Coffee may be linked to chronic diarrhea

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 11, 2003 by People's pharmacy

Question: I have suffered from chronic diarrhea for the past several years. In fact, Imodium has been a constant companion.

During a recent 15-hour road trip, though, I did not drink any coffee. I noticed I had no diarrhea, and I did not have to take any medication.

To test this theory, I drank three cups of coffee during dinner on Saturday night, and yes, the diarrhea returned. Is coffee the culprit in my case, and if so, what suggestions do you have for someone who loves coffee but hates medicine?

Answer: Coffee can certainly affect the digestive tract. Some people are especially susceptible to this reaction, and you might be one of them.

The more coffee you drink, the more likely you are to experience problems. Instead of three cups, see if you can avoid diarrhea when you drink just one.

A food diary might help you identify other triggers. Dairy products can be a culprit for those with lactose intolerance. So can sugarless gum containing sorbitol, mannitol or malitol.

There is no obvious antidote other than avoidance.

Question: I took Lodine for arthritis pain, and it caused elevation of my liver enzymes. After treatment to bring the enzymes back to normal (prednisone), my doctor prescribed Vioxx. I've been experiencing upset stomach. What arthritis medication has the fewest side effects?

Answer: Most arthritis drugs have the potential to cause stomach upset. Acetaminophen is easier on the digestive tract, but it might affect liver function.

Several studies have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin can be effective for arthritis. Monitor your lipids, though, as some people report elevated cholesterol on glucosamine.

Other nondrug approaches include herbs such as boswellia, ginger and turmeric or home remedies such as Certo in grape juice. Some people find that eating nine gin-soaked golden raisins a day is helpful, though others don't benefit.

We are sending you our Guide to Home Remedies for more details on these low-cost, low-risk approaches. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. R-1, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). (C) King Features Syndicate Inc.