Everyone loves to drink coffee and enjoy the rest of the day without issues. Well, this doesn’t happen to everyone. I have encountered some people who drink coffee and are messy for a few hours due to gassy stomachs.
Upon enquiring from different sources, I have found several people complaining about this issue. But does coffee cause bloating? Well, it might, but also other factors might be players too.
If you want to know why you feel bloated after a shot of espresso or a cup of jamocha, let’s explore together.
Does coffee really cause bloating?
According to research, coffee can cause bloating and other unwanted side effects. However, the bloating is usually temporary and happens to a small percentage of drinkers. The actual cause of bloating is mainly associated with caffeine sensitivity and coffee additives like dairy products.
Also, since coffee is acidic, some people who can’t handle it might get stomach irritations. The acidity can directly trigger swelling, which manifests as bloating.
How long does bloating last? Usually, the bloating from coffee is temporary and doesn’t last for long, ranging from several minutes to a few hours.
Can acid reflux cause bloating?
As we have seen, coffee is acidic and can lead to the production of gastrin and gastric acid. Further, caffeine can lead to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). High acid production and relaxed LES can result in acid reflux and heartburn.
Due to the irritation of the upper GI, it can result in frequent swallowing, which includes air resulting in a bloated feeling. Therefore, if coffee gives you reflux, it might be why you feel bloated.
Why am I so gassy in the morning?
If you wake up feeling gassy, coffee isn’t the culprit. You might be suffering from conditions like irritable bowel disease, Gastroesophageal acid reflux, and digestive disorders. Besides, taking some medications like aspirin, antacids and multivitamins can make you wake up gassy.
4 Reasons Why Coffee Cause Bloating
Caffeine sensitivity
Reactions after drinking coffee are different among individuals. Usually, people who can’t handle caffeine experience other side effects like increased heartbeat, headache, and even bloating.
A person with sensitivity will overreact upon drinking one cup of coffee or a few sips. Since the effects differ from one person to another, it can lead to a gassy stomach.
Acid in coffee
Coffee has a pH range of 4.8 -5.1. This put it on the acid part of the pH chart. Therefore, drinking coffee will make your stomach more acidic. Anyone who can’t handle the acidity in the gut can experience stomach upsets occasioned by bloating.
The acidity in the stomach is even worse when you drink coffee on an empty stomach. Since there is less food, air will accumulate, leading to bloating.
>> Read More: Best Low-acid Coffee Buying Guide
Dairy additives
Adding cow milk or crema is one of the best ways to improve the coffee taste. Also, some people believe that adding milk reduces acidity. However, adding milk to coffee will be catastrophic if you are lactose intolerant.
Once you drink coffee with dairy products, expect to experience bloating, a part of cow milk intolerance. The same case applies to dairy crema, which can lead to digestive issues.
Adding sweeteners and flavors
Apart from dairy milk, other additives will also mess up your stomach. Some of these include sweeteners and flavoring syrups. Some of the common additives include sorbitol, aspartame, and fructose.
Most of the syrups with artificial sweeteners also can cause bloating. This is because artificial sweeteners aren’t digestible and can change the gut biome leading to digestion issues.
How to prevent bloating from coffee? 5 Tips
If you suffer from bloating due to coffee, how to get rid of bloat fast? The right answer is you can eliminate the problem. You can try walking after coffee, yoga, and boating reduction supplements. Taking a warm shower and abdominal massages are also helpful.
Having mentioned that, you can also improve your interaction with coffee to eliminate bloating; these are a few interventions to make.
Drinking low-acid coffee: Acidity is one of the causes of bloating, and low-acid coffee is a suitable substitute. Many brands currently offer low-acid coffee; hence a great way to minimize bloating due to coffee.
Eliminate dairy additives: For drinkers with lactose intolerance, the best way to enjoy coffee without jitters is by dropping the additives. Opting for alternative milk and crema is the best step.
Switch to decaf coffee: If caffeine messes with your stomach, decaf coffee is a good alternative. Naturally decaffeinated coffee through the Swiss water process is best. The pieces ensure zero chemical use and no residues.
Avoid carbonated drinks and gums: Carbonated drinks have dissolved CO2. The gas ends up in your stomach, which can cause bloating. Also, chewing gums allows excessive air ingestion, leading to a gassy stomach.
Take supplements before a cup of coffee: If coffee messes you, it is advisable to take supplements. The best supplements are enzymes based to improve your gut, facilitate smooth digestion, and eliminate gas.
Summary
Does coffee cause bloating? If this has been lingering on your mind, now you know what causes it and how to resolve it. Whether it’s due to sensitivity or additives, it’s now possible to drink coffee while experiencing minimal effects.
