Everyday Drinks to Be Careful With

Everyday beverages

Many people enjoy drinks like coffee, milk, or soda as part of their daily routine.

However, some of these common beverages can cause stomach discomfort or digestive issues, especially for people with sensitive systems. This paper explores several everyday drinks that may upset your stomach and explains why being aware of their effects is important for maintaining good digestive health.

Many everyday beverages can unexpectedly upset the stomach, even those that seem harmless. For example, coffee contains caffeine and organic acids that can overstimulate the digestive tract. Studies show that "caffeinated coffee stimulates the colon 23 % more than decaf coffee, and 60 % more than water" (Health line) , which explains why people may experience urgency or diarrhea shortly after drinking it. Likewise, milk and dairy products may trigger symptoms in individuals who cannot properly digest lactose. According to the Mayo Clinic, "People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating" (Mayo clinic). Recognizing these effects helps readers understand that even common drinks can challenge sensitive stomachs, and simple adjustments-like opting for decaf or lactose-free alternatives-can make a significant difference.

Drinking coffee

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols are other common hidden culprits behind digestive discomfort. Research shows that sugar substitutes like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol often reach the colon undigested and can ferment in the gut, drawing water in and causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea (Howard, NLH). For instance, sorbitol found in sugar-free gum and candies can trigger digestive upset even in small amounts (Anderson). Furthermore, broader evidence suggests artificial sweeteners may alter the gut microbiome and exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. A recent review noted limited but concerning evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners affect gut motility and microbial balance (NLH). In particular, compounds like neotame, sucralose, and aspartame have been flagged as potential disruptors of gut bacteria, with emerging reports linking them to inflammation and conditions like IBS (Haase). Understanding these hidden triggers is crucial for readers: simply switching from table sugar to diet alternatives might seem healthier but it can inadvertently lead to significant digestive distress.

Artificial sweeteners

Temperature and alcohol content can also play major roles in digestive distress.Very cold drinks, such as iced water or refrigerated juice, can cause the muscles of the digestive tract to contract suddenly, particularly in people with sensitive stomachs. This reaction may lead to cramping or rapid bowel movements. While scientific data on cold beverages and digestion is limited, anecdotal evidence and expert opinion suggest a connection between iced drinks and gastrointestinal upset in certain individuals.

Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and wine, can also irritate the gastrointestinal lining and increase motility in the intestines. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Alcohol can cause inflammation in the stomach lining and interfere with normal digestion, sometimes leading to diarrhea” (NIAAA). This is particularly true when drinking on an empty stomach or in large amounts.

For individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these seemingly harmless habits cold drinks, sweeteners, or casual alcohol use can significantly worsen symptoms.

Alcohols

In conclusion, while many drinks are considered harmless parts of our daily routines, they can have surprising effects on the digestive system. From coffee and milk to sugar-free sodas and alcoholic beverages, a variety of common drinks may trigger discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea especially in people with sensitive guts or digestive disorders.

By learning how certain ingredients and characteristics of beverages affect the body, individuals can make more informed choices to protect their gut health.Simple changes like switching to lactose-free milk, avoiding artificial sweeteners, or limiting cold or alcoholic drinks can greatly improve comfort and well-being in everyday life.

Cites

Andersen, Meghan. “Do Sugar‑Free Candy and Gum Give You Gas? Researchers Think They Know Why.” UC Davis Health, 13 Feb. 2024, health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/do-sugar-free-candy-and-gum-give-you-gas-researchers-think-they-know-why/2024/02.

Haase, Madeleine. “Artificial Sweetener May Be Damaging Your Gut, Study Finds.” Prevention, 3 May 2024, prevention.com/health/a60672537/artificial-sweeteners-may-damage-gut-health-study/. Accessed 24 June 2025.

Howard, Lisa. “Do Sugar‑Free Candy and Gum Give You Gas? Researchers Think They Know Why.” UC Davis Health, 15 Feb. 2024, health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/do-sugar-free-candy-and-gum-give-you-gas-researchers-think-they-know-why/2024/02. Accessed 24 June 2025.

Kubala, Jillian. “Does Coffee Upset Your Stomach?” Healthline, 17 Oct. 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-upset-stomach. Accessed 24 June 2025.

“Lactose Intolerance — Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232.

“Medical Complications: Common Alcohol-Related Concerns.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, June 2025, www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/medical-complications-common-alcohol-related-concerns. Accessed 24 June 2025.

Mount, James, et al. “Is Something in Your Diet Causing Diarrhea?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 29 Jan. 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-something-in-your-diet-causing-diarrhea.

Spencer, Marisa, et al. “Artificial Sweeteners: A Systematic Review and Primer for Gastroenterologists.” Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, vol. 22, no. 2, 30 Apr. 2016, pp. 168–180. PubMed Central, doi:10.5056/jnm15206. PubMed Central,

Spencer, Michael, et al. “Artificial Sweeteners: A Systematic Review and Primer for Gastroenterologists.” Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, vol. 22, no. 2, 30 Apr. 2016, pp. 168–180. PubMed Central, PMC 4819855. Accessed 24 June 2025.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board