URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — A new study published in Nature Communications is adding to the growing body of research suggesting coffee may do more than wake you up in the morning — it might also benefit your gut and your mental health. But a local gastroenterologist says the findings should be taken with a measured dose of skepticism.
The study examined 62 participants, half of whom were regular coffee drinkers, and found that those who drank coffee — caffeinated or decaffeinated — reported lower levels of stress, depression, and impulsivity. Researchers also observed higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria among coffee drinkers, with caffeinated coffee linked to reduced anxiety and lower markers of inflammation.
Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare, says the study is interesting but limited.
“It’s a small study that supports a hypothesis, but it’s not definitive proof that coffee will improve gut health or mood,” Dr. Khokhar said.
He points out that coffee is far from a uniform product, and individual responses vary widely based on a person’s unique gut microbiome and the type of coffee consumed.
“It just comes down to each person and their own individual microbiome and how it responds to whatever particular type of coffee they’re ingesting,” he said.
For people with a healthy gut, coffee’s polyphenols — complex chemical compounds found in the beverage — could potentially act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria. But for those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, coffee can make symptoms worse. It can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, triggering heartburn.
Dr. Khokhar says more controlled research is needed before drawing firm conclusions, including studies that track specific types of coffee and measure gut microbiome changes through blood or stool samples.
His bottom line is straightforward: “If it makes you feel bad, don’t do it.” But for those who tolerate it well, moderate coffee consumption may not be as harmful as once thought — and could even offer some benefits.
For personalized guidance, talk to your primary care provider.