Caffiene and acid reflux have one thing in common – they both cause problems within your body that can lead to unpleasant health issues such as heartburn. In fact, caffeine actually relaxes the lower esophagus sphincter (LES) which dramatically increases your acid reflux risk. Therefore, if you enjoy daily cups of coffee and/or tea and suffer from frequent acid reflux or acid indigestion (heartburn), your caffeine intake could very well be the cause of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) digestive problems.
What is the connection between caffeine and acid reflux? The following are the common reasons why caffeine can lead to acid reflux and related problems:
• Caffeine decreases pressure in the LES which contributes to gastroesophageal reflux.
• Caffeine obstructs the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in the GI tract, nervous system and brain. GABA is vital to stress and mood management and produces a calming effect within the GI tract. Hence, since caffeine interferes with GABA metabolism it increases levels of stress, which can also lead to heartburn.
• Caffeine elevates the hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and an overall sense of emergency. When these hormones are elevated, blood is taken from the digestive system which can lead to indigestion.
• Caffeine in coffee suppresses immune system function.
What products contain caffeine and should be avoided? Caffeine is found in many beverages including most dark sodas (cola, root beer, etc.), coffee, tea and energy drinks. A small amount of caffeine can also be found in chocolate. However, the main caffeine and acid reflux link is in regards to coffee and tea. You may think that drinking decaffeinated coffee or tea is acceptable, but you should never make the mistake of thinking a decaffeinated beverage has no caffeine. A beverage that is decaf has less caffeine. It is not caffeine free. Therefore, unless the tea, coffee or other product states that it is “caffeine free”, there is likely caffeine in the ingredients.
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If I can’t drink coffee, tea or soda than what can I drink? The best beverage is, of course, water. Water – particularly filtered water that takes out chlorine – is the gentlest liquid on your body. However, if you are thinking of a non-caffeine, acid reflux friendly drink that can substitute your favorite caffeinated beverages consider the following:
• Coffee substitutes: You will find that there are herbal coffees available that are 100% caffeine free. Some of these include: Postum, HerbaCafe™, Chicory, and Teeccino. Keep in mind that while herbal coffee may brew and smell like coffee; it is a substitute and may not have the same flavor. Therefore, it can be a required taste that will take some getting used to.
• Tea: Herbal teas are caffeine free. However, avoid herbal teas that contain peppermint or spearmint as they can also aggravate acid reflux.
• Soda: light colored sodas such as ginger ale, orange soda, etc. do not contain caffeine. That being said, they do contain carbon, and high amounts of sugar which can aggravate acid reflux. Therefore, it is generally in your best interest to avoid drinking soda altogether or saving it for a once in a while treat.
Eliminating caffiene and acid reflux will do your body a world of good. It may be difficult at first to wean yourself off of your favourite caffeinated drink, but it’s worth it in the long run. It all comes down to deciding what’s more important to you – your caffeine kick or your health.
By Kathryn Whittaker. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD head-on and discover more about Caffine and Acid Reflux. In the newsletter you'll also find more about the different kinds of acid reflux help and what to do if you have severe heartburn.
Source: www.articletrader.com
