Managing Acid and GERD Without Giving Up Coffee

In the Philippines, nine out of ten households have coffee in their pantries, and eight out of ten adults in the country drink an average of 2.5 cups of coffee every day¹. Coffee is more than just a drink—it's practically a lifeline. It fuels the Filipino spirit, from the bustling offices where deadlines loom to the quiet mornings where "Kape muna bago lahat" (Coffee first, before anything else) is almost a mantra. It's no wonder workers often joke that they’re powered not by willpower, but by caffeine, as coffee becomes their indispensable co-worker. You can see it in the rise of local coffee shops and how workers feel they can’t function well without coffee.

But in recent years, another companion—an unwelcome one—has entered the scene. In fact, the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) has developed treatment guidelines for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, as it has seen an uptick in occurrences in the country7, as reported in 20232. In this article, we’ll explore the link between acid reflux and coffee, discover how to manage acid and GERD, a chronic and more severe condition, and provide alternative beverages that you can take so you can manage acid reflux.

Is coffee acidic?

In short, yes. With an average pH that ranges from 4.85-5.10, most coffee is considered acidic.⁹ This acidity is caused by caffeine and compounds in the beans that form acids when brewed.

How Drinking Coffee Causes GERD

Some conflicting evidence shows that coffee may bother you with reflux, but it won't happen to everyone. Caffeine can trigger GERD symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).¹⁰ Regular coffee has significantly more caffeine than tea or soda, and darker roasts have less caffeine but potentially more acidity, which can also worsen coffee’s acid reflux symptoms.¹⁰

A 2019 study focused on women found that drinking coffee, tea, and soda was associated with increased risk of GERD³.

“But I love coffee. What’s the alternative?”

Studies have shown that decaffeinated coffee causes significantly less acid reflux than regular coffee since caffeine has the tendency to relax the LES^4,5. This makes it a good alternative if you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux when drinking regular coffee.

Other Beverages That Can Cause GERD

While coffee is a common trigger for acid reflux, other beverages may also cause GERD symptoms. High-fat drinks like milkshakes, alcohol (especially creamy or liqueur-based), and carbonated soft drinks are known to worsen acid reflux.¹¹ Spicy beverages, salty drinks like margaritas, and acidic drinks such as citrus juices are also culprits.¹¹ Additionally, indulgent options like chocolate drinks and high-calorie blended beverages can exacerbate symptoms, making it important to monitor your intake if you suffer from GERD.¹¹

Symptoms of Acid Reflux from Beverage Consumption

Acid reflux symptoms can vary depending on the beverages you drink and food you eat. Your body's reaction to one food may differ from its reaction to another. :1

Heartburn (burning or pain in the chest)
Regurgitation (swallowed foods re-entering the mouth) or vomiting
Nausea
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough
Hoarseness (voice changes such as huskiness or scratchiness)

Ignoring acid reflux symptoms can lead to the development of GERD. Effective management of acid reflux is crucial to prevent serious complications such as esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.⁸

How to Treat Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Knowing what food and drinks to avoid is essential, but over-the-counter medications like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) can also help provide manage your acid reflux symptoms.

Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) treats five acid reflux symptoms: b urning in the chest, a bitter or acidic taste, stomach discomfort, nausea, and burping-related discomfort. It creates a protective barrier over stomach contents to prevent reflux and neutralize excess stomach acid.

The non-systemic mode of action of Gaviscon makes it suitable for use during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. However, it's best for pregnant women to consult an OB-GYN before taking any medication.

Buy now at leading drug stores and pharmacies nationwide and on the Reckitt Health and Beauty on Lazada and Reckitt Health Official Shop on Shopee.

Goodbye Coffee? Not Just Yet.

As coffee-drinking continues to be a cherished ritual for many, understanding how to enjoy it without the discomfort of acid reflux or GERD can make all the difference. By making mindful adjustments and exploring gentle alternatives, you can still savor your daily cup while prioritizing your health. So, here’s to finding balance—because enjoying coffee shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

References:

Del Mundo, C. R., & Solis, J. A. (2024). Consumers’ valuation of local specialty coffee: The case of the Philippines. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from http://www.intagrijournal.org/journal/article.php?code=81192
(2023, May 22). GERD, UTI, hormonal imbalance among Filipinas' most common health concerns. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/health-and-family/2023/05/22/2267254/gerd-uti-hormonal-imbalance-among-filipinas-most-common-health-concerns
Khalili, H., & Camilleri, M. (2019). Association between beverage intake and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(19)31380-1/fulltext
Wendl, B., Schmidt, T., & Pehl, C. (1994). Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7918922/
Pehl, C., Pfeiffer, A., Wendl, B., & Kaess, H. (1997). The effect of decaffeination of coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9218070/
van Dam, R. M., Hu, F. B., & Willett, W. C. (2016). Coffee consumption, obesity, and type 2 diabetes: A mini-review. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27026242/
Inquirer Business. (2014, August 11). GERD treatment guidelines developed for Filipino physicians. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://business.inquirer.net/177643/gerd-treatment-guidelines-developed-for-filipino-physicians
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Why does coffee bother my stomach?. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coffee-giving-you-tummy-trouble-try-these-low-acid-options
Taylor Lane. (March 02, 2021). Why Coffee Acidity Matters and Which Roasts are Most Acidic. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://www.taylorlane.com/blogs/read/is-coffee-an-acid-or-a-base
Madell, Robin. (April 25, 2024). Healthline. Are Coffee and Tea Off Limits? How Caffeine Affects GERD. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/coffee-tea
Davenport, Tracy Ph.D. HealthCentral. (October 3, 2018). 9 Drinks to Avoid With Acid Reflux. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.healthcentral.com/article/drinks-to-avoid-with-acid-reflux
Heartburn. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview Accessed on 4 December 2024

When it’s Hard to Give Up Coffee: Managing Acid and GERD