Does Decaf Coffee Cause Heartburn?
It’s no secret that coffee can cause some unwanted digestive and heartburn symptoms. But, do decaf coffees offer us heartburn free indulgence?
Coffee and Heartburn
Coffee is a known culprit of heartburn. Many of us experience “coffee-related” heartburn. This is mainly due to the fact that, coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is known to increase muscle contractions, in the gastrointestinal tract, which forces acidic digestive juices up and causes that familiar burning sensation!
Does Decaf Coffee Still Cause Heartburn?
Decaffeinated or “Decaf” coffees are made from beans from which the caffeine has been extracted, leaving us with an awful lot of flavour but less of the stimulatory effects of caffeine. So, does finishing your evening meal with a nice cup of decaf sound like a good idea?
The reality is, caffeine does not hold exclusive rights to distressing the digestive system. Recent studies have shown that acidity is still present in decaf coffees, but at a slightly reduced level. This means decaffeinated coffee may still contribute to heartburn.
The Lowdown on Decaf Coffees
In conclusion, Decaf coffees still retain traces of acidity and can consequently lead to symptoms of heartburn. Although decaf coffee may be less potent than regular coffee, it is wise to keep an eye on your daily intake. If coffee is your beverage of choice and is regularly giving you digestive discomfort, Decaf coffee may not be the answer.
Taming the Acidic Monster
If coffee is the cause of your discomfort and you can’t bear to give it up, here are a few things you can do to make it less rough on the digestive system:
- Drink water:Make sure you stay well-hydrated. Consuming adequate fluids will help dilute stomach acid, reducing irritation.
- Chewing food fully:Chewing your food properly is a must for good digestion but is even more important if you have a history of heartburn.
- Limit your intake: the effects of acidity accumulate in your body, so limit your coffee intake to two cups a day.
- Eat slowly:Coffee is often consumed carelessly as part of a busy routine. Eating slowly and giving your body adequate time to process food will help prevent digestive issues.
It’s always best to listen to your body. If you notice a correlation with coffee and digestive discomfort, perhaps it’s time to dial back the cup of coffee and make healthier choices.
