Does drinking coffee increase acid reflux?

Coffee is a familiar drink for many Vietnamese people - Photo: D.LIEU

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Deputy Director of the Institute of Digestive Surgery, Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, 108 Central Military Hospital, coffee - a familiar drink for many people but is one of the potential "enemies" of those who are facing gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Does coffee increase reflux?

Coffee drinking may increase the risk and worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in some people. Coffee, especially caffeinated coffee, can stimulate stomach acid production and cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased reflux.

Dr. Anh Tuan explains that the mechanism of coffee causing reflux is because the caffeine in coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing the ability to prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

In addition, caffeine and other compounds in coffee can stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid, increasing stomach acid production, increasing the risk of reflux.

Coffee is also acidic and can irritate the lining of the esophagus, increasing discomfort and reflux symptoms.

How to reduce reflux without giving up coffee?

However, coffee is still a favorite drink of many people. Dr. Tuan shares that if you love coffee and do not want to give up this habit, you can take the following measures to reduce the risk of reflux:

- Choose decaf coffee: Decaf coffee contains less caffeine and therefore causes less relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter than regular coffee.

- Reduce your coffee intake: Instead of drinking several cups of coffee a day, limit your coffee intake and see if your symptoms improve.

- Drinking coffee after meals: Drinking coffee immediately after eating can increase the risk of reflux. Instead, drink coffee away from meals to give your stomach time to digest food first.

- Try low-acid coffees: Some coffees are less acidic, less irritating to the stomach and esophagus, and may reduce the risk of reflux.

- Add milk or cream to coffee: Adding milk or cream to coffee can reduce the acidity of the coffee, helping to reduce irritation to the stomach lining and esophagus.

- Drink water after drinking coffee: Drinking a glass of water after drinking coffee can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce the risk of reflux.

When should I drink coffee?

Dr. Tuan also said that you should limit your coffee intake in the evening, because drinking coffee in the evening can increase the risk of reflux at night. Try to avoid drinking coffee after dinner to reduce this risk.

Also, have a snack before you drink coffee: If you drink coffee in the morning on an empty stomach, this can increase acid production and the risk of reflux. Have a snack before you drink coffee to reduce this effect.

Also, monitor your body’s reaction. Everyone reacts differently to coffee. Observe your body and adjust your coffee intake accordingly to minimize reflux symptoms.

Finally, combine it with a healthy lifestyle. Take other steps to control GERD, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding overeating, not lying down right after eating, and elevating your head when sleeping.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/uong-ca-phe-co-lam-tang-benh-trao-nguoc-da-day-20240922140929318.htm