Many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, wonder if they can drink coffee. Since coffee is acidic, a low-acid brand can be the best choice for you. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is a brand with less acid, and it’s top quality and available in a variety of options. Here’s the scoop. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease happens when you get recurring episodes of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when acid from your stomach comes up into the esophagus. It can happen when the ring-like muscle, which is the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, between the stomach and esophagus weakens and allows stomach acid up. The result is burning known as heartburn. Other symptoms of GERD can include coughing, regurgitation, an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, and abdominal pain.

Coffee and a GERD Diet

Does coffee fit into a GERD diet? Let’s take a look at the typical diet to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. These are some common foods that are limited or excluded on a GERD diet.

• Citrus fruits and juices, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and orange juice.
• Tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Onions and garlic.
• Chocolate.
• Fatty foods, such as fatty meats, cheese, fried foods, and fast foods.
• Peppermint and mint tea.
• Spicy foods, including hot sauce and some ethnic foods.

Some beverages are often limited on a GERD diet.

• Alcoholic beverages.
• Coffee.
• Tea.
• Sparkling water and other carbonated beverages.

Do you really need to avoid coffee on a GERD diet? Don’t worry.

Best Coffee for GERD

Coffee is an acidic beverage, and some people report acid reflux or heartburn after drinking it. But what if you could have a low-acid coffee? Could you still enjoy your daily cup or cups of coffee?

Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is lower in acid than national brands. It goes through a special technique to reduce the acid content. How does that sound for a lower-acid diet?

Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is certified organic by the USDA and it’s guaranteed to be fresh. It’s also great-tasting. It includes beans from famous coffee-producing regions, including the Chiapas region of Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. With less acid, you might notice less of a bitter taste, and be able to detect subtle notes of hazelnut, fruit, and chocolate. It comes in Whole Bean and Ground varieties.

A Word About Caffeine with GERD

Another possible trigger for acid reflux is caffeine. Caffeine relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid production. If you find that caffeinated coffee causes acid reflux, consider Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee in Half Caff or Decaf versions instead of Regular. They’re all made from the same great coffee beans!

More Tips for GERD

If you have GERD, you probably know that it takes a lot of effort to control it. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to affect symptoms. These are some tips for reducing the chances of getting acid reflux.

• Eat a smaller meal in the evening.
• Eat at least 3 hours before bed.
• Sleep with the upper part of your body upright, such as propped up by pillows.
• Do not exercise intensely after eating.
• Loosen belts or wear elastic-waisted clothes that aren’t too tight.
• Keep meals fairly small.

Coffee is an essential part of life for many people, and if you have GERD, you can enjoy it, too. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is a choice that can help you keep coffee on a low-acid diet. Feel free to energize or relax with your coffee!