A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that drinking coffee may have positive effects on both digestive health and mental well-being, according to findings released on Apr. 30.
The research involved 62 participants, half of whom were regular coffee drinkers. It found that individuals who consumed either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee reported lower levels of stress, depression, and impulsivity. Researchers also observed an increase in beneficial gut bacteria among these participants.
Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist with OSF HealthCare, said the study is small but adds to ongoing scientific discussions about how diet influences individual health outcomes. “There are so many different kinds of coffee. There’s Turkish coffee, there’s South American coffee, there’s Dunkin Donuts coffee, there’s Folger’s and Sanka for some of the people watching this on Facebook,” Khokhar said. He added: “It just comes down to each person and their own individual microbiome and how it responds to whatever particular type of coffee they’re ingesting.”
Khokhar noted that while compounds like polyphenols in coffee might support beneficial gut bacteria—potentially acting as prebiotics—coffee can also trigger heartburn or worsen symptoms for those with irritable bowel syndrome. The study did not differentiate between types or preparation methods of coffee, which Khokhar identified as a limitation requiring further research.
OSF HealthCare provides community well-being guidance through its newsroom according to its official website. The organization operates a network of 17 hospitals along with urgent-care locations and clinics across Illinois and Michigan according to the official website. Its services include emergency care, cancer treatment, heart services, neurological support, primary medicine and digital health options such as OSF OnCall according to the official website.
Khokhar concluded by emphasizing moderation: “If it makes you feel bad, don’t do it.” He said more controlled studies are needed before making broad recommendations about specific types or preparations of coffee.
