What effect does morning coffee have on your digestion and bloating?

Can coffee cause bloating? Short answer: yes. Drinking coffee can increase the production of stomach acid, which makes your digestive tract (the tube that carries food around the body) work faster. Some people may then feel gas or abdominal pain. Drinking less coffee, choosing varieties with lower acidity, and pairing it with food can help.

There are few things more universal than a nice, hot cup of coffee in the morning. It may provide various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting your metabolism, and reducing the risk of certain health conditions. However, for some, morning caffeine comes with uncomfortable bloating that will make you think twice about pouring a second cup.

Drinking coffee can cause bloating for a variety of reasons. Coffee is a naturally acidic beverage and its consumption can affect the acid content of your stomach. This change in acidity can irritate the lining of your stomach and cause your body to produce more gas. When gas builds up, your stomach tends to feel full or bloated.

Of course, the effects of coffee are not universal. Some people are more sensitive than others. Lifestyle choices can also impact how coffee impacts your digestive tract. For example, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can make possible symptoms worse, because there is no food in your system to help buffer some of the coffee’s acidity.

Other contributing factors

Sometimes coffee isn’t the only cause of your bloating. Other factors that may affect you include:

• Milk: Many people add milk or cream to their coffee. However, people with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy products may experience discomfort. If you can’t digest lactose (the sugar found in milk), even a small amount can cause unwanted side effects like gas, bloating, or stomach cramps.
• Artificial sweeteners: It’s common for many people to look for sugar-free alternatives when making a cup of coffee. However, research shows that these sweeteners can be difficult to digest and lead to gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, such as bloating.
• How to drink it: Consuming coffee too quickly or without food can disrupt healthy digestion. Slowing down and being mindful of your coffee intake can make all the difference when trying to prevent coffee bloat.

How bloating occurs can vary from person to person. Although most people describe it as uncomfortable, they may have unique experiences depending on their symptoms.

Symptoms of coffee bloating include, but are not limited to:

• Feelings of fullness: Your stomach may be full even though you haven’t eaten much, if any, solid food.
• Feelings of tightness: Bloating from coffee can cause a feeling of stretching or tension in your abdominal area. You may even feel pressure in your stomach that stretches your belly.
• Rumble or growl: You may notice that your stomach is making rumbling sounds as it tries to digest your coffee and any other foods you have consumed.
• Flatulence (passage of gas): Drinking coffee can lead to increased gas, which can lead to more farting and burping.
• Stomach cramps: You may experience stomach cramps due to gas trapped in your digestive tract.
• Bathroom emergency: Many people feel the need to go to the bathroom shortly after their first sip of coffee. This urgent bathroom break can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Coffee bloating may start after your first few sips, especially if you haven’t eaten or if you add ingredients to your drink that may cause discomfort. It’s important to pay attention to how your body responds to coffee and make adjustments as needed.

A registered dietitian, a healthcare professional with specialized training in food and nutrition, can help you understand the many factors that can contribute to coffee-related digestive discomfort.

You may be able to minimize bloating and gas if you:

• Choose a low-acid coffee: Some coffee blends are intentionally designed to be less acidic. Low-acid coffee varieties may be gentler on the stomach lining.
• Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach: Drink your coffee with food. Eating before or with your coffee can help your stomach tolerate the acidity of coffee.
• Pay attention to sweeteners: For some, artificial sweeteners can be difficult to digest and cause gas or bloating. If you need a touch of sweetness in your coffee, consider using natural sweeteners in small amounts, like honey or regular sugar.
• Sip your coffee slowly: Swallowing coffee can cause you to swallow air. Drinking it slowly can help prevent bloating.
• Drink enough water: Staying hydrated is important for maintaining a healthy gut and good digestion.
• Try herbal teas: If the caffeine and acidity of coffee cause uncomfortable bloating, consider trying hot teas. Herbal teas offer soothing properties while satisfying the urge to sip a hot beverage.
• Prioritize Gut Health: Optimize your gut health to help prevent unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms. Make sure you’re meeting your fiber needs and include foods that feed the good bacteria in your digestive system.

Remember, nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that includes your coffee drinks. What one person can tolerate, another cannot. It’s important to be aware of any symptoms you experience when consuming coffee or caffeine and to speak to a doctor or dietitian if necessary.