Background Information
Coffee is one of planet earth’s most popular beverages and is consumed the world over. Many people rely on coffee to get them going in the morning or anytime throughout the day for an energy boost. While coffee can be a great pick-me-up, it is important to note that it can also have adverse effects when consumed in excessive amounts. One very common symptom reported by coffee lovers is a feeling of tightness in the throat soon after drinking coffee.
What Causes the Throat to Feel Tight?
The feeling of tightness in the throat can arise due to irritation of the throat’s tissues. It has been linked to the active ingredients in coffee, particularly the caffeine, as well as the high acidity in the beverage. Acid reflux could be a cause of this type of throat irritation, as coffee is highly acidic, particular when made from dark roast beans. Moreover, the brewing equipment used can also be a culprit, as it can cause small particles of coffee to enter the throat and irritate the lining.
What Can be Done About It?
It is important to try and prevent throat tightness by limiting coffee consumption. A good way to do this is to manage the source of the irritation. Since caffeine and acidity are two of the biggest contributing factors, opting for decaffeinated coffee and adding in ingredients to neutralize the acidity is a good solution. Additionally, switching to a French-press coffeemaker instead of an espresso machine can help because the filter catches the small particles that cause irritation.
Managing the Symptoms
When the throat does feel tight, it is best to take preventative steps before it escalates further. Drinking water helps to cleanse the throat and provide relief. It is also helpful to get fresh air by going for a walk. Simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding late meals and sleeping on an elevated bed, can be of great help in managing reflux symptoms and preventing throat tightness.
Reaching Out for Help
If the throat tightness persists despite making changes to lifestyle and coffee consumption, then it is a good idea to consult a medical professional. They will be able to diagnose the cause and design a treatment plan to help manage the symptoms.
Cultural Perspective
In some countries, such as Turkey and Greece, it is thought that the throat tightness is caused by an imbalance of centro-sympathetic and para-sympathetic nerves. In that sense, certain practices, including yoga, can be implemented to help alleviate the sensation.
Alternative Beverages
If throat tightness persists, then it may be worth changing your beverage of choice. Switching to herbal teas, for example, is thought to help relax the body, throat and mind because of their calming effect.
Emotional Toll
It is not only important to think about the physical side-effects of drinking coffee, but also the emotional ones. Throat tightness can be an uncomfortable and worrying symptom, which can lead to feelings of anxiety. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle in order to minimize the symptoms and prevent any recurrences.
Lifestyle Adjustments
It is worth noting that small lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate the feeling of throat tightness. Limiting stress, exercising regularly and getting a sufficient amount of sleep can all contribute to helping manage the symptoms.
Dietary Changes
Extremely acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and spicy foods, can exacerbate throat tightness. Therefore, it is worth consulting with a nutritionist who can provide helpful advice on foods to avoid or add to the diet in order to help reduce the symptoms.
Acid Neutralization Strategies
It is very important to neutralize the acidity of coffee in order to help inhibit the feeling of throat tightness. Adding milk, oat milk or even a spoonful of honey can help reduce the acidity levels and provide relief.
