Does regular coffee consumption increase the risk of reflux disease?
The habit of drinking coffee can increase the risk and worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some people. Coffee, especially coffee containing caffeine, can stimulate stomach acid production and cause underesophageal sphincter relaxation (LES), leading to increased reflux capacity.
Coffee's mechanism of reflux
Subtogenic sphincter relaxation (LES): Caffeine in coffee can relax the subtogenic sphincter, reducing the ability to prevent stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus.
Increase acid production in the stomach: Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid, increasing the risk of reflux.
Increased irritation of the esophageal mucosa: Coffee is acidic and can irritate the esophageal mucosa, increasing discomfort and reflux symptoms.
How to limit the reflux without having to quit coffee?
If you love coffee and don't want to give up this habit, you can take the following measures to minimize the risk of reflux:
Choose decaffeinated coffee (decaf): Decaf coffee contains less caffeine and is therefore less likely to cause lower esophageal sphincter relaxation than regular coffee.
Reduce coffee intake: Instead of drinking many cups of coffee each day, limit coffee intake and observe if symptoms subside.
Drink coffee after meals: Drinking coffee immediately after eating can increase the risk of reflux. Instead, drink coffee away from meals so that the stomach has time to digest food first.
Try low-acid coffees: Some coffees have lower acidity, are less irritating to the stomach and esophagus, and can reduce the risk of reflux.
Add milk or cream to coffee: Adding milk or cream to coffee can reduce the acidity of coffee, helping to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa and esophagus.
Drink water after drinking coffee: Drinking a glass of water after drinking coffee can help neutralize acid in the stomach and reduce the risk of reflux.
Advice
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, here are some tips to help minimize the risk of stomach reflux due to coffee:
Limit coffee in the evening: Drinking coffee in the evening can increase the risk of reflux at night. Try to avoid drinking coffee after dinner to reduce this risk.
Snack before coffee: If you drink coffee in the morning on an empty stomach, this can increase acid production and the risk of reflux. Snack before coffee to reduce this effect.
Monitor the body's reaction: Everyone has a different reaction to coffee. Observe your body and adjust the amount of coffee to be appropriate, minimizing reflux symptoms.
Combine with a healthy lifestyle: Take other measures to control GERD, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding overeating, not lying down immediately after eating, and raising the head of the bed when sleeping.
The above measures can help you continue to enjoy coffee without worsening gastroesophageal reflux.
