Nausea and queasiness caused by coffee is also a surprisingly common complaint. This is the kind of nausea that makes you want to throw up everything in front of you. Besides taking away your appetite (which can also lower your energy levels), it can easily make you stressed (because who wants to vomit in the middle of a morning meeting?), and it can completely ruin your daily tasks. At times like this, even diarrhea seems like a friendlier option…
Why Can Coffee Cause Nausea?
First of all: not everyone experiences this side effect, but if you do, it’s likely due to increased activity in the digestive system. Caffeine (and other components) increase stomach acid production, which helps break down food – but if too much is produced, it can easily upset your stomach.
Moreover, coffee speeds up the movement of the gastrointestinal system, causing more frequent contractions. This can also irritate the intestines, leading to nausea. And that’s not all – there are several factors that can make you more prone to unpleasant symptoms.
- You are more sensitive to caffeine: For some, even a small amount is too much. This can depend on factors like age or genetics.
- You have a low caffeine tolerance: If you rarely drink coffee, your body isn’t accustomed to it, so a larger dose can affect you more. Regular consumption can increase your tolerance.
- You consumed too much caffeine at once: Even if you drink coffee daily, an overdose – say two large cold brews in a row – can upset your stomach.
- You drank coffee on an empty stomach: Stomach acid alone can more easily irritate the stomach lining if there’s nothing to “occupy” it. Without food, coffee is much more likely to cause harm.
- You are dehydrated: Not drinking enough fluids can cause nausea on its own – and combined with coffee, this only gets worse.
- You are taking medication that interacts with coffee: Some antibiotics, antidepressants, or asthma medications can amplify caffeine’s effects, causing stomach issues.
- You have digestive problems: For example, with reflux or gastritis, coffee is much more likely to trigger nausea.
- Pregnancy: It’s a common symptom to suddenly feel sick even from the smell of coffee.
What Can You Do to Avoid Nausea?
The good news: this type of nausea usually passes quickly. But there are tricks to prevent it:
- Don’t drink too much at once. Spread it out during the day – for example, one cup after breakfast, then another later in the day.
- Pay attention to the type of coffee. Dark roast, cold brew, or espresso-based coffees generally have lower acidity, so they irritate the stomach less.
- Don’t drink coffee on an empty stomach! Drink water beforehand and eat something – like a small avocado toast or a banana with peanut butter. Carbohydrates provide energy, and protein slows digestion.
- Add milk, plant-based milk, or cream to your coffee. These reduce acidity, making it easier on your stomach.
- If nothing helps, try the decaffeinated version. Although not completely caffeine-free, it’s much milder – and the familiar taste and aroma remain. For morning energy, you can rely on exercise or a hearty, protein-rich breakfast.
