Caffeine & IBS

[Gildenfire]

I just wanted to pass this along: I had not realized just how severe an IBS trigger even small amounts of caffeine can be. I had not totally eliminated tea from my diet, just because I had to eliminate basically all of my other favorite foods and that it was the one thing I wanted to hold on to, since it’s been a part of my morning and afternoon routine for my whole life and I felt like if I could keep a relatively light, low-caffeine tea as an occasional luxury it would help my sanity a lot. But after a stress level spike really messed up my IBS again, despite my diet being otherwise almost completely clean, I finally got rid of my occasional cup of tea. And it helped to a shocking degree, to the point that I could relax a bit on a few other things. It’s super-painful because it’s a small thing that’s been important to me that I really thought I could keep after having to give up so much else. But it seems like the cost is just too high, even in very small amounts.

[Edith0]

Hi, I had to give up coffee, which is what first alerted me to there being a problem and then a diagnosis of IBS. I so love coffee. Since getting things under control though I have found I can have the occasional cup, not everyday, don’t want to chance it but when I do it’s an absolute joy and I savour every mouthful. So tea may not be entirely out of your life.

I get regular e mails from helpforibs.com. They support the soluble-insoluble fibre theory regarding IBS and get all the most up to date research, tips etc. Some helpful info, if you are interested.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Edith0]

I also gave up coffee because it was a trigger for me. I usually have 1 cup of tea first thing, then water mostly. If I feel the need of a hot drink, a few fresh mint leaves in hot water with a spoonful of honey is very soothing.

[Ollie2]

I also had to cut out coffee nearly broke my heart. Like BabsyWabsy I have 1 cup of tea a day, mornings or lunch I can’t believe how much I appreciate the simple things now. Peppermint is a great alternative after food or lemon and ginger for something sweet