Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the US, but it’s also one that’s often blamed for causing acid reflux. Does that mean you have to give it up entirely? You probably don’t need to eliminate it entirely. Here’s what you should know about drinking coffee when you have acid reflux. 

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

You may have acid reflux if you have symptoms such as heartburn, an acidic taste at the back of your throat, or coughs after you eat. If you get these symptoms regularly, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It can cause serious complications, so it’s best to treat acid reflux when you have it. Be sure to ask a doctor about it.

Low Acid Coffee Options

If you’re trying to limit acid in your diet, a low-acid coffee is the way to go. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee has less acidity than the average of some national brands, including Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. A low-acid coffee can also taste smoother and less bitter, since acid has a sour taste.

Effect of Brewing Method on Acidity

You have more control over your coffee when you brew your own instead of buying it ready-made from a coffee shop. You can, for example, alter the concentration. Making your coffee with a little more water, or adding extra milk or almond milk to your brew, dilutes it so it’s not as acidic. 

Another strategy is to try cold brew coffee. It’s known to reduce the amount of acid in your coffee because some of the acidic compounds stay in the beans that are filtered out. You can use Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Whole Beans and grind them to a coarse grind yourself, or just use Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee Ground Beans. Either way, you can count on fresh coffee.

Caffeine and Acid Reflux

Caffeine can be another trigger for acid reflux. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows acid from your stomach to come back up into your throat. That’s the cause of heartburn. Caffeine can also increase acid production in your stomach. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee comes in Regular, Half Caff, and Decaf versions. That way, you can choose exactly how much caffeine to have. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor about a good amount for you.

Non-Food Triggers for Acid Reflux

Some of the most effective ways to prevent acid reflux are to address triggers that aren’t related to what you eat. These are some strategies.

• Don’t eat too close to bedtime.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes instead of tight-waisted ones.
• Eat more slowly, chew your food better, and have smaller meals.

If you have acid reflux, there’s a good chance you can still enjoy coffee. A low acid brand, such as Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee, can help you limit acidity in your diet and is gentler on the stomach. Along with watching your caffeine intake and trying cold brew options to further limit acid, you can make lifestyle choices that lower the risk for acid reflux. Since it can be a serious condition, it’s best to ask your doctor about the best ways to manage acid reflux if you have symptoms.