Coffee can be an unexpected trigger of reflux in about 5% of the population. Coffee stimulates stomach acid production while relaxing LES, allowing stomach acids to leak backward into esophagus.

However, if other components of coffee contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), decaffeinated coffee may be the better choice.

Caffeine

Coffee is full of caffeine, a stimulant drug which is known to cause acid reflux. One cup of regular coffee can contain up to 95 milligrams of caffeine – too much caffeine can lead to symptoms like heartburn, irritability, anxiety, shakiness, restlessness and insomnia – not to mention stomach ache headaches and dehydration!

Caffeine not only causes acid reflux, but can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), an important valve between your stomach and esophagus that usually keeps stomach acid out. When this valve relaxes or weakens it allows stomach acid to enter your esophagus causing heartburn symptoms.

A study published in Gastroenterology demonstrated how caffeine can contribute to gastro-oesophageal reflux. 17 reflux patients underwent three-hour oesophageal pH-metry after drinking 300 ml of regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee or water before having their usual breakfast – regular coffee caused significant gastroesophageal reflux while decaffeinated coffee or tap water did not induce significant gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms.

Some consumers mistakenly assume that coffee labelled “decaffeinated” must be caffeine-free. Unfortunately, this is not always the case: while the decaffeination process usually removes most caffeine content (up to 2%) in drinks made using decaf beans or beans extracted via traditional methods; there may still be trace amounts present; generally decaf coffees contain less caffeine than their traditional brew counterparts while more than herbal teas or yerba mate drinks.

Acidity

Food intolerance or allergies are among the many things that can make us uncomfortably queasy, and these could include anything from ice cream giving you stomach cramps to peanut butter setting off an allergic reaction. Even so, you can still enjoy many of your favorite snacks and beverages by making some minor modifications to your diet.

If acidity makes you avoid coffee, try switching to decaf instead. Though this may seem counterintuitive, decaffeination processes typically remove 97%-99% of caffeine from your drink leaving only three milligrams left.

Cold brew coffee offers another acidity-reducing solution, thanks to its long steeping process which allows beans to absorb water for up to 24 hours before steeping, which ultimately decreases acidity levels compared to lighter roast varieties (per the Cleveland Clinic).

Nontraditional coffee options with lower acid levels than regular joe include mushroom coffee and blends containing chicory extract, such as mushroom coffee. Chicory plants belong to the dandelion family and contain compounds which help decrease stomach acidity; antioxidant-rich mushrooms also have similar effects. Though nontraditional options might not taste as satisfying, they’re an excellent way to decrease acidity levels and avoid stomach discomfort.

Relaxation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects your mouth with your stomach, transporting food. Two bands of muscles called upper and lower esophageal sphincters regulate its opening and closure. The upper sphincter, also known as the pharyngoesophageal sphincter (UES), prevents air from flowing back up your throat while you breathe; while its lower counterpart, or LES, keeps stomach acid and contents from entering back up into your throat; any malfunction could result in acid reflux symptoms arising.

The UES and LES tighten when you swallow or eat, while their muscles relax during non-swallowing activities. To test their strength, doctors use an ambulatory high-resolution manometry procedure with a small tube monitoring pressure in your esophagus; this allows them to track how your sphincter opens and closes; this test may reveal whether a weak sphincter could be contributing to acid reflux symptoms.

Coffee consumption binds to the adenosine triphosphate receptors in your brain and relaxes these cells, leading to an inactivity in certain sphincters which then allows stomach acids to travel back up into your esophagus and cause irritation by either itching or burning sensations.

Apart from avoiding foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, there are other steps you can take to strengthen your sphincter and prevent acid reflux. One such measure would be drinking decaffeinated coffee. If acid reflux symptoms arise, try mixing in apple cider vinegar into water bottles as an additional precautionary measure.

If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, consulting with your doctor for further evaluation is recommended. They may recommend an endoscopy, which involves inserting a long, flexible tube through your mouth or nose into your throat, esophagus, stomach and first portion of small intestine for examination. They might also ask you to swallow barium liquid which shows muscles within your esophagus, stomach and duodenum more clearly on an X-ray scan; and prescribe medication like antacids, muscle relaxants anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors – depending on their findings – in order to treat symptoms associated with chronic acid reflux disease.

Symptoms

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), located at the base of your throat, serves to keep stomach acid from flowing back up into your throat during a meal. As part of its normal function, this muscle relaxes briefly while you swallow and tightens to block this flow of acid into your throat from your stomach. However, when relaxed between meals or due to certain foods or medications (for instance certain heartburn medications), acid can escape into your throat and irritate its lining causing heartburn; other symptoms could include difficulty swallowing as well as coughing fits – this condition known as gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD). If this happens frequently enough per week then this condition known as gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD will likely be diagnosed.

Occasional acid reflux usually poses no major threat, but frequent or persistent acid reflux may do permanent damage to your esophagus and lead to more severe health concerns. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when the valve that prevents stomach contents from flowing back up into your esophagus becomes weak or opens unexpectedly; pregnancy, smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight are some factors which may weaken or open it; an abnormality called hiatal hernia also increases your risk.

Your doctor may suggest lifestyle adjustments and medications to treat GERD symptoms and manage its severity, such as avoiding high-fat foods, spicy ones, mint flavorings, chocolate and caffeine which can trigger symptoms. In order to minimize reflux issues after eating smaller meals more slowly and lying down afterwards. It’s also recommended to wear loose fitting clothing and lose weight if necessary.

Unless antacids improve your symptoms, your physician may recommend stronger medicines to virtually stop acid production in your stomach. These may include calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure management or depression therapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management; you should notify them about all medications you are currently taking or have recently taken before scheduling an appointment with them.