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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/9/2009 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have been told that coffee is really really bad for CU?

But for some reason I just can't stop drinking it. I must be a darn addict !?!?

Is it something to avoid? It is according to anti-fungal diets I can see

Posted 2/9/2009 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Coffee is a known bowel irritant. The caffeine in coffee is bad for the digestive system. Caffeine speeds up every system in the body, including the colon, which can lead to diarrhea. De-caffeinated coffee does away with the caffeine, but it still contains acids that can increase stomach acid production.
Posted 2/9/2009 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
There were times when I was in a flare that coffee caused me discomfort so I switched to chicory; same robust flavor but without the stimulant. However, I never gave up coffee completely and don't think you need to worry about it unless it causes you discomfort.

Sue
Posted 2/9/2009 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
I can't drink it. Instant horribleness...So I drink tea and Caflib instead.
Posted 2/9/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)

I think caffeine in any form can cause problems with digestion and bowels.  We are all different how we process it.  My husband could drink a gallon with no problems - all I need is two cups.  I drink one every morning - with my doctors ok but might feel better without it - yes, I am addicted.

ElaineNY

Posted 2/9/2009 4:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Qvist,

I have Ice Coffee from time to time. I never used to be a coffee drinking but then I started drinking Ice Coffee and when ever I drink it, It seems to bind me up so I have to opposit problem with coffee. I think Its good for my colitis. But if I drink lets say soda it hates me haha.

So I think it depends on the person.

:-)

Posted 2/9/2009 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
I only had a problem with it right after I woke up. If I waited a half hour or so I'd be fine drinking it. If you don't want to stop drinking it I know Folgers makes grounds that are easier to digest. No food/drink is "bad" for UC, its all about what bothers you and what doesn't. I'm a complete moron in the morning without my coffee so I never gave it up!
Posted 2/9/2009 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have no problems drinking coffee at all and drink tons of it everyday. Although I have kept away from fully caffeinated coffee and drink brewed 1/2 caff and instant decaf. In times of flares, I do not drink brewed coffee. It makes me nauseous for some reason.

Posted 2/9/2009 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
When I was flaring, I could not drink coffee. It was not a matter of "I know it's bad for me, so I must force myself to stay away". Instead, I was completely turned off by it, could hardly make myself have a sip if there was a cup in front of me.

Now that I am off my flare, I can drink it again... my morning cup does seem to trigger my daily bm, but that's not a bad thing since when not flaring I have to fight against constipation.
Posted 2/9/2009 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Coffee is a natural bowel stimulator, you could try decaff, caffeine is considered a possible IBD symptom exacerbator.

:)
Posted 2/9/2009 7:28 PM (GMT 0)

ack2009 said...
... my morning cup does seem to trigger my daily bm, but that's not a bad thing since when not flaring I have to fight against constipation.

Even non-UCers sometimes use the morning cup for that very purpose.
Posted 2/9/2009 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
I use Dunkin Donuts brand coffee grounds... I drink decaff ( 1-2 cups a day ) during the week...
One the weekend I splurge and have Regular caff coffee still dunkin donuts brand.... ( maybe 3 cups )
On this limited caffine I don't notice any problems.... but I do watch my coffee intake and limit the caffine.
Posted 2/9/2009 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
When flaring, i have to stay away from Coffee completely.  But when not flaring, i am able to drink 1 cup of coffee in the morning..i have also found that drinking Organic Coffee makes a big difference and to me the little extra price is worth it :)

Posted 2/10/2009 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I love my morning coffee, and drink one mug cup with extra cream and splenda.
If I'm feeing bad, though, I drink tea.

I won't drink Starbucks, it's too strong and will upset my stomach.
Posted 2/10/2009 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I love coffee always have. But I have never been a big drinker because even before I got UC either while I was drinking it or like 10 mins after I was done I would be running to the bathroom. Now with UC it really isnt any better.
Posted 2/10/2009 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, I always have breakfast and coffee before I shower and get dressed...to give me time to let it sprint through, because it will...
Posted 2/10/2009 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Yes coffee does cause flare ups. It is experience which is saying so.

Posted 2/10/2009 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Don't drink it for a few days and see if your symptoms change at all.  It definitely effects me.  But you should know that its not only the caffeine that causes the problems - its the acidity of coffee that can also cause trigger a reaction.  And if you're particularly sensitive or flaring hard, hot drinks should probably be avoided altogether.  Hope that helps.  :-)

Posted 2/10/2009 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I heard that if you add cream to your coffee that the cream acts as a coating for your intestinal wall and that it helps protect it from most of the acid and caffeine of the coffee.

Posted 2/10/2009 5:45 PM (GMT 0)

If you are a heavy coffee drinker - DON'T stop it cold turkey - slowly - can cause terrible withdrawal symptoms - as headaches, etc.  Worth giving up for a while to find out if it is a trigger.  We are all different.  I am fine with one (perhaps 1/2 more) - after that it affects me.  Trial and error!

ElaineNY

Posted 2/10/2009 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
I rely on my morning coffee to get me going. I sometimes have constipation now so the first cup usually does it for me - but it makes me have D. I would much rather have the D then constipation any day - provided it isn't the white knuckle type D. I have always been a huge coffee drinker and I LOVE my coffee. Even if it does stimulate the bowel, for me I just don't care. I figure since this is the one thing I truly love and I have sacrificed so much already that I am not about to give it up. But everyone is different on much they like it, addicted to it, etc. Trial and error indeed :)
Posted 2/10/2009 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
That reminds me, after I had an outpatient surgery in the early a.m., they told me right after that I should have some coffee if I usually drink it, so that I would avoid the headache during recovery.
Posted 2/10/2009 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Most definately Peety! When I had a D&C a couple years ago, I wasn't able to have coffee that morning of the surgery. But I had a whopper of a headache so I asked the nurse for something after she hooked up the IV. She nodded at me and asked, "You're a coffee drinker aren't you?" lol I guess she hears that alot. Maybe that is why I like my coffee so much! Because it helps my headaches :)
Posted 2/10/2009 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I love coffee (but Starbucks or anything that tastes like it..bleh!).
I do drink it in the morning and whenever, but with food.

It will stimulate the sigmoid to "download" whatever is in there, and if you're flaring, it can trigger a bm.

If I'm flaring, I don't drink as much in one sitting.

I do like that it helps with a morning bm...but I pretty much have my bms in the morning anyway (habit)...but depending on how much or what I'm eating in a given day or the day before, I may have another one in the evening.

q
Posted 2/10/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on remicade for about a year and I can just now tolerate coffee.

Try hot tea instead

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