Drinking Coffee May Cause Heart Disease: 10 Ways to Cope

Coffee may help provide energy and promote weight loss, but it can also affect your digestive system! Read on to learn the connection between coffee and heat.

For many people, a cup of coffee is a must-have to start their day. Not only does it boost your energy, but its rich aroma and rich taste have made it a favorite morning beverage. Coffee is known to increase alertness and even contain nutrients like antioxidants. However, it can also be the culprit in causing digestive discomfort like heartburn. Like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, and chocolate, coffee is acidic and can cause acidity and heartburn. So while coffee can be a satisfying beverage, especially for its support, some people need to limit their coffee intake to avoid digestive issues. If you want to know how much coffee increases your risk of high blood pressure, this could help!

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a stomach upset problem. It causes a burning sensation in the chest, usually felt after eating or at night, and occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus. It can cause discomfort, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Some call it heartburn, but it has nothing to do with your heart. The pain caused by heartburn usually occurs in the upper abdomen and can cause nausea, bloating, and burping.

Can coffee cause heart disease?

There are several reasons why coffee can cause heartburn and other digestive problems:

Coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid, which irritates the esophagus and leads to high blood pressure.
The acid and caffeine content of coffee stimulates the esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. This relaxation allows stomach acid to flow upward, causing the discomfort and burning sensation known as heartburn.
Experts explain that the high acidity in coffee can directly damage the stomach and lead to serious conditions such as gastritis or ulcers.
In some cases, the caffeine in coffee acts as a mild diuretic and can cause dehydration, further affecting digestion.

The connection between caffeine and GERD

Caffeine itself stimulates stomach acid secretion, causing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn and hyperacidity. If you still experience hot flashes from other beverages like soda or tea, the culprit is caffeine, not coffee.

For people with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), it is recommended to reduce caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea because they can cause symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. A 2019 study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that women who drank coffee, tea, and soft drinks were at a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux compared to women who drank water. Therefore, limiting caffeine intake may help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

How to deal with heartburn?

1. Avoid triggers

Just like drinking coffee, if you think a food or drink causes heartburn, avoid it. Common triggers include coffee, spicy foods, fatty foods, and chocolate.

2. Eat small meals frequently

Large meals can stress the LES, causing heartburn. Therefore, eating small, frequent meals can improve digestion.

3. Don’t lie down after eating

Don’t lie down immediately after eating, as this can cause food to back up into your esophagus and cause acid reflux.

4. Chew Gum

Chewing gum can increase saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and lower blood pressure. So give this a try if you’re prone to heartburn, especially after eating.

5. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. This can help dilute stomach acid and promote healthy digestion.

6. Drink herbal tea

Certain herbs, such as chamomile, ginger, and licorice root, may help improve digestion and lower high blood pressure.

7. Raise the head of your bed

Raise the head of your bed about 6-8 inches while you sleep to prevent stomach acid from flowing into your esophagus.

8. Wear loose clothing

Clothing that is too tight around your waist and stomach can irritate the stomach and encourage acid reflux. So wear loose clothing.

9. Quit smoking

Smoking weakens the lining of the stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus.

10. Manage stress

Stress can cause heartburn symptoms. You can manage your stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Together, these lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of hypertension and improve overall health.