The Link Between Coffee And Acid Reflux

The factor that links coffee and acid reflux is caffeine. This is because caffeine can relax the 

LES and trigger other acid reflux symptoms. Cutting coffee out of your diet can reduce acid reflux.   

Why certain foods and drinks lead to acid reflux 

Everyone’s acid reflux triggers are different. Some of the main trigger foods are:

• High Fat Foods. High fat foods cause the LES to relax. This allows more stomach acid to get out and back into the esophagus.
• Tomatoes/Citrus. These foods are highly acidic, which irritate the stomach and causes it to produce more acid. 
• Caffeine. Like fatty foods, caffeine also relaxes the LES. This allows stomach acid to easily escape and travel upwards causing heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.  

Coffee and its effect on your acid reflux

Coffee contains more caffeine than other drinks like tea and soda (which can also lead to acid reflux). Caffeine is known as a trigger for acid reflux. Coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. This can increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. Coffee is also extremely acidic, another acid reflux trigger.

How can I drink coffee without it causing acid reflux?

However, if you can’t give up your beloved coffee in the morning, try to pick coffee with these qualities to reduce your chances of triggering an acid reflux episode.

• Dark roasted beans. A darker roast has less caffeine, plus is less acidic than blonde or medium roasts.
• Try low acidity roasts such as Mexican and Sumatra coffees
• Decaf. While not all decaffeinated coffees are 100% caffeine-free, most only have as little as 3%. This small amount may not be enough to trigger your acid reflux.
• Cold Brew Coffee. Cold brew is less acidic and has less caffeine than other brew styles. 

Best drinks for acid reflux

While alternative coffee choices may work, it’s also best to implement changes in other beverages you consume throughout the day. Here are a few drinks that have shown to reduce and improve symptoms of acid reflux. 

• Herbal Tea. This beverage contains no caffeine and is easy to digest. There are many types of herbal teas to try to find one you like. Try and substitute one cup of coffee a few times a week with herbal tea to try and curb your acid reflux symptoms.
• Maca Root Powder. Looking for a boost without the caffeine? Maca is a Peruvian plant that has become very popular. You can buy it in powder form and it has a similar buzz to caffeine, without the actual heartburn-inducing ingredient.
• Juice. Fresh squeezed juices are excellent drinks for acid reflux. Try to make sure you use less acidic foods such as carrots, beets and spinach. Avoid citrus fruits like oranges as this can actually worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!.