Does Coffee Cause Acid Reflux

Chan MD MPH of MGH explains.

Does coffee cause acid reflux. The higher the pH number the more alkaline it is and the lower the number the more acidic it is. The aroma of that first brew and the distinctive flavor of a strong cup of coffee owe a lot to the acidic nature of the coffee beans. Caffeine does not seem to be responsible for gastro-oesophageal reflux which must be attributed to other components of coffee.

It is demonstrated that coffee promotes gastro-oesophageal reflux. Remember everybody is different and in some people caffeine may cause or worsen these symptoms and in others it may not. If you make your coffee with a more alkaline water it will mean it is less acidic by a tiny tiny amount and therefore slightly less likely to cause you acid reflux.

Caffeinated products such as coffee soda. It turns out that much as it might seem counter-intuitive dark-roasted coffees may not produce acid-reflux causing stomach acids whereas milder coffees do. This also applies to tea.

However the effects of the causative agents will largely differ from person to person depending on the amount ingested. Its the chemical makeup of coffee that can contribute to acid reflux in some many of our favorite blends are acidic. Besides conditions like excessive stress levels can also trigger acid reflux.

The mechanism by which coffee tea or soda may contribute to reflux symptoms may be related to caffeine which may weaken the valve in the esophagus which prevents reflux of acid from the stomach the studys senior author Andrew T. In addition coffee has tannins which sometimes can cause a sensitive stomach sensation that often leads to acid reflux. Coffee can cause heartburn acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.

The Acidity of Coffee Can Cause Heartburn. Acidity can account for some level of reflux but over-caffeination can cause the LES to relax and not close completely causing gastroesophageal reflux. This important muscle separates your sensitive esophagus from your stomach with its hydrochloric acid.