Caffeine - Any coffee drinkers?

[MichaelaBrooke]

I've stalked this forum for a while, but I've decided to finally ask my questions.

I really want to drink coffee, generally for the caffeine. I see where caffeine affects many people negatively. I was wondering if diarrhea is the only symptom or is stomach pain, as well? I don't have a problem with diarrhea. I used to drink coffee pretty regularly until I was diagnosed earlier this year and quit drinking it. I recently worked up the courage to try it again. I thought it was going to be okay for me, but I have been dealing with some stomach pain recently and I'm wondering now maybe if it was to blame.

Also, what about mountain dew? It has a good bit of caffeine in it. Granted it's carbonated, so I feel like coffee might be the lesser of two evils.

(This was posted from my phone so I'm not sure what it looks like)

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. I used to get both diarrhea and cramping from caffeine.

 

[MichaelaBrooke]

Did the source of caffeine matter? Would you happen to know why the caffeine causes cramps?
I've started on Remicade recently. I wonder if that will affect it once it's in my system good.

 

[Eridon2002]

If I'm feeling good I drink coffee, if I have heartburn I stay away. I drink coffee or espresso with just half and half (with no additives) and usually have a couple cups a day. It doesn't cause me any pain but keep in mind it stimulates the bowels. I stay away from all sodas.

 

[Charlotte.]

I would get really irritated digestion system in general, first starting feeling nauseous, some stomach pain, stinging pain in my tummy (small intestine?) and eventually urgency, so I stay away from coffee :-( (same with theine, unfortunately...)

 

[ronroush7]

Did the source of caffeine matter? Would you happen to know why the caffeine causes cramps?
I've started on Remicade recently. I wonder if that will affect it once it's in my system good.

It affected me whether it was coffee or sodas.

 

[InstantCoffee]

My stomach seems to be really particular about the type of coffee, right down to the bean type.

 

[JenS]

I am bad. I have a coffee each morning and a small Coke at lunch. Two cups of caffeine per day. If I feel really sick to my stomach, I skip the coffee but not often.

 

[Charlotte.]

I tried some espresso with some whole-fat milk (just espresso isn't working either) a few days back again but... no way, felt super nauseous after, bloating issues and loss of appetite for the rest of the day. :-/

 

[JaimeM]

I actually have a lot of issues with constipation so a small cup of coffee helps things move along.. If I'm flaring even slightly though i have to stay away or I get bad cramping from it.. However if I'm doing well then it's no big issue

 

[hawkeye]

Usually have a 16 ounce mug of coffee between 8 and 11ish and sometimes another 8 ounce cup late morning/early afternoon with no adverse effects

 

[D Bergy]

I can drink any amount of coffee providing I don't drink it with a lot of food in my stomach. I don't drink it with meals. I typically drink a few cups in the morning long before I eat anything.

You can get low acid coffee which is much easier on the stomach. It may not be the caffeine but the acidity that bothers you.

Dan

 

[kcindc]

I can drink coffee when in remission, but I haven't been in a flare for the last 20 months when I drink it is Sumatra which is strong but less bitter.

 

[purdueCrohns]

I find that black coffee or coffee and milk is best. The sugar irritates.

I'd recommend lower acid coffees. The dark roasts tend to be lowest in acid. They lead to less problems with stomach pain.

http://www.paramountcoffee.com/ is one that seems to be pretty low acid for me. I'd recommend checking out their chocolate-based flavors. They have near zero calories but have a rich flavor. Their customer service is helpful to figure out which coffees are good. I discovered them when my mom bought one by coincidence at TJ Maxx for me for christmas. Now I get mine at Gordman's. They tend to have it for 5 bucks a bag.

 

[purdueCrohns]

Going to Starbucks or Dunkin? Get cold brew. You can also make it on your own. I just pour grounds in the pitcher then pour through a filter. Let it sit 24 hours. The heat brings out more of the acid.

 

[Ozboz]

I drink coffee everyday 2 cups no problems for me which is weird cause i get pain from just about anything i eat.
I'm going to try and ad milk soon cause I've noticed when I have milk it helps my gut's a bit might be something to do with the cultures in it.
but yeah no probs with coffee here

 

[HGSCrohns]

I adore coffee. I was drinking several cups a day about a year ago. then I started having heartburn every time i drank coffee. so I would have less and less, until I finally wouldn't drink it anymore. I found low acidity coffee, and even added baking soda (ph neutralizer) but its taken the enjoyment out of it for me. i miss my coffee.

 

[aypues]

I can't drink any form or amount of coffee. it makes me irritable and have to go to the bathroom (#2). Tea and soda are fine though.

 

[Tina-Louisa]

Caffine I have to steer clear of yet I love lattes those specialised ones gingerbread ones for christmas. I dont go out and buy them from a coffee shop I am into the poundstore ones to stock up on when they have nescafe in. Not the best idea. reaction today is.

juddery, fidgety cant sit still. had it to wake me up as im meant to be at two seminars in one evening. wants to skip both. studies important though
stomach hurts right side feels a little pressure there.
starting to get the feeling under ribs where I can feel the heartburn on its way.
it also just goes through me when I drink coffee, sometimes a good thing, I cant go anywhere after 10 minutes of a morning coffee to an hour.
so, if I do drink it I have to be really sure I dont have to rush out the door.
embarssing.:hallo3:

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I just found this thread. I can't have caffeine because it'll put me straight into a flare. So, I do my best to read the ingredients and stay away from it as much as possible. I like coffee, but stay away from that too because of the acid in it. Whenever I've had coffee I get lots of stomach pain and diarrhea.

But, tea does really well for me. These days there are many caffeine free teas I can choose from and I have that with a little bit of almond milk in it. I also found an item at Starbucks that does really well too. It's called a steamer and is made with coconut milk and sugar free vanilla and hazelnut syrup. This is a kiddie drink, but even though I'm in my thirties I don't care!

 

[teeny5]

I have been in remission but still can't drink more than 2 cups of coffee in a day. I end up getting heartburn and or diarrhea. I also have GERD though. For me I think it's the acidity more than the caffeine.

Some sodas I am ok with. Coke seems to bother me. I haven't had a Mountain Dew in forever! The energy drinks smell and taste acidic to me...yuck. Like a can full of sugar and acid.

When flaring I couldn't drink any soda or coffee...bad stomach pains and diarrhea. But then I couldn't really eat anything either.

My GI says I shouldn't have caffeine, carbonated drinks or alcohol...boo! I try to pay attention to my body and enjoy what I can, when I can. In moderation of course.

 

[pcojt10]

My GI told me to drink coffee, and after a couple months of not, I am back on it. I can't tell if it's the coffee or the ongoing flare that causes the diarrhea, since I have to go once or twice in the morning before having a cup, and then basically immediately thereafter having one. Can't imagine not having that caffeine though. Agree with others who have said soda is bad news, really messes with my stomach.

 

[teddytutu2017]

I cannot drink coffee. It causes me to flare and gives me heartburn. I can tolerate Dandelion Root tea though. Which tastes a bit like coffee, but without the caffeine.