Coffee is a popular drink worldwide, with millions of people indulging in a cup or two every day. However, coffee has been linked to causing diarrhea, which can be a discomforting experience for anyone.
This article discusses the reasons why coffee can cause diarrhea, and how you can prevent it. We will also explore various alternatives to coffee for those who want to limit their intake or try something new.
Can Coffee Cause Diarrhea?
Pro-mobility Agent
Coffee is a pro-mobility agent that stimulates the digestive system’s muscles to contract, which leads to bowel movements. This effect is why most people feel the need to use the restroom after sipping a cup of joe in the morning.
While some occasional coffee drinkers may not experience adverse effects, regulars may experience diarrhea. The increased frequency of bowel movements can lead to diarrhea when stools are loose and watery.
Laxative Properties
Caffeine, which is the primary active ingredient in coffee, has laxative properties that can cause diarrhea. Large quantities of caffeine can stimulate the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea and even constipation in some cases.
Muscle cramps can occur when the digestive tract experiences too much stimulation, leading to discomfort and diarrhea.
Other Reasons That Coffee Might Cause Diarrhea
Apart from caffeine, there are other reasons why coffee can cause diarrhea. People who are lactose intolerant may add milk or cream to their coffee, which can lead to diarrhea.
Coffee has an acidity level of around 5, which can trigger excess bile production, leading to an upset stomach and diarrhea. Acid reflux patients may also experience diarrhea if they ingest too much coffee.
How to Prevent Diarrhea
Switch to Decaf
Decaffeinated coffee is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor and aroma of coffee without the energy boost. Decaf does not contain caffeine, which means it does not have the laxative properties that cause diarrhea.
Choose a Plant-Based Creamer
Lactose intolerant individuals can switch to non-dairy plant-based creamers such as soy, coconut, almond, and oat milk. These creamers do not contain lactose, which is a sugar found in milk that can upset the stomach and lead to diarrhea.
Try a Lighter Roast
Dark roast coffee, commonly found at Starbucks, has a strong taste and extra caffeine. A lighter roast is less bitter and acidic, making it a better choice for those who experience digestive issues.
Try Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made using the cold brewing process, which uses cooler temperatures than traditional brewing methods. This process results in coffee that is less bitter and acidic, making it easier on the stomach.
Drink It Later in the Day
Coffee consumption in the morning can shock the system and cause bowel movements. Drinking coffee later in the day can give the stomach more time to digest food from meals and prevent diarrhea.
Drink More Water
Caffeine is a natural laxative that can cause diarrhea. Drinking more water can help minimize the side effects of caffeine, such as dehydration and diarrhea.
Try a Different Beverage
Green tea and ginseng are excellent alternatives to coffee. They boost energy levels and focus without overstimulating the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.
Eat Something With Your Coffee
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause digestive issues. Eating something with your coffee can help absorb the acidic properties, preventing diarrhea.
Limit Your Intake
Limiting your coffee intake can help prevent diarrhea. Drinking smaller amounts of coffee throughout the day can help maintain balanced caffeine levels and minimize the risk of digestive issues.
Conclusion
Coffee can cause diarrhea due to its pro-mobility agent and laxative properties. However, there are several ways to prevent diarrhea, such as switching to decaf, trying a plant-based creamer, drinking a lighter roast coffee, trying cold brew, and drinking more water.
Green tea and ginseng are great alternatives to coffee, while eating something with your coffee can help absorb the acidic properties. Limiting your intake can also prevent diarrhea.
By following these tips, coffee drinkers can enjoy their favorite drink without experiencing discomfort.Caffeine is a stimulant that most people consume through drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. While caffeine has several benefits, such as enhancing cognitive function and boosting energy, overindulging in it can pose several health risks.
This article discusses the recommended caffeine limits, the average caffeine content of a cup of coffee, and the caffeine content of big-chain beverages. It also provides a summary of the previous article on coffee and diarrhea and emphasizes ways to minimize symptoms.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
Recommended Caffeine Limit
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. This amount is equivalent to roughly four cups of coffee, eight cans of cola, or two energy drinks.
Exceeding the recommended limit can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and kidney stones.
Average Morning Coffee Caffeine Content
The average caffeine content in a cup of coffee varies depending on the type of coffee and its brewing method. On average, a standard cup of coffee contains about 90-140 mg of caffeine.
Therefore, drinking three to five cups of coffee per day is within the recommended caffeine limit. However, people should still be mindful of the other sources of caffeine they consume throughout the day.
Caffeine Content of Big Chain Beverages
Big chain stores such as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have published the nutritional data of their beverages, including caffeine content. The caffeine content of a Starbucks brewed coffee ranges from 180-410 mg, depending on the size and roast.
Espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos have less caffeine content than brewed coffee, with an average of 75 mg per shot. Dunkin Donuts coffee, on average contains 215-300 mg of caffeine, depending on the size and roast.
Mindful Intake
To maintain a healthy caffeine intake, people should be mindful of the sources of caffeine. It’s recommended to track the caffeine intake of beverages and food.
Choosing and checking nutritional labels can help maintain healthy caffeine levels.
Summary
Coffee and Diarrhea
Coffee can cause diarrhea due to its pro-mobility agent and laxative properties. People who are lactose intolerant or have an upset stomach, acid reflux, or excess bile production in their stomach may experience diarrhea after consuming coffee.
To minimize the symptoms, individuals can switch to decaf or try plant-based creamers, consume a lighter roast coffee or cold brew, drink coffee later in the day, eat something with their coffee, limit their intake, and drink more water.
Minimizing Symptoms
Drinking water is essential to minimize the symptoms of diarrhea and other caffeine-related side effects. Switching to decaf or trying plant-based creamers can also help with digestion.
A lighter roast coffee or cold brew can reduce acidity levels, which can irritate the stomach lining. Consuming coffee later in the day and with food can also help to manage diarrhea.
Limiting coffee intake to a maximum of four cups per day can also be beneficial. By being mindful of caffeine intake and choosing the correct beverage, its possible to enjoy coffee without experiencing digestive issues.
Conclusion
While caffeine has many benefits, knowing the recommended caffeine limits, average caffeine content of a cup of coffee, and caffeine content of big-chain beverages can help people maintain healthy caffeine intake levels. For people experiencing coffee-induced diarrhea, trying different methods such as switching to decaf or drinking coffee later in the day with food can be beneficial.
Drinking water and limiting intake can also minimize the symptoms of diarrhea and other caffeine-related side effects. Caffeine is a popular stimulant consumed by millions of people worldwide.
To maintain healthy consumption levels, it’s essential to know the recommended limit of 400 mg per day, the average caffeine content of coffee ranging from 90-140 mg per cup, and the caffeine content of big-chain beverages such as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Overindulging in caffeine can lead to health risks such as high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Coffee-induced diarrhea can also occur due to its pro-mobility agent and laxative properties. Individuals can minimize symptoms by drinking water, switching to decaf, trying plant-based creamers, lighter roasts, cold brews, consuming coffee later in the day, eating food, limiting intake, and trying alternative beverages.
By being mindful of caffeine intake and choosing the right beverage, it’s possible to enjoy caffeine without experiencing negative side effects.