Can I still drink coffee if I have acid reflux?

Generally speaking, acid reflux is a very common condition characterised by a burning pain, often called heartburn, which is felt around the lower chest area and is caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the food pipe.

It is unfortunate to say, but it’s true that acid reflux is often worsened by caffeine. Many people with acid reflux wonder if they need to stop drinking coffee altogether or if making certain adjustments to their coffee preferences can allow them to continue enjoying it without discomfort​

This is because the high acid content in coffee, as well as the actual caffeine, will cause the lower esophageal sphincter muscles to relax allowing stomach acid to enter the oesophagus, which is what causes acid reflux.

In an ideal world, we would stop consuming everything that was potentially harmful to us, but that’s not really the reality is it?

Are certain types of coffee less likely to cause acid reflux?

Certainly, there are specific types of coffee that are less likely to cause acid reflux, and understanding these can be particularly beneficial for those who experience discomfort but still want to enjoy their coffee. The key factors influencing the likelihood of coffee triggering acid reflux include its acidity, caffeine content, and the method used for brewing.

Firstly, Dark Roast Coffees are often considered more suitable for individuals prone to acid reflux. The roasting process plays a pivotal role here. As coffee beans are roasted longer to achieve a darker roast, many of the compounds that typically stimulate stomach acid are broken down. This reduced acidity can make dark roast coffees a gentler option for those with a sensitive stomach.

Another consideration is Low-Acid Coffee Beans. These are specific varieties of coffee beans that naturally have lower acid content. The lower acidity level in these beans is a result of either the specific bean variety or the region where the beans are grown. Low-acid coffee beans can be found in both regular and decaffeinated varieties, providing a broader choice for consumers.

Additionally, the Brewing Method can influence the acidity of the coffee. For instance, Cold Brew Coffee tends to be less acidic than hot-brewed coffee. The cold brew process involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water over a longer period, which extracts the flavors without releasing as much of the acidic compounds. As a result, cold brew is often smoother and less likely to cause irritation in the digestive tract.

Lastly, it's worth noting that Decaffeinated Coffee might also be a better option for some individuals. While decaffeination doesn't necessarily reduce the coffee's acidity, the removal of caffeine can lessen its potential to aggravate acid reflux symptoms, as caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach.

Can I drink decaf coffee if I have acid reflux?

If you would like to manage your coffee consumption to reduce risk of acid reflux, then research suggests that switching your daily coffee to Swiss Water Decaf coffee will possibly help.

The reason why Swiss Water Decaf coffee is less acidic due to the specific water-process decaffeination process the coffee beans go through.

Over 10 hours, Green Coffee Extract is introduced to the beans and caffeine removal begins until the ratio of soluble compounds in the GCE to the compounds in the coffee reach the point of equilibrium until all the caffeine is trapped and separated from the GCE.

As a result, this allows for a caffeine free coffee with naturally less acidity, which is recognised to be less reactive to acid reflux.

Having said all of that, if you have strong acid reflux issues, it may be sensible to completely cut out any potential irritants.

The safest way is to do a trial of consuming small amounts of Swiss Water Decaf and see if there is an acid reflux reaction.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Nothing in the content or products should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs.

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