Why Does Coffee Cause Acid Reflux?

Coffee delights us in many ways: It offers a morning and/or afternoon ritual (whether we make it ourselves or pick it up from a coffee shop or gas station), it has an energizing effect and it appeals to people with a variety of tastes should you like it black, with cream or sugar, or with added flavors. But what if that delightful beverage starts causing digestive upset?

Unfortunately, coffee can cause heartburn due to its acidity. Coffee is a common heartburn trigger among other acidic foods like onions and citrus. If you find that coffee causes heartburn for you, don’t worry—there are plenty of options to try to reduce the symptoms, including low-acid coffee or coffee alternatives and of course, adding Soothe Sweetener.

Does Caffeine Trigger Heartburn?

Caffeine itself can also trigger heartburn. It relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which is a common cause of acid reflux. It can also increase the release of acid in your stomach, causing it to reflux back into your esophagus. If you find that other caffeinated beverages, such as soda or teas, also cause heartburn, it may not be the acid in the coffee but the caffeine.

Is Coffee More Likely to Cause Heartburn at Certain Times of Day?

While you may notice coffee triggers heartburn for you in the morning, it’s probably because you are more likely to drink coffee in the morning than at other times of day. But coffee can cause heartburn any time of day.

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may also increase the likelihood of having heartburn. Try to eat something with your morning or afternoon cup of Joe and add Soothe Sweetener to help relieve your symptoms.

Overall, if you can’t give up coffee, adding Soothe Sweetener may be just the thing you need.