Coffee and Dyspepsia

Clinical Implications

Altered gastric emptying, which can be accelerated or delayed, contributes to dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia 1
For patients with functional dyspepsia, avoiding certain trigger foods, including coffee, may help manage symptoms 2, 3
The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines recognize that lifestyle changes, including avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, can be helpful for some patients with functional dyspepsia 2

Chemical sensitivity to both exogenous and endogenous acid can worsen dyspeptic symptoms, particularly nausea, and is associated with decreased duodenal motility 4, 5
Low-grade mucosal inflammation, especially in the duodenum, has been observed in patients with functional dyspepsia and may contribute to symptom generation when exposed to irritants like coffee 4, 5
Both mechanical and chemical hypersensitivity have been demonstrated in subgroups of patients with functional dyspepsia, which may explain heightened responses to coffee ingestion 1, 4