Why would coffee cause stomach cramps? Are there alternatives to Caffeine? [closed]

As a student, I am (I was) caffeine-dependant. But whenever I drink coffee I get stomach cramps.

Is there a biological/biochemical explanation for this?

Why would caffeinated coffee have this effect for some, like me, but not others?

Is there a safe alternative to caffeine that could produce similar effects?

Best Answer

You probably need to distinguish between coffee and caffeine.

Caffeine is a chemical compound that is a central nervous system stimulant. It is basically just bitter.

But coffee contains a load of other compounds that create the coffee taste.

Those that affect the human stomach most are tannins, acids and bitters that stimulate the secretion of stomach acids which - in case of a sensitive or already damaged stomach lining - can cause discomfort and pain. The content of those in the beans is greatly influenced by the roasting process (hot and fast typically worse than low and slow, darker roasts more than light ones), type of beans and the brewing process. ¹

The easiest answer for a caffeine fix would actually be caffeine - without the accompanying coffee. You should get the powder at your local pharmacy.

But where's the fun in that? So drink lighter roasts or go for a shorter extraction time - Espresso vs. Cowboy coffee are two extreme examples.

¹ (Source: Deutscher Kaffeeverband)

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Why does coffee make my stomach hurt all of a sudden?

When coffee reaches the stomach, it makes the stomach ramp up stomach acid production and actually secrete more gastric acid. This can lead to heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and general stomach upset.

How do I stop coffee irritating my stomach?

If you find that coffee upsets your stomach, there are several things you can do to minimize its unpleasant effects. These include drinking it with food, choosing a lower acidic roast, switching from regular milk to soy or almond milk, and cutting back on additives.

The Ugly Truth About Coffee’s Effects On Your Body

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Skylar Kang, Skylar Kang, Skylar Kang, Daniel Dan