For many of us, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a ritual.
That warm mug in your hands.
The rich aroma that makes everything feel just a little more manageable.
But if you’re struggling with gut issues, it’s worth asking:
Is coffee helping—or hurting?
I get it. I’ve been there too.
Back when I was still dealing with the worst of my IBS-D and colitis symptoms, I clung to my morning coffee like a lifeline.
The energy boost was a must.
The comfort? Even more so.
But here’s the thing: as much as I loved coffee, it wasn’t loving me back.
It triggered urgency that left me sprinting to the bathroom and made my bloating and cramps unbearable.
Eventually, I had to ask myself the tough question:
Was my daily coffee habit standing in the way of my healing?
How Coffee Impacts Gut Health
Coffee can be a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to your digestion.
Here’s why:
1️⃣ Gut Motility: The Good and the Bad
✅ The Good: Coffee stimulates gut motility, which can help if you’re dealing with sluggish digestion or constipation.
❌ The Bad: If you struggle with diarrhea-predominant IBS, this effect can backfire, triggering urgency, cramping, or loose stools.
2️⃣ Stomach Acid Production
✅ The Good: Coffee increases stomach acid, which aids digestion in healthy individuals.
❌ The Bad: For those with acid reflux, gastritis, or low stomach acid, it can irritate your stomach lining, worsening symptoms like heartburn.
3️⃣ Cortisol and the Gut-Brain Axis
Coffee spikes cortisol—your body’s stress hormone.While it provides that short-term energy boost, elevated cortisol over time can disrupt digestion, increase inflammation, and strain the gut-brain connection.
Does Coffee Cause Gut Inflammation?
This is a common question—and the answer is nuanced.
Coffee itself doesn’t directly cause gut inflammation in most people, but it can indirectly contribute to inflammatory symptoms under certain conditions.
Here’s how:
Irritation of the Gut Lining: If you already have conditions like gastritis or an inflamed gut lining, coffee’s acidic nature can worsen irritation and discomfort.
Disruption of Gut Bacteria: For some, caffeine and compounds in coffee may disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can indirectly trigger inflammation.
Cortisol’s Role: Chronic coffee consumption spikes cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels are linked to systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate gut-related issues.
However, for others, coffee’s polyphenols—plant compounds with antioxidant properties—can actually support a healthy gut by feeding beneficial bacteria.
As always, the impact of coffee depends on your unique body and symptoms.
Should You Ditch Coffee?
The answer depends on how your body reacts:
☕ Keep Coffee: If you’re not dealing with bloating, diarrhea, or heartburn, you may be able to enjoy coffee in moderation. Just pair it with food to buffer its effects.
☕ Consider Alternatives: If coffee is a symptom trigger, cutting back or swapping it for a gentler option can make a world of difference. Switching from coffee to matcha or green tea can be a great first step if you want to lower your caffeine intake and avoid the potential of withdrawal headaches.
If you want to try giving up coffee for awhile to see if your gut symptoms improve, check out my new favorite herbal coffee replacement product Kamana by clicking this link!
Unlike mushroom coffees or chicory root based herbal coffees (which can aggravated symptoms in people struggling with bacterial or candida overgrowth in the gut), Kamana is derived from mesquite.
Enter the discount code: COURTNEY15 and receive 15% off your first order of Kamana!
Take Back Control of Your Gut Health
Coffee isn’t inherently bad for your gut—but understanding how it affects your symptoms is key to making the best choice for your body.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed by your digestive health, you’re not alone.
I’ve been where you are—and that’s why I created my Tame Your Gut eGuide to help you identify your triggers, calm your gut, and regain control of your health.
Because every step you take toward understanding your body gets you closer to the freedom, confidence, and vitality you deserve.
Don’t let coffee (or anything else) hold you back.
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