Does Coffee Cause Ulcerative Colitis Flare-ups?

Does drinking coffee cause UC? 

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that drinking coffee is not necessarily linked to an increased risk of developing UC. In fact, it may even lower your risk.

But why that happens isn’t clear.

A cup of coffee contains caffeine, beneficial antioxidant plant compounds known as polyphenols, and acids like chlorogenic acid. Some research suggests coffee may increase stomach acid, lead to heartburn, stimulate defecation, and affect the gut microbiome — the colony of microorganisms that reside in your gut.

ResearchTrusted Source also suggests that coffee has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of UC. Plus, coffee is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which may have similar effects.

Coffee has also been found to help boostTrusted Source your gut health because it has prebiotic properties and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Does coffee trigger UC flare-ups? 

While some people attribute their UC symptoms to certain foods, only a few high quality studiesTrusted Source have assessed how your diet may affect the condition. Additionally, no studies have yet focused on UC and coffee consumption.

Instead of relying on studies, people with UC often identify which foods and drinks trigger their intestinal problems through trial and error — either on their own or with the help of a healthcare professional like a registered dietitian.

What symptoms will I experience from caffeine?

Even though there is a lack of research on caffeine and UC symptoms, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation lists coffee and other caffeinated drinks like soda as potential UC flare triggers.

Coffee can cause contractions within your digestive tract and speed up the elimination of its contents. In fact, 1 in 3 peopleTrusted Source report that drinking coffee increases the desire to defecate as soon as 4 minutes after consumption.

This effect was once attributed to coffee’s natural caffeine content. However, both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee have been shown to stimulate bowel movements, so the effect is likely due to other chemical compounds like polyphenols or acids.

Because diarrhea is a common symptom of UC, anything that increases bowel movements may be undesirable. So, whether or not caffeine is at fault, coffee may be best avoided if you have UC and find that it worsens your symptoms.

How to reduce coffee’s side effects if you have UC

While many people with IBD drink coffee, some do avoid it and attribute some of their intestinal symptoms to the drink.

Some people living with UC avoid coffeeTrusted Source as they believe it may affect their symptoms.

Depending on what causes your UC flare-ups, you might try these tips to see if they help your symptoms after drinking coffee.

1. Try a smaller serving size

Maybe you’re unable to tolerate larger servings of coffee, but sticking to smaller portions can be possible.

If you keep a food diary, also record how much food or beverage you consume. You might find your sweet spot at 1 cup of coffee (8 ounces) per day rather than three cups.

2. Limit excess added sugars and sugar alcohols

Sugary foods are also on the list of potential trigger foods.

Lattes, frappuccinos, and macchiatos from cafes can contain upward of 20 grams of sugar. At-home coffee creamersTrusted Source are typically lower in sugar, with around 5 grams per serving.

Meanwhile, sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol may be added to sugar-free coffee creamers. Sugar alcohols are also listed as potential UC triggers and may cause diarrheaTrusted Source in some people.

Try opting for unsweetened coffee to see if this triggers any UC symptoms. If you like and tolerate milk, milk alternatives, or cream in your drink, choose unsweetened versions of these add-ons.

3. Choose a dairy-free alternative

ResearchTrusted Source has found that many people with IBD avoid dairy due to adverse symptoms resulting from dairy consumption. If you’re unsure whether the coffee or dairy may aggravate your symptoms, try to trial and error them separately.

There are many plant-based milk and creamer options available — including soy, almond, oat, and coconut — that you can add to your coffee instead.

4. Avoid sources of carrageenan

Carrageenan is a food additive derived from seaweed. It thickens and preserves many foods, including coffee creamers.

5. Find alternatives to coffee

Staying hydrated with water is always important, especially if you’re experiencing a UC flare and losing a lot of liquid through frequent, runny stools.

In addition, consider adding electrolyte tablets to water or drinking electrolyte drinks during a severe flare. It’s important to replenish lost electrolytes to stay hydrated and keep your body’s nervous system and muscles working optimally.

Tea, including green tea, may also be a good drink option for those with UC. Tea is rich in antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties and could help reduce flare-up symptoms.

However, remember that green, black, and oolong tea all have caffeine. Some herbal varieties can also have a laxative effect on some people. If you react negatively to drinking it, it’s likely best to avoid it.

The takeaway

Health professionals may flag coffee as a drink to limit or avoid in terms of reducing your chances of a UC flare-up. Research is unclear why some people report having unwanted gut symptoms after drinking coffee, while others with UC do not experience those same effects.

Managing UC is a personalized approach that is different for everyone. If coffee is a concern, your healthcare team, especially your gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian specializing in digestive conditions, may offer more guidance and support in navigating your UC symptoms.