Does Coffee Irritate Stomach Ulcers?
Does Coffee Irritate Stomach Ulcers?
Overview
Stomach acid, also known as digestive juice, exists at a pH of 1.5 to 3.5, according to MedLinePlus. At that acidity, stomach acid can destroy the sensitive tissue in the stomach wall. To prevent this, a thick layer of mucus lines the digestive tract, including the stomach. When this mucus lining becomes damaged, the stomach acid gets into the tissue of the stomach wall and can cause irritation leading to an ulcer -- an open sore. If you suffer from a stomach ulcer, drinking coffee can irritate your ulcer.
Substances in Coffee
Coffee is a drink made from coffee beans, the seed of a coffee plant that actually resembles a small shrub or a tree. To produce coffee, manufacturers roast the beans then grind them up. As hot water passes through the ground beans the aromatic flavor of the beans infuses into the water producing coffee. Coffee naturally contains several different chemical substances ,including caffeine, catechols, alkaloids, polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons. These substances combined together can stimulate the secretion of stomach acid.
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Stomach Acid
Stomach acid functions to break down food particles into smaller particles the body can absorb. Although necessary, too much stomach acid can contribute to the formation of an ulcer, when it occurs with other factors, and irritate an already-formed ulcer. If you suffer from a stomach ulcer, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you avoid drinking beverages such as coffee that increase acid production and further irritate the stomach ulcer.
Causes of Ulcers
Although drinking coffee can irritate stomach ulcers, it does not cause an ulcer. More than half of all stomach ulcers occur as a result of an infection with a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The bacterial infection damages the mucus membrane, allowing the stomach acid access to the sensitive stomach wall. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can also damage the mucus lining and promote the formation of an ulcer.
Caffeine Content
Although several of the substances in coffee work together to induce increased stomach acid production, the best known and best studied substance is caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which produces the increase in alertness and boost of energy that most coffee drinkers seek. Although all coffee contains caffeine, the amount in the different types varies. Coffee produced from Arabica beans generally contains less caffeine than coffee produced from robusta beans. Even decaffeinated coffee contains caffeine, with 2 to 12 mg per 8 oz., according to MayoClinic.com.
Recommendations
Although no specific diet exists for those with a stomach ulcer, certain foods and beverages can help or inhibit in ulcer healing. Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks. Avoid alcohol and smoking as these are also known to irritate a stomach ulcer. Some spices, such as black pepper and chili powder, can increase stomach acid production and therefore worsen your ulcer symptoms. If you notice increased pain after eating spicy foods, avoid these foods until your ulcer heals.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/347548-does-coffee-irritate-stomach-ulcers/#ixzz1XpYmplcu
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