Acid reflux is a condition often associated with heartburn and regurgitation. It is caused when stomach acids rise up into the oesophagus, creating a burning sensation. Many people with the condition find that coffee can make their symptoms worse. It is widely believed that decaf coffee offers a solution for people with acid reflux. But is that really the case?
Coffee contains caffeine, which can cause acid reflux symptoms to worsen. But caffeine isn’t the only culprit – coffee also contains other compounds, such as acids and oils, which can also irritate the oesophagus. Decaf coffee doesn’t contain any caffeine, but it still contains these other compounds. So even though it isn’t as strong as regular coffee, it can still aggravate acid reflux symptoms for some people.
Dr. Glenn Harnisch, a gastroenterologist at the hospitals of the University of Southern California, says that if you’ve identified regular coffee as one of your triggers for acid reflux, decaf won’t be any better for you. “Some people have found that even decaf can still trigger their symptoms,” he says. “The acids and oils in the coffee can still be problematic.”
The solution is to find a different beverage altogether. Dr. Harnisch suggests drinks such as herbal teas or warm water with lemon. “Drinking something with a pH of 7 or higher is better for people with acid reflux,” he says. That includes beverages like chamomile tea, roasted dandelion root tea, and licorice root tea. However, it’s worth noting that licorice root tea can interact with some medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying this remedy.
In some cases, the acidity of decaf coffee can cause more problems than the caffeine in regular coffee. However, that doesn’t mean everyone should avoid decaf. Some people can tolerate decaf without any issues. It all depends on individual tolerance. If you have acid reflux, but still want to enjoy the taste of coffee, it can be worth giving decaf a try in small amounts at first. See how you feel after a few days and then adjust the amount you drink accordingly.
Diet and Lifestyle Choices
Aside from swapping from regular coffee to decaf, making other lifestyle and diet changes can also help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help keep the stomach from becoming overly full and reduce the strain on the esophageal sphincter. Avoiding trigger foods like fried or fatty foods can also reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Losing weight and avoiding tight fitting clothes can also reduce pressure on the oesophagus and help to relieve symptoms.
Dr. Harnisch also recommends drinking more water, as dehydration can cause the stomach to produce more acids, exacerbating the condition. “Drinking more water can flush out the excess acid in your stomach, providing relief from the symptoms,” he says. Additionally, avoiding eating or drinking anything within three hours of bedtime can also help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Medication
In some cases, lifestyle changes won’t be enough to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. In these cases, medications such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be effective at reducing acid production. Again, it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any medications, and don’t stop taking them without talking to your doctor first.
It’s also important to remember that though medications can treat the symptoms of acid reflux, they won’t cure the condition. Changing your diet and lifestyle are still necessary to manage acid reflux in the long-term. In addition, if you suffer from chronic acid reflux, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Alternative Solutions
If you’re looking for an alternative solution to your acid reflux, there are several natural remedies that can be effective. Probiotics, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha, can help to balance out the natural bacteria in the gut and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Herbal remedies, such as ginger or chamomile tea, can also be effective at calming the digestive system and reducing the symptoms. Additionally, acupuncture or massage therapy can be effective at reducing stress levels, which can in turn help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Finally, some people find that simply avoiding certain foods, such as chocolate or citrus fruits, can make a big difference in the symptoms of acid reflux. It’s best to keep a food diary and see if there are any particular foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. From there, it’s possible to make small adjustments to your diet to find a solution that works for you.
Managing Symptoms
Acid reflux can be an uncomfortable condition, but there are ways to manage it. Simply swapping from regular coffee to decaf may not be enough if you suffer from chronic acid reflux, but it can be worth a try if you’re looking for an easy solution. Other lifestyle and dietary changes can also make a big difference in managing the condition, as can medications and alternative treatments. The most important thing is to find the right combination of treatments that work for you.
It’s always important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after making lifestyle changes, as there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. With the right treatment plan, it is possible to manage the symptoms of acid reflux and enjoy a cup of decaf coffee every now and then.
