Can Coffee Make You Nauseous?
Coffee is often used as a morning pick-me-up, as its caffeine content can provide a quick energy boost. Many of us can’t imagine starting our day without it. But can coffee make some of us queasy, even after taking just a sip? Here’s a look at what the research tells us about coffee and nausea.
Coffee and Nausea: Is There a Link?
Studies examining the relationship between coffee and nausea have often been inconclusive. On the one hand, some report that the caffeine in coffee can cause nausea and stomach disturbances. On the other hand, it could be argued that these same studies have been conducted on a small sample size, or that people who already have digestive issues are more likely to report symptoms.
So, it might be fair to say that there is not enough research to definitively say that coffee causes nausea. However, heavy coffee drinkers may be more likely to experience side effects such as nausea.
Factors That Influences Our Experience With Coffee
There are several factors that can influence our response to coffee, such as how we make it and the type of coffee beans used.
- Caffeine Content: The higher the caffeine content, the more likely it is to cause nausea. Filter coffee and espresso typically contain more caffeine than instant coffee.
- Brewing Time: The longer the brewing time, the more caffeine the coffee will contain and the more potent it will be.
- Type of Coffee Beans: Some types of coffee beans contain more caffeine than others, such as arabica and robusta.
- How We Drink It: Drinking coffee too quickly can also lead to nausea.
Tips for Preventing Nausea from Coffee
If you experience nausea after drinking coffee, there are some steps you can take to help reduce unpleasant symptoms:
- Keep it Mild: Choose a mild roast with low caffeine content.
- Choose the Right Coffee-Maker: Use a French press or espresso machine that reduces the amount of caffeine in the drink.
- Keep it Short: Try cold-brew coffee that is brewed over a longer period of time, as this will remove more caffeine.
- Drink Responsibly: Don’t drink coffee too quickly, too close to bedtime or on an empty stomach.
In summary, it seems that there is not enough research to definitively say that coffee causes nausea. However, if you are someone who experiences nausea after drinking coffee, it is likely due to the caffeine content or other factors. It is advisable to choose a mild roast with low caffeine content, experiment with different coffee-makers and drink coffee responsibly.
