Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) means paying close attention to your daily habits, including what you eat and drink. For many people with MG, coffee and caffeine raise important questions. Can these beverages help or hurt your symptoms?

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between myasthenia gravis and caffeine.

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease and neuromuscular condition. In MG, an overactive immune system causes muscle pain, cramps, and weakness, especially after physical activity. People with MG have lower levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps nerves and muscles communicate. This communication tells your muscles when to move. Some common symptoms of MG can include:

• Fatigue (severe tiredness that does not improve with rest)
• Difficulty moving
• Vision problems
• Problems with swallowing
• Difficulty with everyday activities.

Coffee’s Impact on Myasthenia Gravis

For people with MG, drinking coffee or large amounts of caffeine has both pros and cons. As one MGTeam member wrote, “Part of my issue is that I love coffee and rely on it for energy, but caffeine is a drying agent as well. Can’t live with it, and can’t live without it.” Another member added, “Like most people with MG, I deal with fatigue daily. I drink three or four cups of coffee a day, sometimes with a bit of honey.”

Research suggests that caffeine may actually help increase acetylcholine levels in your body. This finding is important because many MG treatments, called cholinesterase inhibitors, work by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. However, you don’t need high doses of caffeine to see this benefit, and the positive effects may lessen with regular long-term use.

While research on the effect of caffeine on myasthenia gravis is limited, another study noted that people who consumed more than one cup of coffee daily had lower risks of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis (MS), two other types of neuromuscular diseases.

How Coffee Interacts with Your Nervous System

Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that affects your nervous system in several ways. When you drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages like energy drinks or soda, caffeine stimulates your nervous system and blocks adenosine receptors, which can:

• Make you feel more energized and alert
• Increase dopamine levels, which may improve your mood
• Enhance your cognitive performance

For people living with myasthenia gravis, these effects can be complex and vary from person to person. What works for one person might not work for another.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While caffeine consumption might seem helpful, it can also cause side effects that could be particularly concerning for people with MG. These include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Irregular heartbeat

Cholinergic Crisis

People with MG should be aware of a condition called cholinergic crisis. This happens when acetylcholine levels become too high. While drinking coffee alone hasn’t been shown to cause a cholinergic crisis, it could potentially worsen one that’s already developing. This risk is especially important for people taking cholinesterase inhibitors.

Warning signs of a cholinergic crisis include:

• Slow heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Digestive issues like vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
• Blurred or double vision
• Excessive sweating

If you notice any of these symptoms of a cholinergic crisis, seek medical attention immediately. This condition can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.

Alternative Sources of Acetylcholine

If you’re worried about your coffee or caffeine consumption, you can get similar health benefits from foods rich in choline. Choline is a nutrient your body converts to acetylcholine. Choline is an essential nutrient that your brain and nervous system need to support memory, mood, muscle control, and other functions. Good sources of choline include:

• Meat or poultry
• Dairy products
• Whole grains
• Cooked quinoa
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Soybeans

You may also want to try herbal teas or decaf coffee for energy while reducing caffeine consumption. Herbal teas are made from dried fruits, flowers, herbs, or spices and offer health-promoting antioxidants and other compounds. For example, ginger tea may help with pain and inflammation, while chamomile tea can have calming, anti-anxiety effects. Regular rest periods may be beneficial, too.

The Temperature Factor: Hot vs. Cold Beverages

An often-overlooked factor for people with MG is the temperature of their coffee. For some people, hot beverages can trigger MG symptoms. If you notice this, try switching to iced coffee or cold brew instead.

Practical Recommendations

If you have myasthenia gravis and enjoy coffee or caffeinated drinks, consider these tips:

• Start small — Begin with a small coffee intake and see how your body reacts.
• Consider temperature — If hot drinks trigger your symptoms, try cold alternatives.
• Stay hydrated — Balance caffeine intake by drinking plenty of water.
• Watch timing — Limit coffee to earlier in the day to avoid disrupting your sleep.

The Bottom Line

The effects of coffee and caffeine on myasthenia gravis aren’t fully understood. While some people tolerate it well, others might experience negative effects.

Every person with MG responds differently to caffeine. What works for one person might not work for another. Always discuss your consumption of coffee and caffeine with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking medications for MG. Your doctor can help you decide whether caffeine is right for your situation and help you develop a plan that’s right for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MGTeam is the social network for people with myasthenia gravis and their loved ones. On MGTeam, more than 2,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myasthenia gravis.

Do you drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages regularly? Have you noticed any changes to your MG symptoms? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.