Can you drink decaf coffee with GERD? GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is an incredibly common digestive disorder suffered by millions around the world. Unfortunately, the slightest change of diet can bring about a flare-up of symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. This is why GERD sufferers are often wary about drinking coffee, a beverage most of us would consider an essential part of our day. Many wonder if making the leap to decaf coffee is an option for them.
The short answer is yes. Decaffeinated coffee is significantly less acidic than regular coffee, and much lower in caffeine. A study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has even shown that decaffeinated coffee has a protective effect against GERD, so it would seem that there is no need to go without coffee altogether.
Experts such as Ryan Bradley of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine argue that you should stick with decaf coffee and keep regular coffee intake to a minimum when dealing with GERD. Another GI specialist and researcher, Vladimir A. Aksenov, agrees that decaffeinated coffee is the way to go, but that even drinking decaf will not have the same effect on everyone. For example, those with more severe GERD may still experience symptoms from a small dose of coffee, whereas someone with mild symptoms may be able to drink regular coffee without problem.
As far as your daily coffee drinking habits are concerned, there are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to GERD. The first is to limit your intake to a maximum of two cups a day, as more than this can start to increase the acidity of your stomach. For those opting for decaf, the trick is to make sure you’re buying decaf made from green beans and not from roasted beans. Roasted beans have a much higher acidity, and can cause further irritation of your stomach lining.
It’s also important to try and avoid any added ingredients, particularly if they contain dairy or sweeteners – though luckily, decaf coffee usually comes without either. Eggs and dairy may trigger GERD while sweeteners can cause indigestion, so if you are adding any extras to your cup, make sure they are dairy-free and sugar-free in order to maximize your chances of GERD relief.
Forgoing Cream and Sugar
If you’re worried about your GERD, you should also consider forgoing cream and sugar in your coffee altogether. While these two ingredients are often the things that make a cup of coffee irresistible, they can also be some of the most harmful for GERD sufferers. Dairy and white sugar are both highly acidic, meaning that they can worsen the effects of GERD and make symptoms more severe. It’s best to opt for healthier alternatives such as almond milk and agave syrup, as these can not only spare you from GERD flare-ups but also help improve your overall health.
In contrast, some specialists argue that the acidity of coffee can be beneficial for GERD sufferers, as it can stimulate the flow of gastric juices, ultimately helping to reduce the effects of GERD. While this may be true in some cases, it’s important to remember that the side effects of coffee can still be quite severe for some individuals. If you suffer from a chronic case of GERD, it’s generally best to avoid coffee altogether so as to not further aggravate your symptoms.
Alternative Beverages to Decaf Coffee
If you’ve opted to give up coffee altogether due to your GERD, there are still a number of alternative beverages that can help make up for the flavor and health benefits of coffee. For starters, green or black tea can provide a much gentler version of caffeination, and can still help you get through the day. You can also try herbal or fruit teas, which come with their own set of antioxidants and vitamins.
Coffee alternatives such as chicory root or dandelion root are also popular among GERD sufferers, as they contain virtually no acid and offer a variety of tasty flavors. Many of these drinks contain numerous health benefits as well, so it can be a great way to sneak in an extra boost of vitamins and minerals into your daily diet.
If none of these options quite satisfy your caffeine cravings, consider taking a moda wakeshot. These liquid energy shots, which come in both natural and flavored varieties, are made from kudzu root, vitamin B, and guarana extract and are intended to give you the same effect as a cup of coffee without the added acidity. Taking one of these shots may just be enough to give you the pick-me-up and kick you need – all without bringing back any of the associated GERD symptoms.
Drinking Decaf Coffee on an Empty Stomach
It’s vital to remember to never drink decaf coffee on an empty stomach. As with any caffeinated beverage, drinking coffee when you are hungry can throw off the acid balance in your stomach and make your GERD symptoms worse. For this reason, you should always make sure to have breakfast or a snack before imbibing in your cup of decaf.
If you are looking to get your coffee fix first thing in the morning, try drinking a low-acid coffee, as these are easier on your stomach. Many GERD sufferers will find that drinking decaffeinated coffee first thing in the morning helps reduce the severity of their GERD symptoms throughout the day, so if you have GERD, it is a good idea to experiment and find out if this is true for you as well.
Caffeine Sensitivity and GERD
Keep in mind that, if you have a sensitivity to caffeine, even decaf coffee can still make it difficult for GERD sufferers to manage their symptoms. Many caffeine-sensitive individuals experience increased acid reflux and heartburn from coffee, particularly when it is not accompanied by food.
If you are someone who is sensitive to caffeine, it’s a good idea to still experiment and see if decaf coffee works for you. If not, it may be best to opt for a less acidic beverage such as tea or an energy shot. The important thing is to find what works for you and test it out to see if it helps alleviate your GERD symptoms – though if all else fails, it’s best to just stay away from coffee all together.
What Decaffeination Processes are Available?
When it comes to buying decaf coffee, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re buying coffee that is processed without the use of any harsh chemicals. The two most popular processes for decaffeinating coffee are the direct and indirect methods, both of which involve using hot water to draw out the caffeine.
The direct method is the most widely used method and involves steeping the coffee beans in hot water to remove the caffeine. Though this method gets rid of more of the caffeine, it is also more likely to strip away some of the more delicate aromas and flavors of the coffee bean.
The indirect method, on the other hand, involves first steeping the beans in a solvent such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to isolate the caffeine. The beans are then steamed to separate the solvent from the caffeine, leaving behind a decaffeinated bean. Though this process is more expensive and time-consuming, some people argue that it is less likely to damage the flavor of the bean.
A Healthier Choice
Ultimately, the important thing to remember is that both regular and decaf coffee can have serious effects on GERD sufferers if not consumed in moderation. Decaf coffee is a much healthier choice for those with GERD, but it’s always best to pay attention to how it affects your body and be mindful of your intake. As always, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a gastroenterologist to get professional medical advice regarding your condition.
