HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Coffee?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/16/2009 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry if this has been asked before. I am wondering if coffee is generally considered off limits if you have UC? I rather enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning to kick-start the day. I have noticed that it acts a lot like a laxative and I will usually have a bowl movement shortly after having a morning coffee. Is this considered 'harsh' on my colon? What is the general consesus on coffee if you have UC? Maybe a better choice would be green tea or something similar? Thanks you for any replys. I have learned so much from this forum.

P.S. Does anyone know why coffee may not be a good choice scientifically speaking? ie. What is the mechanism of action in coffee that may produce a negative effect in the colon? Caffeine? Antioxidants?

.
Posted 7/16/2009 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I believe its the caffiene that has the negative effects for UC.  I love drinking it, but it seems like when I start drinking it, its only a matter of time before I start flaring.  Thats if I drink it on a regular basis.  Some people may tolerate it better than others.  Its one thing I wish I could have on a daily basis but had to make the sacrifice.  I still try to sneak one every now and then.           josh
Posted 7/16/2009 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it's harsh on the colon. Yes, it is a laxative. But you know what? I don't care! lol I am just not a happy camper unless I have my morning coffee. I have always been a huge coffee drinker and the way I figure is that I have already given up so much because of my Uc that I'd be darned if I will give up my coffee too! But you need to do what you feel is right by you. If you feel that you will do better without then by all means go ahead. If you just like the taste of it, you can try decaf.
Posted 7/17/2009 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
You can try de-caff, it may be easier on your gut cuz it apparently has much less caffeine in it than regulare caffeinated coffee. Caffeine is a natural laxative and therefore can exacerbate IBD symptoms.

:)
Posted 7/17/2009 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
     I can tolerate coffee when not flaring but limit it to one cup per day.  I really enjoy it too.
Posted 7/17/2009 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I love coffee. I, too limit mine to one cup per day, though, as I am trying to avoid caffeine. I don't think it has any affect on my symptoms.
Posted 7/17/2009 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Fellow coffee lover here. It's the caffeine, decaf should be fine.
Posted 7/17/2009 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
I also love coffee but had to give it up. It is a combination of the caffeine and other chemicals in the coffee according to my GI. I also read a lot of places the same thing that is why decaf can also cause problems. Even the decaf bothered me It is considered a gastro irritant along with chocolate.. Maybe, you will be one of the lucky ones and the decaf will not bother you. Good Luck.
Posted 7/17/2009 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Coffee - both fully leaded and decaf - have the same laxative effect on me too. I ended up totally giving it up (except for a frappucino here and there at Starbucks) but before I did give it up, I made sure I had a full tummy first before drinking a cup. It seems to help on the "intensity" of the cramping and bathroom frequency. If possible, eat some anti-inflammatory foods like pineapple or cherries as part of your meal and let it settle for a few minutes before drinking a cup of coffee.

I have found that decaf teas are a lot more soothing ...
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply