For many people, coffee is a natural part of the morning. But is coffee actually good for your stomach – or can it cause digestive problems?
It depends on how your own stomach reacts. Coffee can stimulate intestinal motility and affect the gut microbiota, but for some people it can also contribute to symptoms such as heartburn or stomach pain.
Here we look at how coffee can affect your stomach and what to consider if you experience digestive symptoms after drinking coffee.
How does coffee affect the stomach?
Coffee contains caffeine and several other bioactive compounds that can affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Research shows, among other things, that coffee may:
- stimulate intestinal motility
- affect stomach function
- affect the composition of the gut microbiota
- contribute to reflux or heartburn in some people.
This does not mean that coffee is good or bad for everyone. Your own reaction is the most important factor.
Why does coffee make you need to poop?
Many people notice that they need to use the bathroom after drinking a cup of coffee. Coffee can stimulate activity in the colon, which may increase bowel movements.
Interestingly, this effect has also been observed with decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that caffeine is not the only factor involved.
If coffee helps get your digestion moving, there may therefore be no reason to avoid it.
Can coffee cause stomach pain or heartburn?
Yes, for some people.
Coffee can stimulate stomach acid production and affect activity in the gastrointestinal tract. In sensitive individuals, this may contribute to discomfort or heartburn.
Recent research also shows a small statistical association between coffee consumption and reflux, but the effect appears to be relatively small and does not mean that everyone with reflux needs to stop drinking coffee.
If you notice that coffee repeatedly causes:
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- stomach pain
- nausea
you can try reducing the amount or taking a break from coffee and see whether your symptoms change.
Is coffee good for the gut microbiota?
Coffee can affect the composition of the gut microbiota. Coffee contains polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that may influence microorganisms in the gut.
Studies have found associations between coffee consumption and changes in the gut microbiota, but research in this area is still developing.
It is therefore too early to say that coffee “balances the gut microbiota” or that coffee itself is necessary for a healthy gut microbiota.
Can coffee prevent SIBO?
There is not enough research to say that coffee prevents or treats SIBO.
Coffee can stimulate intestinal motility, which has led to interest in whether coffee could affect processes relevant to SIBO. However, the fact that coffee influences bowel movements does not automatically mean that it prevents bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
If you experience recurring bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation, there can be many possible causes. Coffee should therefore not be used as a treatment for SIBO.
How much coffee is appropriate?
There is no amount that is right for everyone.
If you drink coffee without experiencing digestive problems, there is usually no reason to stop drinking it solely for the sake of your stomach. However, if you notice a clear connection between the amount of coffee you drink and your symptoms, it may be worth reducing your intake.
You can also try:
If you experience… | Try… |
Digestive problems after drinking a lot of coffee | Reduce the amount and see if it helps. |
Heartburn or reflux | Take a break or reduce your coffee intake and monitor your symptoms. |
Poor sleep | Avoid coffee later in the day. |
Sensitivity to caffeine | Try decaffeinated coffee. |
Discomfort on an empty stomach | Try drinking coffee with or after food. |
You therefore do not automatically need to stop drinking coffee. Try small changes and see what works for you.
Is decaffeinated coffee better for the stomach?
Decaffeinated coffee can be an option if you are sensitive to caffeine.
However, caffeine is not the only compound in coffee that affects the body. For example, if coffee causes heartburn, switching to decaffeinated coffee may not necessarily solve the problem.
Again, it comes down to your individual reaction.
So – is coffee good for the stomach?
Coffee can be part of a healthy diet for many people, but it is not equally well tolerated by everyone.
Coffee can stimulate intestinal motility and affect the gut microbiota, while some people may experience more reflux or other digestive symptoms.
If you feel well when drinking coffee, there is therefore no reason to avoid it simply because you want to take care of your stomach. If coffee repeatedly causes problems, however, you can try to reduce the amount, change the timing or choose decaffeinated coffee.
And if your digestive symptoms continue even after reducing coffee, it may be more relevant to investigate what is actually causing your symptoms.
