Are you a coffee lover who’s struggling with gut health issues and wondering, “Is Coffee Bad for Gut Health?”
For decades, people have speculated about the effects that caffeine has on our digestive system, whether it worsens symptoms or improves them.
Let’s look into this hotly contested issue from both sides and find out once and for all: Is coffee bad for gut health?
You may have heard that coffee isn’t good for your digestive system. But, it turns out that things aren’t always as simple as they seem. Coffee can actually provide some surprising benefits to some and wreak havoc with others.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make sure your daily cup of joe works in harmony with your body’s natural balance. We will talk about cold brew coffee, low acid coffee, decaf coffee and more! So grab a mug of something warm (tea counts too!) and read on.
This post helps answer the question “Is Coffee Bad for Gut Health?”
Please note that we are not medical professionals and this post contains general information that should not replace the advice of your doctor or nurse.
Is Coffee Bad for Gut Health?
Coffee and Gut Health
Have you ever thought about how drinking coffee affects your gut health? It’s something most of us don’t think about. But the reality is that coffee can have both positive and negative effects on your digestive system.
On one hand, coffee can stimulate the muscles in your digestive tract. This can help to move things along and make you more regular. On the other hand, coffee is also an acidic beverage that can irritate the lining of your stomach and exacerbate existing digestive issues.
So, is coffee good or bad for your gut health? As with many things in life, the answer depends on the person. Some people may be able to enjoy a cup of coffee without any negative effects. And others may need to limit their intake or switch to a less acidic beverage.
Understanding your body and its unique needs is key to maintaining good gut health.
Benefits of Coffee
First and foremost, drinking coffee can help boost your energy levels (and possibly your productivity), making it the perfect way to start your day. This is probably one of the biggest reasons that people start drinking coffee, myself included.
Coffee can also help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. Additionally, coffee can promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which in turn can lead to better digestion and a stronger immune system. Plus, coffee is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Bad Effects of Coffee
While the occasional indulgence is usually harmless, consuming excessive amounts of the caffeine found in coffee can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and even insomnia.
One of the biggest downsides to coffee is that it can also cause increased acidity in the stomach and aggravate conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, or other types of stomach pain. Additionally, drinking too much coffee can lead to dependence on caffeine. Over time, this can result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue when trying to cut back.
It’s important to strike a balance and monitor your coffee intake, so you can enjoy its perks without any negative consequences.
But fear not, these cons can easily be balanced out with mindful coffee consumption. Also, pairing coffee with gut-friendly foods will for sure help with any discomfort that you might feel. It’s all about finding the right balance and moderation when it comes to coffee for gut health.
6 Things to Look for When Choosing Your Coffee
When it comes to choosing coffee for gut health, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Specialty Grade Beans
First of all, it’s all about quality over quantity. Looking for coffee that is organic can be better for your gut, as it is free from harmful pesticides and herbicides that can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome.
However, going “organic” for coffee doesn’t necessarily mean that you are getting the best quality coffee. Instead specialty grade beans are considered the highest-quality choice. Specialty grade coffee is any coffee that scores above an 80 (out of a 100-point scale) and has a maximum of 5 defects per 12 ounces, as determined by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association).
A highly-rated specialty bean coffee that can be found on Amazon is Mayorga Dark Roast coffee. This brand delivers a consistently good quality bean and is also certified organic.
2. Cold Brew Coffee
Have you ever tried cold brew coffee? If not, you’re missing out on a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your caffeine fix.
But did you know that cold brew coffee can also be better for your gut health than hot coffee? That’s right. Cold brew coffee can be up to 70% less acidic that traditional hot, drip coffee. The unique brewing process of cold brew coffee results in a smoother taste and lower acidity, which can be easier on your digestive system.
This cold brew coffee by Bizzy has five different types of roasts that range from light to dark. Bizzy micro-sifts their coffee, which in turn gives a more uniform, less gritty drink.
Saying that it is delicious is an understatement. If you decide to try it, let us know what you think!
3. Low Acid Coffee
If you’re someone who loves a good cup of coffee but finds that acidic brews tend to upset your stomach, then low acid coffee could be a game changer for you.
A low acid coffee blend can be easier on your digestive system and less likely to cause heartburn. Generally speaking, coffee with a pH of 5 or higher are considered to be low in acid and often better for people with digestive issues.
Not only does low acid coffee eliminate that uneasy feeling after drinking coffee, but it also has a smoother taste and many health benefits. Low acid coffee has been known to decrease the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and even prevent tooth decay. Plus, it’s less likely to stain your teeth or damage your enamel.
We particularly love this low acid coffee by Lifeboost. Their coffees are made without any type of additives and are third party tested for the removal of added metals, pesticides, toxins, etc.
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthier option without sacrificing that delicious coffee flavor, then low acid coffee may be just what you need.
4. Decaf coffee
Decaffeinated coffee can also be better for your gut health than regular coffee.
Studies have shown that drinking too much regular coffee can lead to increased acid production in the stomach. Caffeine is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles that separate the stomach from the esophagus.
As a result, your stomach acid can jump back into your esophagus and trigger heartburn and acid reflux-type of symptoms. This can irritate the stomach lining and cause a lot of digestive discomfort. Decaf coffee, on the other hand, is less likely to cause this problem.
This Peet’s brand of coffee is a pretty solid decaf coffee to try and can be purchased easily on Amazon and possibly at your local grocery store as well. It is a very affordable option and gives us consistently delicious brews. For sure, it is worth a try!
5. Mushroom Coffee (or Coffee Alternatives)
Ever heard of mushroom coffee? It might sound a little weird at first, but trust us it’s actually really tasty and can be good for your gut health.
The magical ingredients in this coffee are the adaptogenic mushrooms. The adaptogenic mushrooms in the mushroom coffee may help your body better manage stress. Plus, these mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, which can help to lower inflammation and support immunity.
Best of all, they promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria with prebiotics, which can lead to better digestion and less bloating. So if you’re looking for a way to support your gut health, give mushroom coffee a try. It’s a tasty and easy addition to your daily routine that your gut will thank you for.
The Four Sigmatic Gut Health blend of mushroom coffee is our recommendation as a good coffee to try! It contains both Chaga and Turkey Tail mushrooms, and the Bacillus Subtilis probiotic, which is known to survive your stomach acid help reduce gut inflammation.
6. No Sugars or Sweeteners
Turns out, consuming too much sugar or sweetener can do some serious damage to your digestive system.
By adding sugar or sweeteners to your diet, you’re essentially feeding the bad bacteria in your gut. This can lead to a whole host of problems including inflammation and bloating. Furthermore, when your gut bacteria is exposed to artificial sweeteners, there can be an increased likelihood that you gut bacteria will form a hazardous biofilm.
Next time you reach for that sugary drink or dessert, think about the potential harm you may be doing to your gut. Consider some healthier options instead. Both your body (and gut) will thank you.
The discussion between whether or not coffee is healthy for your gut is still ongoing. Different experts have different opinions, but the most important aspect is going to be how YOU personally feel about drinking it and its effects on your gut.
Everyone’s body reacts differently and it’s up to you to decide what works best for yours. If you find things like bloating, stomach upsets, indigestion, or nausea after that cup of Joe then maybe taper back or try decaf instead. However, if you experience a significant improvement in energy levels or mood enhancement and zero discomfort afterwards, then there’s no need to adjust your coffee consumption.
Ultimately the choice is yours so it’s crucial that you listen to what your body tells you in order to keep your digestive system running optimally! So next time someone asks “Is Coffee Bad for Gut Health?” you can confidently let them know it all depends on the individual as everyone responds differently.
