your coffee in bulk: Instead of drinking several cups at once, try to reduce your coffee consumption and only enjoy moderate amounts.
Choosemild coffees: Strongly roasted coffees contain more acids and can increase stomach irritation. Try a milder variety instead.
Dilute your coffee: Add some milk or coffee cream to your coffee to reduce the acidity.
Pay attentionto your diet: A balanced diet with fiber-rich foods can help reduce digestive problems that may be caused by coffee (Martins et al, 2014).
Sources:
Martins, S. M., Noronha, N. Y., Souza, M. O., & Mazza, B. F. (2014). Effect of coffee on the gastrointestinal tract. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(41), 15004-15011.
Boekema, P. J., Samsom, M., & Akkermans, L. M. (2007). Coffee and gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction. A review. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 42(10), 1141-1146.
Please note that the information in this article is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for specific health concerns
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