Are you a coffee lover who has experienced diarrhea after drinking your morning cup of coffee? If you are, you are not alone. Millions worldwide experience diarrhea after drinking coffee due to its acidic nature and high caffeine content.
But don’t worry, there is a way to stop diarrhea from coffee without giving up your delicious morning cup of Joe. In this post, I will show you natural remedies and medical treatments that can help stop diarrhea from coffee.
What Causes Diarrhea from Coffee?
Coffee is known for its diuretic effects, which can cause frequent trips to the bathroom. But for some people, drinking coffee can cause more than just increased trips to the bathroom—it can also cause diarrhea. This is because coffee contains caffeine and various acids that can cause digestive issues in some people.
The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee bean used and how it is brewed. Generally speaking, one 8-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee contains approximately 95mg of caffeine. For reference, a cup of tea contains only about 47mg of caffeine per 8 ounces. The high caffeine content in coffee can stimulate the digestive tract muscles, leading to loose stools or diarrhea.
In addition to the high caffeine content, coffee contains various acids that can irritate the stomach and the small intestine. Coffee’s acidic nature can cause indigestion, nausea, and abdominal pain, contributing to diarrhea.
Drinking coffee can also lead to diarrhea for people who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to coffee beans. Lactose-intolerant individuals may experience digestive issues if they drink milk-based coffees such as lattes or cappuccinos. People with allergies to coffee beans may experience an allergic reaction when drinking coffee, which could lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
How to Stop Diarrhea from Coffee?
If you’re experiencing diarrhea after drinking coffee, several remedies you can try may help stop the symptoms.
To stop diarrhea from coffee, reduce your intake of caffeinated coffee. Consider switching to decaf or half-caffeinated coffee. A 2014 study found that dark roast coffee may be easier on the stomach than medium roast, as it has a different balance of chemicals.
Natural Remedies
One of the best ways to stop diarrhea from coffee is to switch from regular brewed coffee to black coffee. Black coffee has less acidity than regular brewed coffee, so it may be easier on your stomach and reduce the risk of diarrhea. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day as dehydration can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Herbal teas are another great option for reducing symptoms of diarrhea caused by coffee. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and some contain ingredients that have been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Taking probiotics may also help reduce symptoms of diarrhea as they contain beneficial bacteria that can help balance out your gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Medical Treatments
If natural remedies don’t work for you, several over-the-counter medications may help reduce symptoms of diarrhea caused by drinking coffee. Antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) work by slowing down the movement of stool through the intestines, which helps reduce the frequency of trips to the bathroom. However, these medications should only be used if your doctor recommends it as they may worsen certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
If over-the-counter medications don’t work for you, then your doctor may prescribe other medications such as antibiotics or antispasmodics that can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea from drinking coffee.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee can cause diarrhea in some people due to its high caffeine content and acidic nature. If you experience frequent trips to the bathroom after drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee, there are several natural remedies and medical treatments you can try that may help reduce symptoms and prevent further incidents from occurring in the future. These include switching from regular brewed coffee to black coffee, staying hydrated, taking probiotics, and talking to your doctor about prescribed medications that may help reduce symptoms of diarrhea caused by drinking coffee.
FAQs
Should I stop drinking coffee if it gives me diarrhea?
If you experience frequent bouts of diarrhea after drinking coffee, you should talk to your doctor about potential underlying causes such as allergies or lactose intolerance. Depending on the cause, they may recommend dietary changes or treatments to help reduce your symptoms so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite beverage without any unpleasant side effects.
Why do I always get diarrhea after drinking coffee?
There are several potential causes, including high caffeine levels, acidity levels, lactose intolerance, and allergies to coffee beans. Talk to your doctor to find out which one is causing your symptoms so that you can take steps to reduce or eliminate them.
How do you stop the laxative effect of coffee?
Switching to black coffee can help reduce the laxative effect of caffeine as it has less caffeine than regular or flavored coffee. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding sugary drinks or alcohol can also help reduce symptoms of diarrhea. Taking probiotics may also help restore balance to the gut flora and improve digestion.
What drinks stop diarrhea?
While no single drink can stop diarrhea, staying hydrated is key for preventing and reducing symptoms. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding sugary drinks or alcohol can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea. Herbal teas are also a great way to stay hydrated and provide additional health benefits such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why does coffee trigger IBS?
Coffee has been linked to symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to its high levels of caffeine, acidity levels, and lactose intolerance. It can also trigger food allergies in some people who are sensitive to certain substances in coffee beans. Talk to your doctor if coffee may trigger your IBS symptoms.
