Why Does Coffee Cause Stomach Ache?
March 29, 2025

Ever wonder why your favorite coffee sometimes makes your stomach hurt? Coffee has many benefits. Yet, it can still cause discomfort for some people.

The reason coffee can upset your stomach lies in its ingredients. Caffeine makes the colon about 60% more active than water and 23% more than decaf. This can lead to pain1. Coffee also increases gastrin and cholecystokinin, hormones that push waste faster, sometimes causing discomfort1. About one-third of people want to go to the bathroom more after drinking coffee, which shows why it can make you feel bad1. Drinking it on an empty stomach raises cortisol, making you feel nervous or irritable2. So, enjoying coffee can have some downsides for your gut.

Key Takeaways

  • Caffeine can make the colon more active, contributing to stomach aches.
  • Gastrin and cholecystokinin hormones increase digestive activity, enhancing discomfort.
  • One-third of individuals experience increased bowel movements after coffee.
  • Consuming coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol levels, causing anxiety and irritability.
  • The acidity in coffee irritates the stomach lining, a key factor in causing aches.

To understand coffee-related stomach aches, it’s important to know how its ingredients affect your stomach. Read on to learn more and figure out how to enjoy your coffee without the upset!

How Does Coffee’s Impact on Your Stomach

Learning about the effects of coffee on your stomach can make drinking it more enjoyable. The acidity in coffee is a big reason why it might upset your stomach. It makes your body produce more gastrin and cholecystokinin, hormones that lead to discomfort in your gut3.

A close-up view of a glass of coffee, the rich brown liquid swirling with light and shadow. Wisps of steam rise, revealing the complex acidity and bitterness that can irritate the delicate lining of the stomach. The glass is set against a hazy, dreamlike backdrop inspired by the whimsical aesthetics of Studio Ghibli, with soft pastel hues and a sense of gentle movement. The scene conveys the tension between the alluring aroma and flavor of coffee, and its potential to cause discomfort and distress within the digestive system.

Also, how sensitive you are to caffeine plays a role in how your stomach reacts. Caffeine makes the colon move more and increases pressure, causing cramps or upset in the stomach4. Having over two cups a day could raise the chance of having diarrhea and symptoms like dyspepsia and belly pain3. Even coffee without caffeine can affect your gut because of substances like melanoidins and chlorogenic acids3.

Drinking coffee might make your stomach produce more acid, which can worsen heartburn and acid reflux4. This extra acid might also cause stomach aches for some. Knowing how the acid in coffee and what you add to it—like milk and sugar—affects your stomach can help. This knowledge can guide you to make choices that prevent upset and make enjoying coffee better3.

What Are Causes of Stomach Ache After Drinking Coffee

Drinking coffee can sometimes lead to stomach aches. Here’s why. Caffeine makes your colon 60% more active than water and 23% more than decaf1. This increase can cause cramps or discomfort. Additives in your coffee, like dairy or sweeteners, might also cause pain, especially if you have a sensitive stomach1.

A vibrant scene of a steaming cup of coffee on a wooden table, surrounded by pill bottles and a person's torso experiencing the discomfort of acid reflux. The lighting is warm and hazy, evoking a Ghibli-esque atmosphere. The person's face is not visible, but their body language and the placement of their hands on their stomach convey the distress caused by the coffee's impact. The background is slightly blurred, keeping the focus on the central elements. The image captures the interplay between the allure of coffee and the physical consequences of its consumption, creating a visually compelling illustration of the article's subject matter.

Coffee contains polyphenols, which are usually good for you because they fight inflammation5. But, in some people, they can make inflammation worse. This is bad news if you often have stomach issues with coffee. Also, drinking coffee in the morning can make these problems bigger because your stomach reacts more during early hours1.

Coffee can also change your gut’s health, leading to inflammation and pain5. Adding sugar and cream to your coffee might cancel out its health benefits, making stomach problems worse5. So, the way coffee affects your stomach is connected to what’s in it and how it changes your gut.

Lastly, coffee makes one-third of people need to use the bathroom more often, with women feeling this more strongly (63%)1. This shows that coffee can cause stomach aches by making your colon work harder, highlighting the link between coffee and stomach pain.

How to Prevent Coffee Stomach Upset

If coffee makes your stomach hurt, switching to low-acidity coffee might help. These coffees are softer on the stomach. This means they’re a good choice if you have a sensitive stomach.

A cozy coffee shop scene with patrons carefully perusing the menu to select low-acidity coffee beans. Warm lighting casts a soft glow, highlighting the wooden countertops and plush armchairs. In the foreground, a barista carefully grinds whole coffee beans, the aroma wafting through the air. On the shelves behind, an assortment of coffee bags in muted, earthy tones showcase the origin and acidity levels. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and mindfulness, inviting customers to take their time and choose the perfect low-acidity brew to soothe their stomachs. The scene has a Ghibli-esque charm, with a touch of whimsy and attention to detail.

Changing how and when you drink coffee can also stop stomach problems. It’s better to drink coffee after eating, not before. This can decrease stomach upset. Plus, drinking more water helps keep your digestive system working well. This might stop discomfort after drinking coffee6.

If coffee still upsets your stomach, try drinking less. Or, switch to decaf or coffee with less caffeine. This can give you a caffeine kick without the stomach ache6.

There are ways to feel better if you do get a stomach ache. Peppermint tea or ginger can calm your stomach. These natural options are recommended for easing coffee-related stomach issues.

Lastly, regular exercise and learning how to manage stress can help your digestion. Techniques like meditation could make coffee less likely to upset your stomach.

Conclusion

Coffee is loved by many but can cause stomach pain. This article looked at coffee and stomach issues. By understanding this, you can make better coffee choices.

We found out that coffee’s acidity and caffeine hurt your stomach. Coffee also makes your stomach produce more acid, which can hurt. It’s important to know if coffee causes your stomach problems.

To avoid these problems, try low-acid coffee, drink less coffee, and eat when you drink it. These steps can help stop stomach pain caused by coffee.

Now, you know how to drink coffee without stomach pain. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy coffee without worry. Remember this advice when you have your next cup of coffee. Then, you can have a good time without the fear of stomach pain.

FAQ

Why does drinking coffee cause stomach aches?

Coffee’s natural acidity and caffeine can irritate your stomach. This makes some people feel uncomfortable in their gut.

How does coffee’s acidity affect my stomach?

Coffee’s acidity can make your stomach produce more acid. This might irritate your stomach and cause heartburn or acid reflux.

Can caffeine sensitivity contribute to stomach pain?

Yes, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, it might worsen your stomach discomfort. High caffeine levels boost acid production in your stomach, causing bloating or cramps.

What are the direct causes of stomach ache after drinking coffee?

Drinking coffee can lead to stomach aches by boosting stomach acid, causing caffeine sensitivity, and upsetting the stomach’s balance.

Can coffee worsen acid reflux or GERD?

Indeed, coffee can make acid reflux or GERD worse. Its acidity and caffeine’s effect on your esophagus can lead to heartburn.

What is the best remedy for coffee-induced stomach aches?

For coffee-induced stomach aches, try low-acid coffee, drink it with food, or cut down on caffeine. Drinking water afterwards helps too.

How can I prevent stomach discomfort from drinking coffee?

Prevent discomfort by choosing low-acidity coffee, not drinking it on an empty stomach, and limiting how much you drink. Trying different brewing methods, like cold brew, helps reduce acidity.

Are there specific types of coffee that are better for sensitive stomachs?

Yes, “smooth roast” or “cold brew” coffees are easier on sensitive stomachs. Brands often have special blends for those with digestive issues.

Source Links

  1. https://www.health.com/why-does-coffee-make-you-poop-11696529
  2. https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/drinking-coffee-on-an-empty-stomach
  3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-does-coffee-make-you-poop-7966182
  4. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8069479/is-coffee-good-for-you/
  5. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/anti-inflammatory-drinks/
  6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-eliminate-bad-breath-from-stomach-11700052

Long Le

Long Le is a driven with a talent for building online businesses. He's always eager to learn and improve his skills, addicted to Vietnamese coffee, spending his free time gaming and time with his family.

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