Millions of people around the world start their day with a cup of hot coffee. For many, morning coffee is not just a beverage, but a beloved habit to begin the day. However, sometimes this very habit becomes a cause of discomfort. It's not surprising to experience heartburn, acidity, or throat irritation after drinking coffee. According to experts, coffee is one of the major causes of acid reflux.
Acid reflux is a digestive problem where stomach acid moves upward into the esophagus. This creates a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest.
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Why does coffee cause acid reflux?
Natural acids in coffee
Coffee naturally contains certain acids. These acids can irritate the stomach lining and esophagus, which may lead to heartburn or discomfort.
Effect of caffeine
Caffeine is one of the main components of coffee. It relaxes a muscle between the esophagus and stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter. When this muscle becomes loose, stomach acid can easily move upward.
Increased acid production in the stomach
Coffee increases gastric acid production in the stomach. As a result, those with sensitive stomachs may face a higher risk of acid reflux.
Amount and temperature of coffee
Drinking large amounts of coffee at once or consuming very hot coffee can increase stomach irritation and intensify acidity problems.
Who are at higher risk?
Not all coffee lovers experience this problem. However, those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), those who drink many cups of coffee daily, those who drink coffee on an empty stomach, or those who consume oily and spicy foods with coffee are at higher risk. Additionally, people sensitive to caffeine are more likely to experience this problem.
If you regularly experience heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, or throat irritation, coffee could be one of the causes.
How can coffee consumption reduce acidity?
There's no need to completely eliminate coffee. The problem can be significantly reduced by changing a few habits.
First, never drink coffee on an empty stomach. Having coffee after eating some food reduces the effect of stomach acid.
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Second, control the amount of coffee. It's better not to drink more than three cups per day.
Third, instead of high-fat milk or creamer, low-fat milk, almond milk, or soy milk can be used. Black coffee without sugar is the best option.
Fourth, choose decaf coffee when possible, which contains less caffeine.
Additionally, making coffee using paper filters removes some oils and compounds, making the coffee relatively lighter and more tolerable for the stomach. By maintaining proper habits while drinking coffee, you can enjoy its taste and largely avoid discomfort.
