Acid reflux is a common digestive complaint, affecting many people in their day to day lives. It might be difficult for those who have acid reflux to choose an appropriate type of coffee to drink. Can decaf coffee help with reducing the symptoms of acid reflux, or could it actually be more harmful?
Caffeinated coffee can stimulate acid production which can increase the symptoms of acid reflux, especially when it is drunk in large amounts. As such, it makes sense that decaffeinated coffee would be beneficial for those who have acid reflux if it does not contain any caffeine.
Apart from the caffeine content of coffee, the pH of a beverage can also affect the severity of acid reflux symptoms.
The pH scale is a measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A low pH indicates that the substance is more acidic, while a higher pH indicates a more alkaline nature. Coffee has an average pH of 4.85 to 5.10, which is considered to be acidic. In fact, studies show that drinking acidic beverages can greatly increase the occurrence of acid reflux symptoms.
Dr. Emma Prescriptions-Kelley, a gastrointestinal specialist, suggests that those who have acid reflux should avoid acidic beverages, including both regular and decaffeinated coffee. She goes on to say that this is especially true for those who already suffer from symptoms of acid reflux before drinking coffee, as it could worsen the condition.
In order to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, healthcare professionals often recommend that sufferers focus on the lifestyle and dietary changes they can make. This can include avoiding certain foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux and adopting a healthier diet with plenty of fiber. Additionally, many experts suggest aiming to achieve a healthy weight, as obesity is one of the main causes of acid reflux.
If you suffer from acid reflux, it is important to speak with a health care professional about making dietary and lifestyle changes that may reduce the severity of your symptoms. Caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee should usually be avoided, as it can increase acid production in the stomach.
Dietary changes
One of the most important steps you can take to reduce acid reflux is to make changes to your diet. There are certain foods and drinks that can trigger symptoms of acid reflux, such as citrus fruits, tomato-based products, spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee. Eliminating these items from your diet can help to reduce or even eliminate acid reflux symptoms.
It is also important to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet. This includes high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, as well as lean protein sources like fish and poultry. Eating smaller meals and avoiding overeating can also help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
If you are worried about not being able to enjoy your regular cup of coffee due to acid reflux, there are alternatives. Some people find that alkaline water can help to balance the pH of the stomach and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
Additionally, certain herbal teas, such as ginger, can help with indigestion and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. It is important to discuss any herbal remedies you are considering with your doctor first.
Medication
For those who are unable to control their symptoms of acid reflux through diet and lifestyle changes, there are medications that can help. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids are two common medications used to treat acid reflux.
PPIs are a type of medication that helps to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Antacids provide relief by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Both types of medication can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any medication, as they can help to assess the causes of your acid reflux and recommend the best medication and dosage for your individual needs.
Lifestyle changes
Making changes to your lifestyle can also help to reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Eating smaller and more frequent meals, instead of overeating, can help to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Additionally, for overweight individuals, losing weight can help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can help with reducing acid reflux. It is also important to maintain an upright position both during and after meals, as lying down can allow stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and aggravate symptoms.
It is also important to be mindful of trigger foods and drinks. While everyone’s triggers may differ, common ones include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, alcohol, and caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees.
Managing symptoms
For those who suffer from acid reflux, it can be difficult to decide which beverages to drink. Decaffeinated coffee is a possible choice, but it is important to remember that acidic beverages can worsen symptoms of acid reflux. This is true for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees.
If you suffer from acid reflux, the best course of action is usually to make lifestyle and dietary changes. Speak with your doctor if you are uncertain about which changes to make and what medications might be the most beneficial. Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, such as caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, may help to reduce symptoms and prevent acid reflux from becoming worse.
