Can I drink coffee and tea on Dr Cabots programs?
The best way to consider coffee and other beverages high in caffeine is as an occasional treat rather than a habit. Like nicotine and alcohol, caffeine is potentially addictive or habit forming, and this is seen in the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that occur after eliminating coffee in those who consume large amounts regularly. Caffeine may exacerbate the cramps and diarrhea common in irritable bowel syndrome. Heavy use of caffeine (say more than 6 cups daily), may produce stomach inflammation and aggravate stomach ulcers by causing an increased secretion of stomach acid. Caffeine relaxes the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, which can allow acid stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn and indigestion. Even decaffeinated coffee can cause digestive problems because, like strong tea, it contains tannic acid which can aggravate the stomach. It is best to keep your consumption of coffee down to one to two cups daily. If you have digestive p
