Avoid pairing coffee with these foods if you don't want to harm your digestion.

A morning cup of coffee can provide energy and antioxidant benefits, but pairing it with the wrong foods can upset the stomach, reduce nutrient absorption, and even negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Here are 5 food groups you should avoid when drinking coffee to optimize absorption and minimize side effects.

1. Citrus fruits

Coffee and citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are both acidic. Combining them can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, nausea, or indigestion, especially in people with sensitive stomachs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the acid in coffee, combined with citric acid from citrus fruits, can irritate the stomach lining, leading to prolonged discomfort if consumed frequently.

Suggestion : Eat fruit 30-60 minutes before or after drinking coffee to reduce stomach irritation.

2. Fried foods

Fried foods are high in saturated fat and sodium. When combined with coffee, especially if you drink more than 3 cups a day, the risk of dyslipidemia increases, raising LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering HDL (good) cholesterol.

Consuming saturated fats along with caffeine can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. (Image: iStock)

Research from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health suggests that consuming saturated fat along with caffeine may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Suggestion : Choose a light breakfast, baked or boiled instead of fried, when drinking coffee.

3. Milk

Although milk provides calcium and protein, the caffeine in coffee can reduce calcium absorption. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the unabsorbed calcium will be excreted in the urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones or osteoporosis if repeated over a long period.

Suggestion : If you want to drink coffee with milk, consider drinking it at least 1 hour before or after consuming milk to optimize nutrient absorption.

4. Foods high in sodium

Drinking a lot of coffee combined with salty foods can increase blood pressure. The WHO recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

Tip : Avoid eating canned foods, salty snacks, or salty cheese at the same time as coffee.

5. Fermented foods

Kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh are fermented foods rich in probiotics, which are good for digestion. However, combining them with coffee can cause bloating and gas due to the synergistic effect of acids.

According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, the acids in coffee and fermented foods can overstimulate the digestive system, especially for those trying this combination for the first time.

Suggestion : Drink coffee 30-60 minutes before or after eating fermented foods to allow your digestive system to adapt.

How to incorporate coffee into a healthy diet.

Coffee is a good source of polyphenols and antioxidants. The FDA recommends a maximum caffeine intake of 400 mg per day (approximately 3-4 cups). People sensitive to caffeine should reduce their intake according to their body's response.

Avoid packaged coffee containing additives and artificial sweeteners; instead, you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to create natural flavors while still controlling your sugar intake.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dung-ket-hop-ca-phe-voi-nhung-thuc-pham-nay-neu-khong-muon-hai-tieu-hoa-post1082218.vnp