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Coffee is often viewed as a lifeline that gets us through the day. It’s the spring in our step in the mornings, and the warm liquid goodness that keeps us focused at night. Although, there might be some cases where you ask yourself: “why does coffee make me nauseous?”.
Well, you’re not alone. Nausea from drinking coffee is a side effect that impacts many drinkers. But why?
Why Does Coffee Make Me Nauseous? The Answer
Coffee includes caffeine which is a stimulant. As a result, your digestive system may start to work faster. When this happens, more than the normal amount of stomach acid is created, meaning issues can occur, such as heartburn or acid reflux, for instance.
Typically, these problems are already present, but they become worse when you drink coffee. It’s worth mentioning that not all coffee beans have the same acidity, so some may cause this feeling while others don’t.
There’s always the possibility that the laxative effects from coffee consumption upset digestive systems, causing you to feel nauseous. This is due to the caffeine in coffee beans being diuretic. In simple terms, caffeine encourages your body to remove water from your bloodstream and transfer it to your digestive system, leaving you, in some cases, feeling nauseous.
The final reason that could be causing this problem is due to the extra elements added to your cup of joe, e.g. sweeteners, milk, or syrups. Artificial sweeteners are known to create an imbalance in your gut’s natural microbiome, making you feel ill. Furthermore, if there’s a chance you’re lactose-intolerant, then it may not be the coffee at all. Instead, it’s likely to be the milk/creamer you add to each cup.
How to Stop the Nauseous Feeling When Drinking Coffee
The answer to this question will ultimately depend on what’s causing the issue. If you’ve pinpointed what the problem is, here are the solutions for each:
High stomach acid – By combining protein foods with your coffee, your digestive system can stay at its normal pace, reducing the chance of nausea. For example, try eating yogurts, eggs, or cheese. Otherwise, starchy foods like bananas and porridge can help keep digestion normal.
Low water levels – Although coffee isn’t known to dehydrate you, drinking lots of water periodically throughout the day can help reduce the impact coffee is having on your stomach. Plus, it helps keep electrolyte levels high.
Extras added – If artificial sweeteners or milk/creamers are causing the problem, then try using alternatives. Switching to almond or oat milk are just a few ways you can still enjoy your coffee without it making you feel sick.
Too much coffee in a short period – A saying that has been used through the ages is “everything in moderation”. So, if you’re drinking too much coffee, try cutting back (we know it’s easier said than done).
Alternative Hot Drinks
Routine plays a big part in the consumption of coffee, whether you’re working and have a cup of joe by your side or if it’s break time and you want to drink some of the flavorful brown liquid.
To break the mold, try substituting coffee for another hot drink.
Green tea – A refreshing choice, green tea is an easy to make and widely available drink. It comes with added health benefits, including helping your brain function, protecting you again cancer, and even helping with weight loss. This option also comes with caffeine added to the mix, so you won’t completely miss out. However, the caffeine levels in green tea are significantly lower than in coffee.
Black tea – Another option that can satisfy your tastebuds is black tea. Loaded with antioxidants, it’s known to help your gut and heart. Plus, similar to green tea, it still has caffeine to keep you energized. It’s worth mentioning that the coffee level with this one is still low than coffee but higher than green tea.
Chai tea – This traditional Indian milky tea is packed with flavor and other benefits. It combines black tea, ginger, milk, and other spices to offer a unique taste that excites. Chai tea has become widely popular recently. So will you be the next to experience it?
Decaf coffee – Decaf coffee removes at least 97% of the caffeine from coffee beans, providing you with another option that can prevent you from being nauseous. However, this substitute can raise your cholesterol, so it may be in your best interest to try a different option.
And There You Go
Hopefully, this has answered all your questions concerning “why does coffee make me nauseous”. Although the answer in some cases will be to reduce the amount you’re drinking, with luck, one of our alternative options can make things less gloomy.
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