Coffee Allergy or Something Else?
An adverse reaction to drinking a cup-o-joe could mean many things.
Feb 9, 2007
Coffee is a popular drink in the United States. Coffee houses are on almost every corner in many cities across the country. Coffee can be a very healthy drink for most people. Coffee is one of the best sources of antioxidants in the American diet.
Some people experience unpleasant symptoms after having a cup of coffee. Different symptoms can mean different things. There are several compounds that make up coffee and each compound can cause different reactions.
Caffeine-
Caffeine is a drug that is found in all coffees even in decaf. Too much caffeine can cause jitters, headache, insomnia, and irritability. There also have been reported cases of allergic reactions to caffeine such as rash, swelling and difficulty breathing. Some coffees have very high concentrations of caffeine. Even if a reaction did not occur with another beverage like a soda that contains caffeine, it does not mean the reaction is not from the caffeine. The reaction might happen because of the higher level of caffeine in the coffee.
Tannins-
Tannins are found in many foods including red wine, chocolate and coffee. The condition “red wine headache” is attributed to the tannins present in the wine. Migraine headaches are often blamed on tannins. While it is less common to have a reaction to the tannins in coffee it is not unheard of.
Tip: Keep a food diary to see if other foods containing tannins give you a similar reaction as when you drink coffee.
Pesticides and Herbicides-
Some coffee brands may use heavy doses of herbicides and pesticides when growing their coffee beans. People can be very sensitive to certain types of chemicals used in pesticides and herbicides. This could explain a reaction to one brand of coffee and not another brand. Allergy symptoms of pesticides and herbicides can include rash, and headache.
Tip: Try organic coffee.
Protein-
Coffee contains .3 grams of protein per eight ounce cup. An allergy to the protein in coffee is probably the least likely to happen but it is possible. The symptoms of a coffee allergy would be very severe. The symptoms for a coffee allergy include difficulty breathing, shock, tongue, and facial swelling.
Tip: If you think that you might have allergy to coffee proteins get tested by your doctor.
Dairy-
If you like lattes, mochas, or cappuccinos realize that two thirds of these drinks are milk. Dairy (lactose) intolerance can cause cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. A sensitivity to the protein (casein) in dairy can cause headaches, swelling of the face and mouth, rash, vomiting, runny nose and shiners (black eyes).
Tip- Ask your doctor for an allergy test for lactose intolerance, milk proteins, coffee proteins and tannins.
Coffee alternatives-
For those that cannot drink coffee there are plenty of delicious alternatives, though no coffee alternative completely takes the place of coffee.
Chai tea- This tasty alternative comes in many different styles, flavors and spice blends. Keep trying different Chai teas until you find the one you really like.
Soy coffee- Check your grocery store or your local health food store for soy coffee. Soy coffee brews up like regular coffee!
Teeccino comes in several flavors. If you really miss your coffee Teeccino is a comparable alternative.
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