Coffee and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or the occurrence where stomach acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus, occurs in most adults throughout their lifetime. While most adults will occasionally develop heartburn as the result of eating something spicy or that does not agree with their stomach, some individuals who have chronic acid reflux might develop GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The question of what causes GERD to develop often seems to point toward coffee and other caffeinated beverages as a potential culprit.

The Myth
For many years, the idea that coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages cause the development of acid reflux disease or GERD was common. Part of the myth stems from the idea that coffee is highly acidic. Since coffee has a high acid content, it causes more acid production in the stomach which results in acid reflux.

The other part of the myth comes from the idea that the caffeine in coffee relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, so the acid in the stomach comes up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

The Truth
The truth about coffee as it relates to acid reflux is that it will aggravate acid reflux disease or GERD in patients who already suffer from the conditions. However, coffee is not the reason acid reflux originally develops. According to the British Medical Journal, heavy coffee drinkers who drank an average of around seven cups of coffee per day were actually 40 percent less likely to develop GERD and acid reflux when compared to those who did not drink coffee.

Though coffee actually helps protect against GERD before it develops, patients who already have problems with heartburn will find that coffee further aggravates the problem. Coffee is highly acidic, so those who have damage to the esophagus from acid reflux will feel uncomfortable drinking the coffee and might even feel pain. It will also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, so if acid reflux is a problem already it might cause further reflux problems.

A healthy adult who does not have problems with GERD or acid reflux will not need to worry that drinking a cup of coffee each day increases their risk of later developing GERD.

Stopping Acid Reflux
Before acid reflux becomes a serious problem, it is possible to fix the problem and coffee is actually part of the solution.

The website refluxremedy.com points out that acid reflux actually stems from an unhealthy lifestyle. The only way to stop acid reflux from developing is by improving your lifestyle habits. Part of the improvement begins with drinking more coffee.

Coffee is beneficial for your heart, lowers the risk of developing GERD or acid reflux and helps improve your cognitive abilities. While it helps, coffee alone will not prevent GERD.

Combine coffee with eating smaller meals and getting regular exercise to prevent the development of GERD. Around 30 minutes of exercise a day along with small and healthy meals will lower body weight and improve your overall health. Eventually, healthy habits will also eliminate acid reflux.

Conclusion
Coffee is surprisingly helpful in preventing acid reflux disease or GERD. Drink up and enjoy your cup of java.

To learn more on the truth about coffee and acid reflux visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today!