The Ingredient in Your Coffee or Tea That Might Be Causing Bloating

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee or tea, but some experience uncomfortable bloating or abdominal tightness afterward. While these beverages are often associated with alertness and enjoyment, they can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Nutritionist Olivia Molyneux explains that the culprit might not be the coffee or tea itself, but a common addition: milk.

Molyneux suggests that even a splash of milk in your morning brew can cause bloating if you are lactose intolerant. "If you've ever felt bloated after your morning cup of tea or afternoon coffee, it might actually not be the drink itself, but the milk," she stated. Black tea and coffee generally do not directly cause bloating, though they can trigger other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. However, regular cow's milk contains lactose, and if undigested, it travels to the large intestine where fermentation occurs, resulting in bloating.

“

If you've ever felt bloated after your morning cup of tea or afternoon coffee, it might actually not be the drink itself, but the milk.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) defines lactose intolerance as experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain after consuming foods containing lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Beyond digestive issues, some individuals may suffer from non-digestive symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and joint or muscle pain. These symptoms can be managed by consuming smaller portions of lactose-containing foods or by avoiding them entirely.

Molyneux, who shares gut health tips on her TikTok channel, advises anyone suspecting lactose intolerance to consult a healthcare professional before making drastic dietary changes. "Before you make any drastic changes to your diet, if you think you might have lactose intolerance, I always recommend working with a dietitian to guide you through a structured elimination and reintroduction to make sure you're not cutting out foods unnecessarily," she emphasized. This professional guidance ensures accurate diagnosis and prevents unnecessary food restrictions.

“

Before you make any drastic changes to your diet, if you think you might have lactose intolerance, I always recommend working with a dietitian to guide you through a structured elimination and reintroduction to make sure you're not cutting out foods unnecessarily.