Do you feel sick after drinking coffee? Here’s why, and how to fix it! Caffeine is a pretty powerful drug. It can help with focus, energy, performance—even sleep quality. But there are some downsides to caffeine that most people don't consider until they're feeling them firsthand: nausea and headaches are common side effects of the drug.

But what if I told you that these symptoms could be easily fixed? Read on for tips to stop feeling sick after coffee.

(TLDR HINT: Coffee that is mass-produced or older than 30 days is a common culprit along with being dehydrated or forgetting to eat breakfast.)

Why Does Coffee Make Some People Feel Sick?

There are different reasons why coffee might make someone feel sick:

Too much bad acidity vs. good acidity
Coffee bean quality
Freshness of the roast
Additives
Chemicals and over-roasting
Empty stomach
Caffeine sensitivity and brew strength
Medical conditions

Bad Acidity

Acidity in coffee can be both good and bad. Bad acidity, often described as "sourness" or "harsh acidity," can result from over-fermentation, low-quality or unripe beans, old roasts, and improper storage. This can lead to the growth of mold, bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which can upset your stomach.

Examples of "Bad Acidity":

Excessive Acetic Acid: In high amounts, creates an unpleasant sour taste. The quality of the beans, the roast level, and the age of the coffee all play roles in the presence of excessive acetic acid.
Lactic Acid: If unbalanced, adds an overly sharp or tangy flavor.
Chlorogenic Acids: Can break down during roasting and storage, leading to bitter and astringent flavors.

How to Avoid Bad Acidity

Buy coffee from companies that focus on freshly grown, in-season, hand-harvested beans. Avoid beans that are more than 30 days old or lack an advertised roast date. Good acidity, known as "brightness" or "lively acidity," adds depth and character to coffee. It comes from high-quality beans and fresh roasts.

Examples of "Good Acidity":

Citric Acid: Found in citrus fruits, gives a bright, clean flavor.
Malic Acid: Found in apples, provides a tart, refreshing taste.
Tartaric Acid: Found in grapes, adds wine-like acidity.
Acetic Acid: In small, balanced amounts, contributes to pleasant tanginess.

Coffee Quality

Low-quality coffee is often mass-produced with machine picking, which collects ripe, unripe, and rotten cherries. Large-scale processing can lead to uneven drying and fermentation, inviting mold and pathogens. At Parachute Coffee, we source beans from farms that pick, sort, wash, and prepare in small batches, focusing on peak freshness of each season.

Freshness of the Roast

Follow the 30-day rule. For the best experience, drink coffee roasted within 30 days. Freshly roasted beans undergo off-gassing for about two days, releasing carbon dioxide and settling into their optimal flavor profile. Beyond 30 days, beans lose flavor, oxidize, and can become stale, which may irritate your stomach.

Additives

Ingredients like sugar, artificial sweeteners, creamers, or milk can cause digestive issues or allergic reactions. Try alternatives like honey, agave, coconut powder, oat milk, or almond milk.

Chemicals and Over-Roasting

Low-quality coffee may contain pesticide residues, and over-roasting can hide flavor inconsistencies but also develop harsh compounds. Dark roasts can increase bad acidity and bitterness, leading to stomach irritation.

Empty Stomach

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach increases stomach acid production, leading to nausea and discomfort. Eating bananas, bran muffins, yogurt, or oatmeal can help neutralize stomach acid and aid digestion. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Sensitivity and Brew Strength

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine, leading to jitteriness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Strongly brewed coffee has higher caffeine content, amplifying these effects.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like gastritis, IBS, or other gastrointestinal issues can be aggravated by coffee. Some medications can interact with caffeine, leading to adverse effects. Pay attention to your body and your medications.

How Much Coffee Can I Drink Before I Feel Sick?

Most health experts recognize 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day (300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine) as moderate and safe for most adults. Those with high sensitivity to caffeine, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions may need to limit their intake to 1 to 2 cups per day or avoid caffeine altogether. Listen to your body and adjust your intake if you experience symptoms like jitteriness, insomnia, or an upset stomach.

Symptoms of Coffee Sickness

Symptoms can include jitteriness, increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. Other signs are anxiety, digestive issues, frequent urination, and irritability. Remedies include eating food, staying hydrated, and reducing coffee intake.

Causes of Coffee Sickness

Coffee's diuretic effect can cause dehydration, and excessive consumption can lead to coffee sickness, especially in those with caffeine sensitivity or when consumed on an empty stomach. Other causes include coffee's acidity, additives, low-quality beans, and medication interactions.

Best Ways to Prevent Coffee Sickness

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process caffeine and stay hydrated.
Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Eat something before or with your coffee.
Limit Caffeine Intake: Try not to drink more than two cups of coffee a day or switch to decaf after 2 pm.
Choose High-Quality, Fresh Coffee: Select beans that are freshly roasted and from reputable sources.
Switch to Decaf: If you are sensitive to caffeine, consider switching to decaf coffee.
Experiment with Additives: Try different creamers and sweeteners to find what works best for your stomach.

Foods to Eat if You Feel Sick After Drinking Coffee

Bananas: Gentle on the stomach and can help neutralize stomach acid.
Oatmeal: Bland and soothing, helps coat the stomach lining.
Toast: Plain toast is easy to digest and absorbs excess stomach acid.
Yogurt: Contains probiotics that aid digestion.
Ginger: Known for anti-nausea properties. Eat ginger slices, drink ginger tea, or consume ginger candies.
Almonds: Alkaline and can help neutralize stomach acidity.
Leafy Greens: High in fiber, aiding digestion.
Rice: Plain white or brown rice is bland and easy to digest.
Crackers: Help absorb stomach acid and provide quick carbohydrates.
Applesauce: Easy to digest and can calm an upset stomach.
Papaya: Contains enzymes that aid digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.

Differences Between Coffee Types

Regular Coffee vs. Decaf Coffee

Decaf coffee has much less caffeine than regular coffee, making it less likely to cause stomach upset or disrupt sleep.

Cold Brew Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Cold brew coffee is less acidic and less likely to cause nausea. It is made without using heat, resulting in a stronger flavor and more caffeine.

Iced Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Iced coffee is brewed with cold water and typically contains fewer acids than regular coffee.

Flavored Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Flavored coffee can contain additives that may cause digestive issues. If you prefer flavored coffee, use natural milk instead of artificial creamers.

Organic Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Organic coffee is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which some people prefer for taste and health reasons.

Fair Trade Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Fair trade coffee is grown ethically and sustainably, benefiting farmers and their communities. It is typically more expensive but also higher quality.

Gourmet Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

Gourmet coffee is often less acidic and easier to digest, offering a more flavorful experience.

FAQs

What Are the Symptoms of Feeling Sick After Drinking Coffee?

Symptoms can include jitteriness, increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. Other signs are anxiety, digestive issues, frequent urination, and irritability.

What Are the Causes of Feeling Sick After Drinking Coffee?

Causes include drinking coffee on an empty stomach, the acidity of the coffee, caffeine sensitivity, and the use of additives like milk and sweeteners. To avoid feeling sick, eat something before drinking coffee and choose a less acidic variety.

By understanding these factors and making a few adjustments, you can enjoy your coffee without feeling sick. For the freshest and highest quality coffee, check out Parachute Coffee. We focus on delivering freshly roasted beans, ensuring you get the best coffee experience every time. Happy brewing!

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