No one likes to deal with painful inflammation, and it can be especially uncomfortable to deal with this condition in your stomach. According to registered dietitian and nutritionist Krutika Nanavati, “stomach inflammation, also known as gastritis, is an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous condition that can be caused by eating certain foods,” which “occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed due to irritation from either bacterial infections or direct contact with acidic food or beverages.” It can manifest in an array of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, and more. Over time, gastritis can even result in more serious issues, such as ulcers, internal bleeding, and certain cancers.
Unfortunately, some of the worst culprits of this condition could lie in the beverages you drink every day. In fact, what you choose to sip on first thing in the morning may be to blame for any stomach inflammation you’re experiencing. We spoke to Nanavati to discover some of the worst options out there that you should steer clear of if you struggle with gastritis. She told us that caffeinated beverages like coffee and sugary drinks like juice are two common culprits.
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1. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
If you start your day with a cup (or a few cups) of coffee each morning, you're certainly not alone. Many of us rely on a bit of a caffeine fix to start our days. Unfortunately, though, Nanavati notes that caffeinated beverages can be some of the worst culprits of inflammation. "Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks are known to cause inflammation of the stomach," she says. "The caffeine in these drinks can
irritate the stomach lining and lead to digestive issues. These are known to cause acidity." That's not to say everyone needs to cut out caffeine altogether, but if you struggle with inflammation, it's a good idea to limit your intake as much as possible.
2. Juice and other sugary drinks
It's no secret that consuming too much sugar can take a toll on your health over time. Healthline notes that excessive sugar intake could increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and more. One major effect of sugary foods and beverages is inflammation in the body, and according to Nanavati, sugary drinks like juice, soda, and sprots drinks can cause an inflamed stomach. "The sugar in these beverages can increase acid production in the stomach, leading to irritation and inflammation," she warns. This is just one more reason to be sure to sugar intake.
What to drink instead
So, if you frequently struggle with stomach inflammation, what options do you have when it comes to healthy morning beverages? According to Nanavati, "water is the best choice for those suffering from gastritis and acid reflux, as it helps keep the body hydrated and flushes out toxins." If you want to enjoy some fun flavors, she recommends adding fresh fruits or herbs like mint and ginger.
Herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint are other good options, as they have "calming properties that help to reduce inflammation and discomfort." Fermented beverages like kombucha can also help fight inflammation and gut issues, as Nanavati points out they have "beneficial probiotics needed for digestive health."
The bottom line
Many factors can contribute to inflammation and gastritis, including the foods you eat and certain types of bacteria. If you struggle with these issues, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to the things you're consuming—including your morning beverages. "With a few simple adjustments to your diet, you can help ease inflammation in your stomach and promote better digestive health," Nanavati concludes.
