More and more people are turning to gentle coffee in response to lifestyle shifts and dietary changes that have intensified issues like acid reflux
Low-acid coffee has gained popularity as more people experience GERD and acid reflux. These conditions can make it difficult for individuals to enjoy coffee without discomfort.. From Decaf to low acid coffee industry is experimenting continuously to make coffee more gentle for people with sensitive gut....
Let's understand how coffee causes acidity-
Imagine your stomach as a busy factory every morning. When you pour in a cup of coffee, chlorogenic acids and caffeine act like workers ramping up production, signaling the factory to produce more stomach acid, making the environment very acidic. At the same time, these ingredients cause the factory’s main gatekeeper, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), to relax. This relaxation lets the acid escape back into the esophagus, creating that uncomfortable burning sensation. As chlorogenic acids break down, they release caffeic acid, adding even more acid to the mix.
Meanwhile, other compounds like trigonelline and diterpenes in unfiltered coffee boost the acidity further, while organic acids and catechols irritate the factory’s (stomach)walls, prompting even more acid production. Although N-methylpyridinium (N-MP) tries to calm things down by blocking some acid production, it often can’t keep up with the busy factory’s demands. This intricate process explains why your beloved morning coffee can sometimes lead to that pesky heartburn.
What is low acid coffee?
Low acid coffee is designed to be gentler on the stomach by reducing acidity levels, making it suitable for those with acid reflux or digestive sensitivities. Types of low acid coffee include dark roasts, as longer roasting times naturally lower acidity, and beans from regions like Brazil, Sumatra, or Indonesia, which are inherently less acidic. Additionally, processing methods like Swiss Water Process decaffeination and slow brewing techniques such as cold brewing can produce low acid coffee.
Coffee alternatives that contain caffeine and less acid reflux
1. Guarana
Derived from a Brazilian plant, guarana seeds have a high caffeine content, providing a prolonged energy boost. It is commonly used in energy drinks and is often compared to coffee for its long-lasting effects.
Guarana has shown to reduce gastric secretion and acidity in studies, which helps prevent the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a key factor that leads to acid reflux.1,2
This Amazonian leaf has a high caffeine content and provides a smoother energy boost without the common jittery effects. It’s valued for its gentle and sustained stimulant effects along with antioxidants.1
Yerba mate, a tea-like drink from South America, contains caffeine and theobromine, providing a balanced stimulant effect similar to coffee but with a unique antioxidant profile.1
4. Kola nuts
Kola nut, rich in caffeine and antioxidants, can serve as a coffee alternative that provides a mild energy boost with a lower risk of acid reflux due to its reduced acidity.1