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How to Relieve Stomach Pain from Coffee

For many people, coffee is an enjoyable and energising part of the day. Whether it’s a morning ritual or a comforting mid-afternoon pick-me-up, it can feel like a small pleasure in a busy world. But for others, coffee can sometimes cause stomach pain, acid reflux or digestive upset. If you have ever felt a burning sensation, bloating or discomfort after drinking coffee, you are not alone.

Understanding why coffee may cause stomach pain and how to relieve that discomfort can help you enjoy your brew more comfortably or decide if it’s time to adjust your routine.

Why Coffee May Cause Stomach Pain

Coffee contains natural compounds that stimulate acid production in the stomach. For people with a sensitive digestive system, this extra acid can irritate the stomach lining and lead to symptoms such as indigestion, cramping or nausea. Caffeine also speeds up the movement of food through the digestive tract, which may lead to loose stools or stomach gurgling in some people.

Coffee is also acidic by nature, and certain types or brewing methods can make this acidity more pronounced. Drinking it on an empty stomach may increase sensitivity, as there is no food to buffer the acids. Some people also react to other compounds in coffee such as chlorogenic acid or additives like milk, creamers or sweeteners.

What the Pain Feels Like

Stomach pain after drinking coffee may feel like a sharp ache, a burning sensation or a cramping discomfort in the upper or lower abdomen. It might start soon after drinking or come on gradually over the next hour. Some people feel bloated or nauseous, while others may experience acid reflux or the urge to go to the toilet more quickly than usual. If you regularly experience this discomfort, it could be a sign that your digestive system is reacting strongly to coffee or something added to it.

How to Relieve the Pain at Home

If you are experiencing stomach pain after coffee, start by sipping water to dilute the acids in your stomach. A glass of warm water can also help settle your digestive system and reduce cramping. If the pain is more persistent, a warm compress or hot water bottle placed on your abdomen can ease the discomfort by relaxing the muscles.

Try to avoid lying flat, as this may worsen acid reflux. Instead, sit upright or go for a gentle walk to support digestion and help reduce the feeling of pressure or bloating. Some people find relief in herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger, which can calm the stomach and reduce nausea.

If your symptoms feel like indigestion or acid reflux, an over-the-counter antacid may help neutralise stomach acid and bring relief. If coffee is causing regular symptoms, it may be worth adjusting how and when you drink it.

How to Prevent Coffee-Related Stomach Pain

To reduce the chance of stomach pain, avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Having something small to eat first can help protect the stomach lining and reduce irritation. Choose foods that are gentle on digestion such as oats, toast or a banana.

Switching to a lower-acid coffee blend or cold brew can also help. These options are often less irritating to the stomach because of the way they are processed or brewed. Decaffeinated coffee may also be gentler if caffeine is part of the issue.

Avoid adding high-fat creamers, artificial sweeteners or syrups if you suspect they may be contributing to the problem. Try your coffee black or with a small amount of oat or almond milk and see if symptoms improve.

Reducing the amount of coffee you drink in one sitting or limiting intake to one or two cups per day may also make a difference, especially if you are prone to reflux or indigestion.

When to Seek Advice

If stomach pain from coffee becomes a regular issue or starts to affect your appetite, sleep or daily comfort, it is worth speaking to a GP. They may explore whether you have a sensitivity to caffeine, an underlying digestive condition such as gastritis, or acid reflux that could benefit from treatment or lifestyle advice.

Let your GP know if you are also experiencing nausea, heartburn, bloating or changes in bowel habits that persist, as these symptoms may need further investigation.

Common Misconceptions

It is a common belief that only strong or dark coffee causes stomach issues, but in reality, lighter roasts are often more acidic and may trigger symptoms in sensitive people. Another misconception is that milk always makes coffee easier on the stomach, but for people with lactose intolerance, milk can actually make symptoms worse.

You do not necessarily need to stop drinking coffee altogether if it causes discomfort. In many cases, making small adjustments to your coffee habits can allow you to continue enjoying it without pain.

Final Thought

Stomach pain from coffee is common, but it does not have to spoil your enjoyment of this daily ritual. With small changes to how, when and what type of coffee you drink, it is possible to reduce irritation and support your digestive comfort. If symptoms persist or cause concern, a conversation with your GP can help uncover the cause and provide lasting relief. The aim is to feel good in your body while still enjoying the things you love.