Why Specific Café Cappuccinos and Mochas Cause Digestive Issues

Drinking cappuccino and mocha from a specific restaurant may lead to urination within two hours?

Hello, Doctor! I would like to consult you regarding my situation.
I usually drink a 2-liter bottle of fresh milk every morning and occasionally enjoy two types of coffee, but I do not experience diarrhea, so I suspect I do not have lactose intolerance.
However, during recent company gatherings at a specific restaurant, I have only consumed these two types of coffee from their self-service beverage bar, and within about two hours, I start rushing to the restroom with multiple watery stools, sometimes to the point where I can't expel anything before it stops, resembling the situation before a colonoscopy when one takes laxatives to clear out.

The self-service bar has a regular coffee machine where I first take a cup and fill it with ice, then select the type of coffee I want.
There is a refrigerator next to the coffee machine that contains fresh milk, which the machine draws and mixes automatically.
After that, I just add sugar.
I have tried drinking black coffee from the same machine without any issues.
I also inquired with the restaurant staff about the brand of fresh milk, which is one I do not usually buy, and my colleagues who attended with me did not experience any diarrhea.

For the past few months, I have been going to this restaurant 1 to 2 times a week, and as long as I drink the coffee, I experience these symptoms.
Therefore, I am unclear about the cause.
Recently, during a company health check, I asked my family medicine doctor about the report, but the doctor did not provide an explanation and simply advised me to avoid drinking it.
I am eager to understand the situation and the underlying cause so that I can take steps to prevent it from happening again.
That is why I am reaching out to you, Doctor, to identify possible reasons or whether it might be that I have lactose intolerance specifically to this brand of milk.
Thank you, Doctor.

Yang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/16

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It can only be advised to avoid consumption, as there are no practical methods for actual testing.

Reply Date: 2022/10/16

More Info

The digestive issues you are experiencing after consuming specific café cappuccinos and mochas may be attributed to several factors, even if you do not typically have lactose intolerance. Here are some potential explanations for your symptoms:
1. Lactose Intolerance: Although you mentioned that you do not experience diarrhea after consuming regular milk, it is possible that the specific brand of milk used in the café could have a higher lactose content or be processed differently. Some individuals can tolerate certain dairy products but may react to others, especially if they contain added ingredients or are processed in a way that alters their lactose levels.

2. Caffeine Sensitivity: Cappuccinos and mochas contain caffeine, which can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. For some individuals, caffeine can lead to increased bowel motility, resulting in diarrhea. If you are sensitive to caffeine, this could be a contributing factor to your symptoms.

3. Additives and Ingredients: The specific café may use flavorings, syrups, or other additives in their cappuccinos and mochas that could irritate your digestive system. For example, artificial sweeteners or certain flavorings can cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals. If the café uses a different type of milk or cream, such as a non-dairy alternative, it could also contribute to your symptoms.

4. Temperature of the Beverage: Hot beverages can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort, especially if consumed quickly. If the cappuccinos and mochas are served at a higher temperature than what you are accustomed to, this could potentially irritate your gastrointestinal tract.

5. Psychological Factors: Stress and anxiety can also play a significant role in digestive health. If you are feeling anxious about consuming these beverages due to past experiences, this could lead to a psychosomatic response, where your body reacts to the thought of drinking them, even if the beverage itself is not the cause.

6. Food Sensitivities: Beyond lactose intolerance, you may have a sensitivity to other components in the coffee or milk, such as proteins (like casein in milk) or specific flavorings. These sensitivities can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those of lactose intolerance.

7. Gut Microbiome: Changes in your gut microbiome can also affect how your body reacts to certain foods and beverages. If your gut flora has been altered due to diet, stress, or other factors, it may react differently to the specific ingredients in the café's cappuccinos and mochas.

To better understand your situation, consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and drink, along with any symptoms you experience. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers. Additionally, you may want to consult with a gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice and possibly conduct tests to determine if you have any food intolerances or sensitivities.

In the meantime, if you find that consuming these specific beverages consistently leads to digestive issues, it may be best to avoid them altogether. Opting for beverages that you know do not cause discomfort, such as black coffee, may be a safer choice until you can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

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