Drink Coffee First Thing In The A.M.? 7 Ways To Make It Easier On Your Stomach

February 19, 2023

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There’s nothing better than rolling out of bed in the morning and brewing some fresh coffee. And I’m not the only one who thinks so—3 out of 41 Americans drink coffee, and 1 out of 2 drink it every day.

But what happens when your coffee starts turning against you, causing indigestion, heartburn, or IBS-like symptoms? We sat down with functional nutritionist Abigail King, MS, CNS to learn why coffee might upset your stomach, and what you can do to enjoy your favorite morning beverage without uncomfortable side effects.

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According to King, while coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, there are some pros and cons of drinking it daily. 

Let’s start out with the pros. A big one its high antioxidant content: “Coffee contains certain polyphenols, like chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid, that exert anticancer activities2 by protecting critical cellular molecules (DNA, proteins, and lipids) from oxidative damage,” explains King.

When it comes to gut health, coffee can also help keep you regular if you struggle with constipation. How does that work, exactly? “Coffee increases colonic activity.3 It may trigger contractions in your colon and help you to use the bathroom,” says King. 

That said, sipping coffee can also present challenges in the gut health department. How? “If you have IBS/IBD, coffee can aggravate your gut and exacerbate your symptoms,” says King. “Because coffee increases colonic activity, it can cause diarrhea in those that already are prone to loose stool,” she continues.

You might also find your morning cup of coffee triggers acid reflux, especially if you’re been diagnosed with GERD. As King explains it, this is because “Coffee contains compounds that can stimulate acid secretion in the gut4, including caffeine and catechols.”  

If you have acid reflux or IBS or IBD and find that coffee aggravates your symptoms, you may want to explore ways to mitigate the effects of your morning cup.

The good news is that according to King, this doesn’t have to mean no coffee at all. There are a handful of ways to make your morning coffee easier on your stomach, including: 

1. Try cold brew coffee or dark roast: According to King, “These types of coffee are less acidic,” which means they’ll be easier on your gut.    
2. Eat before you drink: Combining coffee with some food will help ease digestion and make it less intense on the stomach. But avoid eating meat, grains, or sugar, as those are also acidic. Instead, opt for fruit, veggies, or healthy fats like avocado. 
3. Wait an hour or more: Many health experts—including Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a Stanford University neuroscientist—recommend delaying coffee at least an hour after waking up. In addition to supporting your natural circadian rhythm, this delay might make you less likely to reach for a second cup later in the day, which could help out your gut.
4. Reduce your overall coffee intake: “Watch your dose!” says King.”If you’re drinking 3 to 4 cups, try reducing it to 1 or 2. Many people use coffee as a stimulant and end up drinking multiple cups throughout the day as an energy boost. “This can definitely cause stomach upset,” she explains.
5. Try an alternative: It may be that a temporary break from coffee is necessary. In that case, “you can try an alternative caffeinated beverage, like black tea or matcha,” says King. Or, if you’re looking to reduce your caffeine intake, you can try mushroom coffee. The right daily supplement can also lend the same brain-boosting effects without the stomach upset. Here are 16 of the most effective for mood balance, cognition, and more.
6. Look for less acidic coffee brands: King recommends brands like Life Boost or Purity, which are designed to be less acidic. 
7. Add milk: According to a recent preliminary study, adding milk to your coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects5 due to the special combination of polyphenols in coffee and amino acids in milk. 

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