Nausea after drinking coffee? this is the cause and tips to overcome it

Although it is often the favorite drink to start the day, coffee can cause discomfort in the digestive system. One of the effects often complained about after drinking coffee is nausea. What causes nausea and how can you deal with it?

Causes of nausea after drinking coffee

Nausea after drinking coffee is usually related to caffeine and stomach acid. Caffeine is a natural compound in coffee that stimulates the brain and nervous system. This compound is what makes you awake after drinking coffee.

Caffeine might help you get rid of sleepiness. However, these compounds can also trigger side effects, including nausea. Here are some of the links between caffeine, stomach acid, and nausea after drinking coffee.

1. Caffeine triggers the production of stomach acid

Apart from stimulating the brain and nerves, caffeine also increases the work of the digestive system and the production of stomach acid. Increased stomach acid can irritate the walls of the stomach and esophagus, causing nausea as well heartburn.

These symptoms usually get worse if you drink coffee on an empty stomach. The reason is, there is no food in the stomach that can protect the stomach wall from damaging acids.

This is why you feel not only nauseous, but also heartburn and stomach ache after drinking coffee. Symptoms can be even more severe if you have acid reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, people with acid reflux should not drink coffee.

2. You are more sensitive to caffeine

Nausea after drinking coffee can be caused because the body is more sensitive to caffeine, as stated in a study published in the journal Nutrients. According to the study, sensitivity to caffeine is related to your genetic condition.

There are two genes that most influence the effects of caffeine in the body, namely CYP1A2 and ADORA2A. The CYP1A2 gene determines the absorption and breakdown of caffeine, while the ADORA2A gene is believed to have an effect on anxiety after consuming caffeine.

The CYP1A2 gene is found in the liver and affects up to 95% of caffeine metabolism in the body. This means that certain changes to these genes have a profound effect on the effect caffeine has on your body.

The researchers found a lot of variation (diversity) in the CYP1A2 gene. As it turns out, certain variations in this gene make your body react faster after consuming caffeine. One such reaction is none other than nausea.

3. You have caffeine withdrawal symptoms

If your body is already dependent on caffeine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking coffee suddenly. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating.

This condition can also cause decline moodirritability, trembling, and nausea after you try to drink coffee again. These symptoms can last for 12-24 hours after you stop drinking coffee.

The effects of caffeine are influenced by your age, weight and genetic condition. Therefore, the severity of caffeine withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person. The good news, these symptoms can be relieved by reducing caffeine little by little.

What must be considered to overcome nausea due to drinking coffee

Nausea can be a barrier for coffee lovers to enjoy the warmth of coffee in the morning. However, you don't need to worry. There are a few tips you can try to deal with nausea and prevent it from recurring. Here are among them.

1. Don't drink coffee on an empty stomach

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can make nausea feel worse. If you don't feel like eating rice yet, solid foods like eggs, bananas, or oatmeal can help treat nausea by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

2. Drink decaf coffee as an alternative

Try replacing the coffee you drink with decaf coffee for two weeks. Decaf coffee contains less caffeine. Caffeine that you drink may not trigger the same nausea as after drinking regular coffee.

3. Eat gastric acid neutralizing foods

Coffee is acidic, so you need to make it neutral with alkaline or watery foods. Try nuts, vegetables, and fruit. You can also drink herbal tea or eat broth.

4. Drink water

Coffee stimulates the discharge of water from your body. This drink is also acidic for the stomach. Drinking water can help neutralize stomach acid and restore lost body fluids.

Nausea is one of several digestive disorders that arise after drinking coffee. This condition is caused by increased stomach acid due to caffeine. The key to overcoming this is not drinking coffee on an empty stomach and consuming something that neutralizes stomach acid.

However, if the nausea always appears and gets worse, it might be better for you to avoid this one drink. You can try alternatives such as decaf coffee, fruit tea, or herbal drinks.