Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, with billions of people enjoying it every day. However, for those with autoimmune diseases, coffee may raise some concerns. Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, leading to inflammation and a wide array of symptoms. The caffeine and other compounds in coffee have the potential to aggravate autoimmune conditions for some people. This article explores the safety and effects of drinking coffee with autoimmune diseases.
What are autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases refer to a group of over 80 chronic conditions in which the immune system incorrectly identifies healthy cells and tissues as “foreign” and attacks them. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Autoimmune diseases affect nearly 5% of the United States population. Women are more likely to develop autoimmune conditions, making up 78% of those affected. These diseases are characterized by inflammation and a wide variety of symptoms depending on the tissues and organs targeted by the misguided immune response. Common symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
How could coffee affect autoimmune disease?
The compounds in coffee have the potential to influence autoimmune disease activity through various mechanisms:
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most well-known stimulant compound in coffee. At high doses, caffeine may:
- Increase inflammation
- Disrupt sleep
- Elevate cortisol levels
- Interfere with certain medications
All of these effects may exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune conditions for some people. However, at moderate intakes of 400mg or less per day, caffeine does not appear to increase inflammation or disease activity in most research.
Chlorogenic acids
Chlorogenic acids are antioxidants found in coffee that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation when consumed moderately. However, at higher intakes, they may potentially stimulate the immune system.
Diterpenes
Cafestol and kahweol are diterpenes present in unfiltered coffee that may raise cholesterol levels at high intakes. Elevated cholesterol can contribute to inflammation.
Gastrointestinal effects
Coffee is high in compounds called polyphenols that may irritate the digestive tract for some people, especially in large amounts. This may exacerbate autoimmune digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease.
Effect of coffee on specific autoimmune diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis
Some research suggests that regular coffee consumption greater than 4 cups per day may be associated with increased rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, particularly in rheumatoid factor-positive patients. However, other studies have found no significant effects. Moderate coffee intake appears fine for most patients.
Lupus
Studies examining the effects of coffee on lupus are mixed. Coffee may raise lupus disease activity at high intakes due to its caffeine content. However, some research suggests chlorogenic acids in coffee may actually benefit lupus patients by reducing inflammation. Moderation is best.
Multiple sclerosis
Some research has associated higher coffee and caffeine intake with a slightly increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, coffee does not appear to affect MS disease activity or progression once diagnosed.
Type 1 diabetes
Heavy coffee consumption may potentially increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. However, drinking coffee in moderation after being diagnosed does not seem to affect diabetes disease activity or blood sugar control for most people.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Drinking more than 2 cups of coffee per day has been associated with a slightly increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Coffee may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients due to its polyphenol content. Limiting coffee may help manage symptoms.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
There is limited research specifically on coffee’s effects in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Some studies suggest caffeine may increase thyroid autoantibodies in those at risk for autoimmune thyroid dysfunction. However, more research is needed.
Tips for drinking coffee with autoimmune disease
Most research suggests that drinking coffee in moderation is safe for most people with autoimmune diseases. Here are some tips for integrating coffee into your diet:
- Limit intake to 1-2 cups per day.
- Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
- Choose filtered coffee when possible to limit diterpenes.
- Stick to 8 oz coffees to minimize caffeine dosage.
- Select lighter roasts which are lower in polyphenol content.
- Avoid adding high-fat creams and sugars to your coffee.
- Pay attention to individual symptoms and avoid coffee if it seems to worsen your condition.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
The bottom line
Having an autoimmune disease does not necessarily mean you need to avoid coffee altogether. Most research indicates that drinking coffee in moderation, about 12-24 oz per day, is safe for most people with autoimmune conditions. However, doses greater than 4 cups per day may exacerbate symptoms in some patients. The best approach is to pay attention to your individual response and avoid drinking coffee in excess. Focus on managing overall inflammation through a balanced anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and proper treatment.