is one
alternative for acid reflux sufferers who can’t live without their caffeine
fix. Avoidance of both regular and decaffeinated coffee is generally
recommended for heartburn patients due to the acid they contain, which can
contribute to significant pain and indigestion. Low acid coffee could be the
answer to these problems, as it is roasted in a way that eliminates much of the
acid without having a negative effect on the taste.
The roasting process of the
low acid coffee beans is altered to reduce as much as 25 percent of the total
acid content – great news for sufferers of acid reflux. While 25 percent may
not seem like that much to the casual coffee drinker, patients who experience
chronic heartburn will realize that this is a huge reduction. Some brands of low acid coffee claim to contain up
to 50 percent less acid than the leading regular and decaffeinated coffee on
the market.
Puroast is one such brand.
They have sponsored scientific
research on the use of their low acid coffee. Recent studies conducted by
the University of California have shown that this particular brand contains at least 50 percent less
acid than other brands. The study also showed that close to 90 percent of
people who consumed the coffee experienced symptom relief from gastrointestinal
discomfort. These results clearly indicate that the reduced amounts of acid are
beneficial to anyone with indigestion problems from drinking regular coffee.
The acidity of common coffee
irritates the stomach, which can cause or exacerbate indigestion, heartburn,
and acid reflux in susceptible individuals. By drinking low acid coffee, you
stop this process at the source. There is no stomach irritation, which means no
acid reflux. Coffee increases the production of gastric acid levels and
decreases pressure in the esophageal sphincter, which leads to acid reflux and
esophageal reflux. Low acid coffee, on the other hand, prevents this increase in
gastric acid, and the decrease in pressure.
There are numerous brands of
low acid coffee on the market today, and consumers vary on their preference.
However, it is safe to say that taste, aroma, and strength have not been
sacrificed at the cost of reducing acid. If you suffer from acid reflux, and
don’t want to give up the coffee, try one of the many different brands of low
acid coffee found at your local supermarket, health food store, or ordered
online.
In addition, cold brewing
regular coffee has also been suggested as an alternative to buying low acid
coffee. Regular ground coffee can be used, and it is believed that the method
reduces acid naturally. In fact, some manufacturers claim that cold brewing
results in a low acid coffee containing up to 67 percent less acid. Special
cold-brewing machines are available to acid reflux sufferers who still want to
enjoy their favorite coffee without the pain. You could also try cold brewing
your own low acid coffee, if you were so inclined.
No matter how it’s prepared,
low acid coffee is becoming a trend for sufferers of acid reflux disease. Many
coffee shops around the country have begun to serve their own version of low
acid coffee. If you’re the type to stop in for a quick cup on your way to work,
ask your favorite coffee shop if they have any low acid alternatives, or if
they’d be willing to carry them for you. Don’t give up on your love of coffee
just because you’ve been diagnosed with acid reflux – low acid coffee may be
the answer you didn’t even know you were looking for.