If you suffer from acid reflux or have sensitive stomach, caffeine intake in your morning wake-up beverage could be one factor. Caffeine is a stimulant which, when taken in excess of 200 mg daily, may relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn; for this reason I suggest limiting coffee to two 90-mg cups or three low acid tea beverages to minimize stomach irritation. Low acid coffee varieties may be even more helpful.

Heartburn can strike anyone at any time; however, those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are particularly prone to experiencing it. When this digestive condition flares up, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus lining, creating that familiar burning sensation known as heartburn.

Researchers conducted a small study comparing the effect of drinking regular and decaffeinated coffee on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms among healthy volunteers. Over three hours during an ambulatory pH-metry session, participants received 300ml each of regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tap water along with their breakfast; consumption of regular coffee increased gastroesophageal reflux more pronouncedly than both tap water and decaffeinated coffee; however this increase became less marked following decaffeination of coffee.

To avoid acid reflux when drinking coffee, opt for a blend labeled Shade-Grown. In contrast with Sun-Grown coffee beans which are grown under direct sunlight in order to cut costs and speed harvesting speeds up, Shade-Grown beans are grown under protection of tree cover which slows their growth while decreasing caffeine and acidity levels for an enjoyable cup.