Coffee, Heartburn and Nexium
Coffee and heartburn have been connected for many years. People who suffer from heartburn regularly either avoid coffee altogether or only drink certain types of coffee. This can be frustrating for coffee lovers who experience acid reflux. People who take Nexium or another Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) may wonder if it’s safe for them to drink coffee.
Coffee and Heartburn
Heartburn is caused when the acid in the stomach moves higher up into the esophagus. Coffee has compounds in it that can relax the lower esophagus sphincter and makes it easier for the acid to flow upwards into the esophagus. This can lead to burning and discomfort. People who don’t experience heartburn should be able to drink “normal” amounts of coffee without fear of triggering an attack.
It wasn’t that long ago that doctors recommended people with heartburn avoid coffee. Now, the picture isn’t quite so clear. Some say that drinking coffee in moderation is safe and there is even evidence that mild, non-acidic coffee can actually have a protective effect against heartburn.
Is Coffee Safe With Nexium?
The first thing to understand is that Nexium is not a cure for acid reflux or heartburn. Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor designed to reduce the acid produced by the stomach. If someone is taking Nexium, it is important to follow the prescription exactly as it is written.
Under normal conditions, a person taking Nexium should be able to drink coffee in moderation. If too much coffee triggers the heartburn, then it may be best to give it up or at least reduce the amount consumed to a more manageable level.
It’s also important to recognize that one person may be able to tolerate more coffee than another when taking Nexium. Age, height, weight and sensitivity will all factor into how coffee affects someone.
Because coffee can decrease the effectiveness of the medication, it’s important to leave some time between taking the Nexium and drinking coffee. A good rule of thumb is to wait an hour after taking the medication.
Types of Coffee to Avoid
For those who are experiencing heartburn while taking Nexium, it’s important to realize that all types of coffee may not be the same. For example, espresso generally has a higher acid content than regular brew. It’s best to avoid espresso and any other coffee product that has a higher acid content. Cappuccinos, espressos and blended coffees are all best avoided by someone taking Nexium.
Energy Drinks
In addition to coffee, energy drinks also have a higher acid content than regular coffee. This means that energy drinks should be avoided if someone is taking Nexium and experiencing heartburn. There are also other factors to consider with energy drinks, such as the fact that they often contain added sugar and caffeine. The combination of these factors could make them potentially dangerous to someone taking Nexium.
Alternatives to Coffee
For people who still want the taste of coffee but can’t handle the acidity, there are alternatives. Decaffeinated coffee is an option. While some decaffeinated coffees still have higher acidity levels than regular coffee, it’s still lower than other coffee types. There are also coffee alternatives such as chicory that have much lower levels of acid.
Conclusion
Coffee consumption can be safe for people taking Nexium, but it’s important to understand how it can affect your symptoms and adjust your intake accordingly. Speak to your doctor about your specific situation and whether or not it is safe for you to consume coffee while taking this medication.
