Coffee and Ulcerative Colitis: What’s the Relationship?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a colon-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is associated with sores and ulcers on the colon or large intestine lining.
Bloody diarrhoea, frequent stools, mucous-like stools, abdominal pain, general fatigue, and weight loss are all symptoms of a UC flare. Those symptoms subside during remission.
According to research, lifestyle factors, including diet, may contribute to the development of UC and the onset of flares.
Coffee is known to have an effect on the digestive system. Nonetheless, research into how this beverage may affect one’s risk of developing UC and how to manage its symptoms is ongoing.
The following article discusses the relationship between coffee and UC, whether coffee triggers UC flares, and how to manage potential gut-related side effects associated with coffee consumption.
Compounds that have an effect on the gut and may have an effect on UC
Coffee is a widely consumed beverage on a global scale. When consumed in moderation, it is frequently considered a part of a healthy diet.
Caffeine, beneficial antioxidant plant compounds known as polyphenols, and acids such as chlorogenic acid are all contained in a cup of coffee.
The drink may cause an increase in stomach acid, heartburn, and defecation, as well as have an effect on the gut microbiome — the colony of microorganisms that lives in your gut.
Several of these effects may help explain why research indicates that drinking coffee may help prevent the development of UC and may exacerbate symptoms in those who already have the condition.
There is still much unknown about coffee’s effect on UC.
