Choose the right type of coffee
Coffee may be an acid-forming food; however, when consumed in moderation, it can be beneficial to those who suffer from acid reflux. The best trick when drinking coffee to minimize acid reflux is to choose the right type of coffee. Coffee beans contain numerous types of acids, including chlorogenic, caffeic, and quinic acids. Chlorogenic acids are generally considered neutral and can reduce the risk of ulcers, while caffeic and quinic acids can actually trigger acid reflux. When selecting a coffee bean, look for a variety that is low in these potentially problematic compounds and opt for varieties that contain more neutral acids.
Adjust the Grind Size
After finding a coffee bean that is lower in the more problematic acids, the next step is to adjust the grind size. Generally, a finer grind size should be used when drinking coffee to minimize the acidity. A finer grind exposes more surface area to the water and increases the extraction, which can reduce the overall acidity of the beverage. However, if you have any preexisting reflux issues, then you may want to opt for a larger grind size so that the cup is less acidic.
Choose the Right Brewing Method
In addition to grind size, the brewing method can also be an important consideration when drinking coffee to minimize acid reflux. Several brewing methods, such as espresso, can be more acidic than other methods, like drip and pour-over. If you are concerned about acidity, then you may want to opt for a slower and gentler brewing method. Cold brew coffee is a good option for those who are sensitive to acidity as it requires no heat and has a naturally lower acidity than other methods.
Try High-Pressure Brewing
High-pressure brewing is a relatively new method of extracting flavor and aroma without the use of heat, thereby reducing the risk of acid reflux. This method uses pressure to extract more of the desired compounds from the grounds, resulting in a full-bodied cup of coffee with a lower acidity than most other brewing methods.
Add Cool Water to the Hot Coffee
One of the most effective tricks when drinking coffee to minimize acid reflux is to add cool water to the hot coffee. This technique can reduce the temperature of the beverage without diluting the flavor, resulting in a less acidic cup that is still full of flavor. Additionally, adding a small amount of butter or coconut oil to the coffee can further reduce the acidity.
Limit the Amount of Coffee
Regardless of the coffee bean or method you choose, it is important to drink coffee in moderation to minimize the risk of acid reflux. Drinking too much coffee can cause the stomach to produce more acid, leading to an increased risk of acid reflux. For those who suffer from acid reflux, limiting the amount of coffee consumed and opting for a lower acidity beverage can be beneficial.
Choose an Alternative Drink
If you have severe acid reflux, it may be best to choose an alternative drink like herbal teas or kombucha. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and are rich in antioxidants, and kombucha is fermented and contains probiotics, which can help balance the body’s acidity levels. These drinks are much less likely to trigger acid reflux than traditional coffee and can be a great alternative.
Regularly Exercise
Regularly exercising can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, as it helps the body to produce more enzymes that can break down food and maintain stomach acidity. It is important to choose an activity that is low-impact and does not trigger the reflux, such as walking or yoga. Additionally, you should take the time to stretch and relax before and after exercising to reduce the risk of triggering acid reflux.
Avoid Eating Before Bed
It is also important to avoid eating close to bedtime, as lying down at night can cause food to remain in the stomach for longer and increase the risk of acid reflux. Additionally, eating late at night often leads to overeating, which can further increase the risk of reflux. Eating several small, nutritious meals throughout the day is the best way to keep your stomach acidity in check and reduce the risk of triggering acid reflux.
Promote Gut Health
Promoting gut health with probiotics can help to regulate the stomach’s acidity levels and reduce the risk of acid reflux. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the bacteria in the digestive system and support proper digestion. Additionally, eating plenty of fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can help promote gut health and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Eat Acid Buffers
Another way to reduce the risk of acid reflux when drinking coffee is to consume foods that can act as acid buffers. These foods can help to neutralize the stomach acid and reduce the risk of acid reflux. Good acid buffers include bananas, apples, and oatmeal, all of which have a high fiber content and can help to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Drink Water with Coffee
It is important to drink plenty of water when drinking coffee to reduce the risk of acid reflux. Water helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly and can help to dilute the acids in the stomach. Drinking a glass of water with each cup of coffee can help to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Drink Coffee throughout the Day
It is also important to drink coffee throughout the day rather than just one or two cups. Drinking coffee too quickly can trigger acid reflux, so it is better to drink it slowly over the course of the day rather than all at once. This can help to spread out the acid content and reduce the risk of triggering acid reflux.
