Acid reflux is a common problem experienced by many people. While coffee can be an enjoyable pick-me-up or a source of comfort, the acidity in the drink can lead to unpleasant symptoms. Understanding how to make coffee not acidic can help reduce discomfort, allowing those with acid reflux to enjoy their cup of joe without the associated pain.
Most people assume that coffee is acidic due to its taste. However, according to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, coffee has a pH level of 5. The acidity of coffee actually lies within the range of 3-4.5 when brewed. The amount of acidity in coffee is not the cause of acid reflux- instead, it is down to coffee’s stimulating effect on the stomach.
The coffee-drinking public have a range of options available to them if they have acid reflux. There are numerous ways to minimise the symptoms, some of which are listed below.
Choose an Appropriate Coffee Bean
Replace your strong, acidic coffee beans with mild beans. A low-acidity coffee is more likely to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux that come with a cup of a standard brew. Also, lighter beans like a café défilé and small batch are gentle on the stomach, making for an easier experience with fewer reflux symptoms.
For those who prefer a strong brew, decreasing the amount of acidic coffee beans and blending them with milder beans can help balance the acidity level in a cup, thus reducing the severity of the acid reflux.
Change the Roasting Method
Regular roast has a very high level of acidity, making it one of the worst options for acid reflux. It is best to avoid this option if acid reflux is a problem. Instead, opt for lighter roasts to improve the brew’s acidity level and reduce reflux symptoms.
Dark roast has a low acidity level and is generally easier on the stomach, so it can be an attractive option to reduce acid reflux. However, the taste is likely to be too strong for the majority of the population, so it is best to blend regular and dark roast, reducing the amount of regular roast and thereby reducing the amount of acid.
Slow Down Your Brew
Brewing coffee too quickly exposes it to a high level of acidity, making it more likely to trigger reflux symptoms. Slowing down the brewing process can help reduce the acidity of the drink, reducing the severity of the associated discomfort.
Using methods of brewing that involve the slow release of water over the coffee grounds, such as a French press, will ensure the acidity of the coffee is kept to a minimum. Using such methods and increasing the amount of time it takes to brew a cup will prove to be successful in reducing acid reflux.
Manipulate the Coffee to Water Ratio
Manipulating the ratio of coffee to water can help reduce the acidity of the brew and help avoid acid reflux. Increasing the amount of water can help cut that acidic taste and make the drink more palatable.
Being conscious of this ratio can also help add to the flavour of the coffee. Too much coffee will overpower the taste, while too little will make the brew weak. Experimentation of this ratio can help those with acid reflux find the drink strength that best suits them.
Consider Alternatives to Coffee
Coffee that is low in acid can be found on the market- however there are many other solutions available. These solutions offer a similar jolt of caffeine without the issues associated to high acid content.
Rooibos tea, for example, is caffeine-free and can be a great substitute to coffee. It reportedly has a soothing and calming effect on the body, reducing the chances of acid reflux occurring. Decaffeinated coffee may also be an option- the caffeine content of the brew is reduced but the taste remains, allowing for an enjoyable cup of coffee with little worry of acid reflux.
Consult Your Doctor
For severe cases, always ask for your doctor’s advice when it comes to easing the symptoms. It is important to take into consideration your doctor’s advice, as acid reflux can be caused by many other factors, including lifestyle and diet.
The severity of acid reflux can vary from person to person- determining the best course of action may require a strict observation of diet, keeping a food diary to track any incidents, or even additional medical tests.
Exchange Dairy for Plant-based Alternatives
Adding cow’s milk or cream to your coffee may be an regularly enjoyed addition to the drink. Unfortunately, these dairy ingredients can increase the chances of acid reflux occurring. Opting for non-dairy alternatives, such as oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, can help significantly reduce the chances of this occurring.
It is important to pay attention to the ingredients of these alternatives as the added sugars or flavourings may be acidic and could cause irritation.
Change Coffee Grind
Coffee grinds that are too small or too fine can make it difficult for the water to pass through properly. This can lead to over extracted coffee- that is too strong, bitter, acidic and undrinkable. This bitterness and acidity can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
To avoid this, strike a balance when it comes to the grind. Too coarse? Load with more water; too fine? Decrease the brewing time. Being conscious of the grind size when it comes to coffee has multiple benefits, not only helping to reduce acid reflux but also improving the overall taste of the brew.
Limit Coffee Consumption
Limit the amount of coffee drinking, particularly in the morning. Coffee is a diuretic, which causes the production of excessive gastric acids and can contribute to gastrointestinal pain and discomfort.
For those with acid reflux, the occasional cup of coffee is not going to be enough to cause irritation. However, in the extremes, reducing the caffeine intake can significantly reduce the amount of acid produced and thus reduce the symptoms caused by acid reflux.
Understand Your Sensitivity
For those with acid reflux, the effects of coffee on their stomach can differ from person to person. It is important to identify the particular symptoms and their triggers- this way, they can best identify which kind of coffee is better for them and which to avoid.
Keeping a log of which components of coffee trigger certain symptoms can help minimise acid reflux. Keeping track of the particular coffee beans, grinds and brewing times that cause less acid reflux can help in the long run.
Make Your Coffee Less Acidic
The acidity of coffee can be reduced with some tips and tricks. One way to do this is by adding alkaline substances like baking soda. This will alter the pH balance of the coffee and neutralise the acidic matters.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of brewed coffee. Stir it for about 30 seconds, allowing enough time for the baking soda to dissolve and alter the acid content of the brew. Check the flavour of the coffee, and if you are content with the taste, enjoy your brew without the fear of acid reflux.
Avoid Too Robust Coffees
Robusta beans have over twice the amount of caffeine as compared to Arabica beans and have a relatively high acidic content. Those with acid reflux may be more sensitive to robusta’s stronger flavour and should therefore avoid this type of coffee.
On the other hand, Arabica beans contain less caffeine and have a milder, smoother flavour. They are much better for those with acid reflux as their acidity levels are much lower, making them much less likely to cause irritation.
Cool Coffee Down
The temperature of the coffee can also contribute to acid reflux. Coffee that is too hot will irritate the stomach and cause pain. To reduce the discomfort, let the coffee cool for a few minutes before drinking. Pain from acid reflux can be drastically reduced simply by not drinking coffee that is too hot.
Additionally, enjoyable coffee-based beverages such as coffee smoothies, frappes and iced coffee can be enjoyed without the fear of acid reflux. Low-acid coffee can be blended and blended with other non-acidic ingredients to create indulgent drinks that are easier on the stomach and suitable for those with acid reflux.
