The Coffee Bros is reader-supported. Affiliate links on our site may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A steaming cup of joe can provide a much-needed pick-me-up in the morning or a mid-afternoon boost. But have you ever wondered if coffee can make you feel sick? After all, too much of anything can be a bad thing, and coffee is no exception.
Can Coffee Make You Feel Sick: The Short Answer
The quick answer is yes, coffee can make you feel sick. However, it’s important to understand why and how this can happen.
This is because there are multiple reasons or one underlying factor that could be causing you to feel ill. So, read on to find out all about this in the next section.
Common Coffee-Related Reasons That May Be Causing You To Feel Ill
Here are the possible reasons:
Caffeine overload: One of the main reasons why coffee can make you feel sick is because of the caffeine it contains. Caffeine is a stimulant that can provide a temporary energy boost, but too much of it can also cause a range of unpleasant side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, and nausea. If you drink too much coffee or if you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, you may experience these symptoms and feel sick as a result (unfortunately).
Acid reflux: Another reason why coffee can make you feel sick is due to acid reflux occurring. Coffee is naturally acidic and can irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus. This irritation can cause acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Acid reflux can be very uncomfortable and make you feel sick to your stomach.
Caffeine withdrawal: Lastly, coffee can make you feel sick because of caffeine withdrawal. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, your body may become dependent on the caffeine in coffee to function normally. If you suddenly stop or reduce your caffeine intake, you may experience symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. This can include headaches, irritability, and nausea. Caffeine withdrawal is very much a real thing, no matter what others may tell you!
Other Possible Reasons Coffee Doesn’t Agree With You
Individual tolerance: You should keep in mind that everyone’s tolerance for coffee is different. Some people may be able to drink several cups of coffee a day without any problems, while others may feel sick after just one cup. Your individual tolerance for coffee will depend on factors like your body size, metabolism, and overall health. So, it’s important to experiment and find the right amount of coffee for your body. Just don’t dive into the deep end straightaway!
Quality of coffee: Another factor that can affect how coffee makes you feel is the quality of the coffee itself. If you’re drinking low-quality coffee that is stale, burnt, or bitter, you may be more likely to feel sick after drinking it. On the other hand, if you’re drinking high-quality coffee that is freshly roasted and brewed, you may be less likely to feel sick. So, be sure to look closely at the quality of your coffee to avoid running into problems.
Additives and sweeteners: In addition to the quality of the coffee itself, the additives and sweeteners you put in your coffee can also affect how it makes you feel. If you’re adding a lot of sugar, cream, or other sweeteners to your coffee, you may be more likely to feel sick after drinking it. These additives can add calories, fat, and sugar to your coffee, which can make you feel sick if you consume too much of them. So, be sure to pay attention to what’s being added to your brew to determine if that’s the root of the problem, and consider removing them to avoid feeling bad in the future.
Time of day: Finally, the time of day that you drink your coffee can also affect how it makes you feel. If you drink coffee late at night, for example, it may disrupt your sleep and make you feel sick the next day. However, if you drink coffee first thing in the morning, it may provide a much-needed energy boost and help you start your day off right. Time really does matter!
General Ways To Prevent You From Feeling Ill When Drinking Coffee
Alongside trying some of the other suggestions we’ve made, here are extra ways to combat feeling ill:
Use a coffee filter: If you’re worried about coffee making you feel sick because of its acidity, one simple solution is to use a coffee filter. Coffee filters are made from paper or other materials that can help to reduce acidity levels within the drink, which can make it easier on your stomach and less likely to cause acid reflux. So, if you’re concerned about coffee’s acidity, be sure to use a coffee filter to reduce the risk of feeling under the weather.
Drink plenty of water: To avoid feeling sick, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after you drink your cup of joe. This will help to replace the fluids you lose and keep your body hydrated.
Take a break from coffee: if you’re finding that coffee is making you feel sick, no matter what you do, it may be time to take a break from it. This doesn’t mean you have to give up coffee entirely, but it does mean taking a few days or even a week off to let your body rest and recover. After your break, you can start drinking coffee again, but be sure to do it in moderation and pay very close attention to how it makes you feel.
Should I Stop Drinking Coffee If I Have Anxiety?
Before delving into the effects of coffee, it is important to understand anxiety itself. Anxiety is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent worry, excessive fear, and feelings of apprehension. While occasional feelings of anxiety are normal, chronic anxiety can significantly impact the quality of life.
The Link Between Coffee and Anxiety
Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that can affect the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness and improved concentration. However, caffeine can also trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms in some individuals. This is because caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline and cortisol, hormones associated with the body’s stress response.
Coffee’s stimulating effects can also interfere with sleep patterns, and sleep deprivation is closely linked to increased anxiety levels. Lack of quality sleep can heighten feelings of restlessness, irritability, and nervousness, making existing anxiety symptoms more challenging to manage.
Those with anxiety may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine due to various factors, such as genetic predispositions or their overall stress levels. This heightened sensitivity can lead to exaggerated reactions to caffeine, potentially increasing feelings of anxiety or triggering panic attacks.
The Benefits of Reducing Coffee Consumption
For some people, reducing or eliminating coffee intake can result in a noticeable decrease in anxiety symptoms. By removing caffeine from the equation, your body’s stress response may become more regulated, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.
Reducing coffee consumption, particularly in the afternoon and evening, can help improve sleep quality. Better sleep can positively impact overall mental health, including anxiety management.
If you find it difficult to give up coffee entirely, there are alternatives worth considering. Switching to decaffeinated coffee or exploring herbal teas can provide a comforting beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Finding the Right Balance
It is essential to note that the relationship between coffee and anxiety is highly individual. While some individuals may experience heightened anxiety symptoms due to coffee consumption, others may tolerate it well. It’s crucial to listen to your body and be mindful of how coffee affects your mental state.
If you are considering reducing your coffee intake, it is advisable to do so gradually to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches or irritability. Additionally, incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, can complement your efforts to manage anxiety effectively.
To Wrap Things Up
It’s safe to say that coffee can make you feel sick. But it’s important to understand why and how this can happen. By recognizing the potential risks and side effects of drinking too much coffee, you can avoid feeling sick and enjoy your coffee without any unpleasant consequences.
So, go ahead and enjoy your coffee – just be sure to do it responsibly and in moderation!
Subscribe to The Coffee Bros to stay up-to-date with all things coffee! We’ll send you just one email a month letting you know about our recent posts. What’s not to like?