Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks and a favorite of many, as it has been proven to have many health benefits. Despite these health benefits, however, it is still important to be aware of the potential side effects, especially for those who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. Heartburn can occur when coffee is enjoyed too frequently or in certain combinations, making it especially important for those who suffer from occasional or frequent heartburn to know how to safely drink coffee.
One of the most important steps when it comes to drinking coffee without getting heartburn is to avoid certain combinations of food and drinks. Many acidic, fatty or spicy foods should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach and trigger heartburn. Additionally, when it comes to caffeine, research suggests that caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the risk of heartburn and indigestion.
In order to drink coffee without getting heartburn, it is important to choose the right type of coffee. A higher quality blend of coffee may be more suitable for those who suffer from heartburn, as it may contain fewer irritating stomach acids. Additionally, opting for decaffeinated coffee may also be beneficial, as it is much lower in acidity levels. Drinking coffee with a lot of milk or cream may also cause heartburn, so it is important to use the right ratio when it comes to mixers.
Aside from choosing the right type of coffee, the timing of when coffee is enjoyed is also important. Many experts suggest that drinking coffee first thing in the morning, or after meals, may cause an increased risk of heartburn, as the LES is more relaxed at these times. Additionally, for those who suffer from occasional heartburn, enjoying coffee well before bedtime or near the end of the day may be beneficial. Enjoying coffee in moderation – avoiding more than three cups of coffee a day – may also help in preventing heartburn.
In addition to coffee, other caffeinated beverages may also increase the risk of heartburn. Therefore, reducing the amount of other caffeinated beverages such as tea and soda can be beneficial. Herbal teas, smoothies and other natural drinks may be a healthier alternative.
Overall, drinking coffee without getting heartburn is possible with the right precautions. Even though coffee has many health benefits, it may still cause heartburn or acid reflux for certain people. To reduce the risk of getting heartburn, it is important to choose the right type of coffee and mixers, as well as drinking coffee in moderation and avoiding certain food combinations.
Choose the Right Type of Coffee
To reduce the risk of getting heartburn when enjoying coffee, it is important to choose the right type of coffee. Higher quality coffee blends may be less likely to trigger heartburn, as they contain fewer irritating acids. Additionally, opting for decaffeinated coffee may also be beneficial, as it is much lower in acidity levels. Enjoying coffee with a high concentration of milk or cream may also be problematic, so it is important to get the right ratio of mixers when it comes to coffee.
Time When Enjoying Coffee
Aside from choosing good quality coffee, timing is also important when it comes to drinking coffee without getting heartburn. Drinking coffee first thing in the morning, or soon after meals, may increase the risk of heartburn, as the LES – the lower esophageal sphincter – is more relaxed at these times. Additionally, for those who suffer from occasional heartburn, enjoying coffee well before bedtime or near the end of the day may be helpful. Keeping coffee consumption to a reasonable level – usually no more than three cups a day – may also help in preventing heartburn.
Reduce Other Caffeinated Beverages
Aside from coffee, other caffeinated drinks such as tea and soda may also cause an increase in heartburn and acid reflux. Therefore, reducing the amount of other caffeinated beverages may be beneficial. Herbal teas, smoothies and other natural drinks may be a healthier choice.
Know Which Foods to Avoid
When it comes to drinking coffee without getting heartburn, knowing which foods and drinks to avoid is important. Generally speaking, acidic, fatty or spicy foods should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach and trigger heartburn. Additionally, staying away from certain food combinations such as coffee and orange juice, as well as coffee and alcohol, may also be beneficial.
Other Tips for Reducing Heartburn
Aside from avoiding certain food and drink combinations, there are other tips that may help reduce the risk of heartburn. Drinking plenty of water, eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night snacks may all help keep heartburn under control. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes may be beneficial, such as avoiding tight-fitting clothes, quitting smoking and reducing stress.
Consider Other Types of Drinks
Finally, for those who experience regular heartburn after drinking coffee, considering other types of drinks may be beneficial. There are many alternatives to coffee, such as herbal and fruit teas, which may be more suitable for those prone to heartburn. Additionally, switching to decaf coffee, or enjoying coffee blends with lower concentrations of caffeine, may also be beneficial.
