Coffee and IBS patients can be friends or foes, says this GI expert.
Heres how to tell, plus how to make it easier on your stomach.
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Ahead, we gathered two expert gastroenterologists advice regarding coffee and IBS.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects roughly15 percent of the population.
Boston-based registered dietitian and gut health expert
Because there are so many different possible combinations of symptoms and causes, theIBS spectrumis wildly diverse.
According to Robbins, the causes of IBS are numerous and vary greatly from person to person.
Why does coffee make you poop?
Caffeine stimulates the gut to move things along quicker, so to speak.
Gastrin increases colonic movements, and cholecystokinin releases bile and digestive enzymes, initiating the digestive process.
With IBS, it just becomes more pronounced and more prominent.
Coffee and IBS
So, why iscoffee irritating your stomach?
you’re able to blame the caffeine, according to GI doctors.
It stimulates the gut to function more quickly, thus increasing gut motility, says gastroenterologistNiket Sonpal, MD.
Boston-based registered dietitian and gut health expert
This is whydoctors often dont recommendcoffee for IBS patients, as it can cause diarrhea and stomach pain.
If youre a morning coffee drinker, there may be more at play than just the java youre sipping.
Those feelings exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome.
(Elimination dietstypically take three to six weeks for best feedback and results, FYI.)
Decaf coffee and IBS
Can you drink decaf coffee if you have IBS?
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Maybe.
Decaffeinated coffee orlighter roastsmay be worth trying if you have IBS.
In general, doctors dont recommend pairing coffee and IBS.
FAQs:
Can I drink coffee if I have IBS?
Does IBS get worse with coffee?
Can you mix coffee and IBS?
Coffee and IBS arent exactly a match made in heaven.
If you have IBS, its best to avoid drinks with high amounts of caffeine (like coffee).
Caffeine stimulates bowel movements and can worsen any symptoms of IBS you may already have.
What can I drink instead of coffee if I have IBS?
Wed want to drink things that are generally more calming to the gut, says Dr. Robbins.
Things like herbal teas, ginger, and turmeric are all really calming.
Because chocolate is high in fat and sugar, it could be quite stimulating, says Dr. Robbins.
Do other caffeinated products trigger IBS symptoms?
Caffeine stimulates gut motility and can cause diarrhea in some people with IBS.
The impact of caffeine on the gut varies greatly from person to person.
reviewed by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH
Brown, S R et al.
Effect of coffee on distal colon function.Gutvol.
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