Why coffee causes heartburn and how to deal with it

What could be more pleasant in the morning than a cup of black, scalding coffee? But the sweet habit does not bring pleasure to everyone, because heartburn occurs from coffee no less often than from fatty or spicy foods.

It cannot be said that every cup of it brings suffering to the stomach, but drinking coffee in the morning affects the digestive system.

Let's look at the reasons for the formation of a burning sensation behind the sternum or bitterness in the mouth after drinking this beloved drink.

Heartburn

This condition occurs due to the reverse flow of oxidized food from the stomach into the digestive tract, which is manifested by an unpleasant burning sensation.

Reverse progression occurs due to weakening of the muscular valve standing between the esophagus and the stomach. But why does this occur from coffee, because it is designed to raise a person’s tone, but not cause pain.

This occurs due to the irritating effect of the caffeine contained in the drink on the stomach.

The drink causes activation of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach, which is released along with food into the esophagus, which causes heartburn.

This most often happens when, instead of a regular breakfast, the first course is a coffee drink. In addition to the burning sensation and addiction, fans of the drink experience great stress on the heart, kidneys, and depletion of neurons - nerve cells.

As a result, the heart rate increases, urination increases, and the nervous system becomes dull.

Why discomfort after drinking?

There are many reasons that provoke heartburn. Caffeine present in coffee beans increases gastric secretion several times. If it is constantly elevated, then pathological changes occur, for example, gastritis or reflux.

If reflux develops, a person will feel severe discomfort after drinking a coffee drink. This is explained by the fact that stomach acid burns the mucous membrane of the esophagus, thereby causing pain.

Another reason for the development of the pathological condition is that caffeine acts as a vasodilator.
This helps relax the walls of blood vessels. As a result, blood flow is activated. Important! Under the influence of caffeine, the sphincter muscles in the esophagus also relax.
This is fraught with leakage of gastric juice. Initially, it enters the esophagus, and then into the throat, thereby causing a burning sensation. A burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus can occur not only from natural coffee, but also from instant coffee. This is due to the insufficient quality of the drink. It contains a minimal amount of caffeine, as it dissolves during heat treatment during the formation of granules.

Interesting article: What foods help with heartburn?

In order for the drink to have good taste, manufacturers add a large amount of impurities to it:

• flavor enhancers;
• flavorings;
• amino acids;
• stabilizers.

All these components have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. If a person has chronic stomach diseases, then frequent consumption of instant coffee can provoke an exacerbation.

Instant coffee

This look is quite common among admirers of a cheerful mood. But can coffee cause heartburn if it is instant?

It is precisely this case that causes the most unpleasant sensation of bitterness due to the presence of various harmful additives in it - preservatives, flavorings, dyes.

The large amount of caffeine inherent in this species also makes itself felt.

https://youtu.be/05FuSychY2E

Conclusions and recommendations

In fact, you can avoid the negative effects of coffee if you are more careful about your health. There are several effective recommendations that will help if heartburn occurs constantly. You already know what to drink for this unpleasant symptom, but using medications without a doctor’s prescription is extremely dangerous. Let's look at some basic tips that may come in handy:

1. We need to learn to drink warm coffee.
2. You should avoid drinking instant coffee or heavily roasted beans, and avoid drinking espresso.
3. It has also been noted that people who prefer to drink coffee with lemon most often suffer from heartburn.
4. It is considered a misconception that decaffeinated coffee beans do not have a negative impact on health.
5. Drinking the drink on an empty stomach is very dangerous, as over time it will lead to gastritis and ulcers.
6. There is no need to add sugar to the drink or drink it as a snack with confectionery.

Recently, experts have indicated that excessive coffee consumption can, in addition to heartburn, cause the following consequences:

1. Often people become addicted.
2. Constant consumption of this drink can negatively affect the nervous system, leading to strong heart palpitations and the occurrence of heart pathologies.
3. Urination increases.
4. Depletion of nerve cells has been noticed, which leads to inhibition of the entire nervous system.

It should be noted that coffee additionally enhances the functioning of the digestive glands, and this leads to inhibition of their functions. If you can’t completely give up the coffee drink, you just need to reduce the amount.

Natural

Ground black coffee is much healthier than instant coffee due to the absence of harmful additives. However, this does not mean that you can drink it without measure.

Interesting! Do seeds help with heartburn - the positive effect of the treat

The most dangerous ingredient is considered to be the grounds. Once in the stomach, grains of waste have a negative effect on it. Therefore, coffee and heartburn from it go hand in hand.

How to get rid of heartburn after coffee?

If heartburn appears constantly after coffee, it is recommended to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist or therapist. Often, a symptom is observed due to a pathological process; an aromatic drink only intensifies the manifestations and aggravates the symptoms. The doctor will determine what caused the adverse reaction and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The following measures will also help:

1. If the cause is excessive caffeine consumption, you should reduce the amount in your diet. It is not only coffee consumption that needs to be reduced: it is also necessary to give up strong brewed tea, cocoa, and chocolate, since these drinks and products also contain the active substance.
2. It is better to add cream or milk. Milk fats prevent caffeine from being absorbed too quickly and bind it. Drinking too many of these drinks is dangerous due to the risk of stone formation in the renal pelvis and bladder.
3. It is not recommended to add sugar or syrups. Sugary drinks negatively affect the gastric mucosa and contribute to the formation of unwanted reactions. Syrups are also harmful because of their composition: often a large number of artificial additives and low-quality raw materials are used in production. Adding lemons and other citrus fruits is also not worth it.
4. It is not advisable to drink coffee that is too hot. It will burn sensitive mucous membranes, cause irritation, and stimulate the secretion of gastric juice. It is better if the drink is warm. In summer, cold varieties are allowed: glasse, frappe.
5. An effective option to get rid of unpleasant sensations is to take medications. But medications do not eliminate the cause, they only mask the symptom. Gastal, Gaviscon, Mezim are suitable. The drugs can be purchased without a prescription; it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the contraindications and the attached dosage regimen.

Decaf coffee has too much acidity, which makes the drink dangerous for heartburn. In addition, caffeine cannot be completely removed: a small amount of the substance remains in the liquid.

Mezim will help reduce the discomfort of heartburn

Heartburn prevention

Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to completely renounce morning vigor, and it’s not worth it. Having considered the causes of bitterness in the mouth, measures should be taken to reduce it, such as:

• you need to drink coffee with milk, preferably low-fat, since the latter envelops the walls of the stomach, preventing the development of gastritis;
• carry out the morning ritual only after eating, at least lightly;

• It is undesirable to drink it immediately after eating, it is excessively sweet or hot;
• Heavily roasted varieties are no less painful than drinking on an empty stomach - if you have heartburn, you should choose lightly or medium-roasted beans.

And of course, you need to forget about coffee with cognac or lemon. Alcohol and lemon acid doubly irritate the gastrointestinal system.

How does coffee affect the gastrointestinal tract?

The caffeine content in espresso significantly stimulates all cells of the nervous system. Strengthens the work of the heart, giving a temporary boost of energy. It is not advisable for patients with gastric pathologies to drink coffee, especially with high acidity. The main component of coffee provokes the release of hydrochloric acid. Because of this, the disease esophagitis manifests itself, the symptomatology of the disease is heartburn.

People who ignore doctors' recommendations by drinking a strong drink before breakfast contribute to the development of gastritis. There is a failure in food absorption, the functions of breaking down food are disrupted, and the patient begins to experience a burning sensation in the stomach area.

Thanks to caffeine, the glands of the gastrointestinal tract are stimulated, including in the liver, pancreas, and oral cavity. Because of this process, the organs function at full capacity. Such changes lead to further inhibition of their activities. Adversely affects the functioning of all digestive systems.

If you cannot live a day without espresso, then do not drink it on an empty stomach.

Treatment

If the above rules do not give a positive result and heartburn after coffee continues to bother you, you should turn to antacid medications that reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid, such as:

• Rennie;

• De-Nol;

• Gaviscon;

• Almagel:

• Maalox.

Important! The use of antacids is allowed for no more than two weeks. The opposite threatens to disrupt the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

Consequences

Fans of tea ceremonies sometimes notice that they have unpleasant sensations in the stomach or esophagus after drinking not only black, but also green tea.

The fact is that it contains a huge amount of bioactive components. They can have not only positive, but also negative effects on stomach tissue. Antioxidants slow down the rate of oxidation processes. In addition, they have bactericidal properties. However, they are just representatives of a subgroup of polyphenols.

Another root cause of burning in the epigastric region is the caffeine present in the tea drink. Even a moderate amount of it can lead to symptoms of gastritis, esophagitis or gastric ulcer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HZ5-W1AeAs

But most often, the reason why your health worsens after a seemingly harmless cup of tea is excessive pressure on the esophageal sphincter. The symptom does not arise from drinking tea, but from overeating. After all, tea usually accompanies the consumption of sweets and baked goods. A drink drunk immediately after such a large meal will certainly cause a burning sensation in the esophagus.

All of the above negative factors do not mean that you need to give up your favorite ending to the meal. It’s just that tea ceremonies are best done correctly - between main meals, and not after them.

Heartburn from tea is not always directly related to the consumption of the drink. Other factors may also affect the activity of the digestive structures:

• the strength of the brewed concentrate - the leaf form is more difficult to control, the risk of making the drink too rich is quite high;
• low quality of raw materials - especially in the form in bags, they may contain other additives, for example, mud dust;
• a large amount of sugar added to the mug - it has an additional irritating effect on the gastric mucosa.

All of the above factors do not immediately provoke disorders in the digestive system. Heartburn after tea is the result of many years of habit of pampering yourself with a strong, sweet tonic drink. And purchasing expensive varieties in a store does not at all guarantee high quality products. Additional impurities may be present in raw materials even from trusted suppliers. It is better to switch to the loose form of tea and learn how to prepare the drink correctly to reduce the negative effects of tannin and caffeine on the stomach.

Many people have doubts whether heartburn could be caused by coffee or whether this is another marketing ploy by tea manufacturers. Of course, consuming caffeine-containing foods and drinks can also cause stomach upsets. After all, they contain the alkaloid caffeine. In small quantities it is a medicine and a psychostimulant, but if abused, it has an extremely negative effect on the digestive processes.

Heartburn after coffee is an alarming symptom regarding the possible chronic course of gastritis, esophagitis, or an already formed gastric ulcer. Even if people drink coffee with milk, they do not significantly reduce the concentration of alkaloid compounds in it, which have the ability to increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid. It is she who is responsible for weakening the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, which subsequently leads to heartburn.

Experts recommend drinking no more than 1-2 cups of coffee per day, between main meals. It is better not to abuse the drink on an empty stomach. Sharp bending and taking a horizontal position also contribute to reflux - the entry of stomach contents into the esophagus. If a person cannot imagine life without coffee, it is better to buy natural coffee and prepare it according to all the rules. Then coffee and heartburn will be “friends.”

Most fans of the tonic and refreshing drink drink it 3-5 times a day and are unlikely to be able to give it up, even if a burning sensation in the esophagus begins to bother them.

However, there are several ways to improve your well-being and prevent serious complications:

• give up strong leaf tea - a weakly brewed drink is more favorably accepted by the stomach;
• give preference to natural varieties, leafy ones - and green or black tea is not so important, in terms of the amount of tannin and caffeine they are almost equal;
• It is advisable to conduct the tea ceremony not on a full stomach - it is better to take the drink after the main course, after 40–50 minutes;
• reduce the amount of sweets to a minimum - either do not put sugar in tea at all, or no more than 1 spoon, and cakes and custard pies can be replaced with a simple sandwich or salted crackers.

Coffee causes heartburn even more often than tea. They can significantly worsen a person’s quality of life - heartburn, belching, and even pain in the epigastric region interfere with full work and rest.

Therefore, many people are interested in whether it is possible to drink coffee without fear for their well-being, or whether they will have to give up a pleasant habit. The following rules for taking a tonic drink can help with heartburn:

• do not buy decaffeinated coffee - they contain additives that, on the contrary, increase the acidity of gastric juice;
• drink a weakly concentrated drink - for example, dilute it with 1% milk;
• drink coffee only after a preliminary snack - the presence of food in the stomach reduces the likelihood of hydrochloric acid refluxing upward, but you should not overeat, since an overfilled organ is a direct threat of heartburn;
• give up the habit of adding sugar to drinks;
• It is better to drink coffee warm rather than hot - the higher the temperature, the more the mucous tissue is injured;
• choose brands of coffee beans with medium or light roast.

Compliance with the above helps to avoid disorders in the digestive system. If green tea for heartburn no longer evokes positive emotions and your health continues to deteriorate, it is better to consult your doctor. They will be given appropriate medications for reflux with heartburn.

Numerous lovers of the invigorating drink, even feeling a burning sensation in the chest, cannot deny themselves the habit. Now there are many different drugs on sale that neutralize hydrochloric acid. Antacids quickly relieve the burning sensation and do not produce carbon dioxide. Alginates, producing a dense gel, due to interaction with gastric juice, interfere with the release of harmful liquid into the digestive tract.

Many people choose a soda solution without thinking about the consequences. It quickly relieves pain, but with frequent use it can provoke bleeding in the stomach. In addition to medicines, there are many folk recipes and infusions.

You can use some tips to avoid heartburn. Drink coffee with milk or cream, preferably after a heavy snack. Limit the amount of sugar and lemon in your drink. Buy natural coffee that is not heavily roasted - it has less impact on the mucous membrane of the esophagus.

To do this, just follow simple recommendations.

• You need to dilute the drink with dairy products. In coffee with milk, the effect of caffeine is significantly reduced, and the effect on the gastrointestinal tract is not as active.
• There is no need to drink the drink early in the morning, before meals. Coffee on an empty stomach has a negative effect on the body.
• Reduce the amount of sugar added to your drink. This way you will further reduce the calorie content (see calorie content of coffee with milk without sugar).
• Do not drink the drink while it is very hot. Let it cool, and do not needlessly disturb the gastric mucosa.
• Buy low or medium roast varieties (see roast level of coffee beans). They contain less caffeine.
• Don't add lemon to your coffee.

Do you get heartburn from coffee? How do you deal with it? Tell us in the comments!

If we briefly describe the negative impact of coffee on the human body and what happens when consumed, the following negative factors stand out:

• An addiction to the drink arises, which is difficult to give up.
• The nervous system is irritated, the heart rate increases. People suffering from cardiovascular diseases should not drink strong espresso.
• The urinary system works in accelerated mode.
• Nerve cells are depleted, the work of the central nervous system is gradually inhibited.

What to do to get rid of heartburn and discomfort? Medications, prevention and following the rules of drinking coffee will help.

Preventive measures are always aimed at getting rid of existing symptoms and preventing the appearance of new or relapses. When a person experiences heartburn from coffee, they try to take steps to relieve the symptoms. To continue to enjoy a cup of morning aromatic drink, follow the recommendations.

Rules for drinking the drink:

• You should not drink coffee without additives. It is advisable to drink the drink with milk. This helps slightly, but eliminates caffeine. The dairy product should contain a fat content of no more than 1.5%, at the same time creating an additional enveloping layer in the stomach. It is acceptable to drink hot chocolate with milk.
• Try not to drink coffee on an empty stomach; heartburn can appear instantly. Before use, eat a light meal.
• However, you should not drink espresso after a heavy meal, so as not to disrupt the digestive process. You will have to wait 30 minutes to allow the food to partially digest and leave the stomach.
• Sugar in coffee will not improve your condition. A minimal amount of sweet substance is added to the cup. If possible, you should give up sugar altogether.
• One of the causes of heartburn is thermal burn. Make a habit of not drinking hot coffee, let the drink brew and cool slightly. It’s so comfortable to drink and less harmful to the digestive tract.
• First of all, you need to purchase exclusively grain products. It is worth paying attention to the quality and degree of frying of the raw materials. The more the grains were subjected to heat treatment, the more acidity they contained. Buy coffee that says medium or light roast.

• Adding lemon to a coffee drink negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes of internal organs. It is necessary to exclude the dish from the diet.