Question about coffee

[Asher]

I have a quick question.

I've only experienced one major flare. Since then I've been feeling great! No food has bothered me. But when I have coffee (usually iced!) it does make me go to the bathroom. I drink it when I feel like I haven't gone to the bathroom in a few days or sometimes just because I need the caffeine fix.

The coffee makes me go almost an hour or sooner after finishing it. Not really urgent but there is cramping before hand. Coffee always made me go to the bathroom even before my Dx but now it's usually more D when I go.

Could consuming coffee now cause a flare? Am I making it more inflamed when I drink it?

I'm still so new to crohns so I'm still learning about how foods can affect the disease. Thanks!

 

[Lisa]

Coffee can act as a mild laxative, and possible be a stronger influence on someone with IBD.

 

[SarahBear]

Like Lisa said, coffee can act as a laxative, even on people without IBD. Since you're using it to help relieve constipation, I'd probably consult a doctor just to be certain.

Generally, foods and beverages that aggravate your symptoms ("trigger foods"), are just irritating the inflamed areas as it passes through. They don't cause it on their own, but I suppose it could slow the healing process a little. However, it can be hard or even impossible to completely avoid everything that does this. As you adjust and get a good idea of what causes you symptoms, and what symptoms they cause, you'll feel more comfortable making decisions about whether or not / how much of something you should have. Until then, feel free to ask questions as needed.

 

[Asher]

Ugh I'm concerned. I haven't gone to the bathroom since after the coffee yesterday. But since then my stomach /intestines have been so unsettled. Constant gurgling, rumbling, bubbling. It's so uncomfortable. I'm so nervous. I have a party to go to 3 hours away, and I have to car pool. I don't want to back out because I'm scared. But if I have an accident in public I'll be devastated. That hasn't happened to me before.

 

[SarahBear]

I'm sorry. Do the people you'll be riding with know you have IBD?

 

[ssddks10]

I think coffee can be a trigger in certain people. Just test it and see how you do