Outside the gut, it’s well known that the caffeine in coffee increases heart rate and blood pressure. Also, sitting too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep, but these changes are temporary, Dr. Cryer said.
Does increased stomach acid cause any problems?
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is unlikely to damage your stomach, but in theory cause heartburnsaid Dr. Barrett.
We know that coffee boosts the production of stomach acid, but if you have food in your stomach, or if you drink coffee with milk or creamer, it creates a buffer that helps neutralize that acid. That’s why drinking black coffee, especially without meals, can lower stomach pH more than drinking it with milk or food, says Dr. Barrett.
A slightly lower pH is fine for the stomach lining, but it can cause problems because the lining of the esophagus is more susceptible to acid damage. moreover, some research Coffee has been shown to relax and open the sphincter that connects the esophagus to the stomach. This makes it easier for acid from the stomach to splash into the esophagus, which can lead to unpleasant heartburn symptoms.
But there is also mixed data.Ah 2014 review of 15 studies No association was found between coffee consumption and heartburn symptoms in Europe, Asia, and the United States, in contrast, a 2020 study using data from more than 48,000 female nurses found , High risk of heartburn symptoms among coffee lovers.
To understand how coffee affects the esophagus, scientists are also studying a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when chronic exposure to stomach acid damages the esophagus, such as in people with longstanding acid reflux problems. In order to protect it, it changes into a more durable stomach-like cell. These changes can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, especially if you have a family history of esophageal cancer or smoke. But reassuringly, 2016 Survey of U.S. Veterans No similar relationship was found with coffee consumption. The authors concluded that avoiding coffee probably does not help with Barrett’s esophagus.
So what should i do?
In fact, as a gastroenterologist, I usually tell my patients to be aware of their symptoms. If you do, you should reduce the dose or consider an antacid. Adding a little milk or cream to your morning cup or adding a small amount of food can also help. It is possible that you are a person who can continue to drink with peace of mind.
