Coffee and Digestion
Coffee is among the first places in the list of foods NOT RECOMMENDED in the presence of gastritis; the famous drink is in fact endowed with eupeptic properties.
The digestive effect of coffee can be particularly useful in the presence of hypochlorhydria dyspepsia (reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach).
Why avoid it in case of Gastritis
Coffee is contraindicated in the presence of gastritis and peptic ulcer, as it accentuates the insult to the gastric mucosa delaying any repair.
Furthermore, caffeine is known for its ability to loosen the tightness of the gastroesophageal sphincter, which prevents the gastric contents from rising into the esophagus; consequently, coffee should not be consumed, or possibly replaced with decaffeinated coffee, and always in moderation. , in the presence of gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer or Barrett's esophagus.
Where is caffeine found?
Note that caffeine is present not only in coffee and other drinks or foods, but also in some medicinal specialties, for example against headaches. Other methylxanthines used in the prevention of bronchospasm (anti-asthma properties of theophylline and aminophylline) can favor gastric secretion.
Vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds (haematemesis), then digested, is one of the cardinal symptoms of severe gastritis accompanied by gastric ulcer.
Better to avoid too
In addition to coffee, in the presence of gastritis and its complications, it would also be advisable to avoid:
- NSAIDs reduce the concentration of bicarbonate in the gastric mucus and inhibit the synthesis of some prostaglandins useful for protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach; the gastrologic effect is reduced for paracetamol and for the selective inhibitors of COX-2.
- Cortisone, similarly to NSAIDs, but with a different mode of action, exerts a gastrolesive action, probably going to disturb the blood flow in the stomach.
- Alcohol can favor the onset of gastritis and peptic ulcer, since, in high doses, it reduces the amount of bicarbonates in the mucus.
- Cigarette smoking increases gastric emptying time, facilitates gastro-duodenal reflux and reduces the secretion of bicarbonates; it is therefore one of the factors that predispose to the development of gastritis.
- The sympathetic-mimetic amines and in particular the caffeine of coffee, but also of tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, maté, can drastically increase the acid secretion of the stomach, while caffeone can interfere with the defense capacity of the stomach. gastric mucosa. Not surprisingly, gastroenterologists use the so-called caffeine test to evaluate the patient's gastric secretion.
- Meals too abundant, eaten too quickly, without chewing, incorrect food associations; tomatoes, cocoa, juices, acid juices, cooked fats, fried foods, pepper, chilli and spices are generally considered habits and foods that predispose to gastritis. See diet and gastritis.
- Some psycho-social elements, such as strong stress, internal conflicts, strong spirit of competition, etc. complete the picture of the factors that favor the appearance of this disorder.
