Dark roasted coffee may not cause acid reflux, unlike milder coffees, due to the chemical N-methylpyridinium (NMP) found in darker roasts that prevents the stomach from producing painful acids. This finding could change the relationship between mild coffee and acid reflux.
It has long been thought that those suffering from acid reflux and related disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid coffee because it may worsen reflux symptoms by increasing the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Scientific studies have shown that some coffees can actually cause acid reflux, but not all. It turns out that, as counterintuitive as it may seem, dark roasted coffees may not produce acid reflux that causes stomach acid, while milder coffees do. Understanding what it is about dark roasted beans that inhibit acid production can prove to be a vital key to one day eliminating any negative connection between coffee and acid reflux.
Darker roasts naturally contain a chemical, called N-methylpyridinium (NMP) that prevents the stomach from producing painful acids. This chemical, however, is not found in the most delicate roasts. This finding, presented in 2010 at the 239th National Convention of the American Chemical Society, could help explain why a previous study conducted by Stanford University found no relationship between coffee and acid reflux. The Stanford study in 2006 reportedly found no conclusive evidence that coffee and acid reflux are related, because not all coffee produces acid in the stomach. The Stanford study concluded that staying away from coffee would not reduce acid reflux symptoms and that only diet and head elevation during sleep could relieve symptoms.
Oddly enough, there’s a good chance many acid reflux sufferers have turned to milder coffees in an effort to quell their heartburn. Rather than relieving the acid reflux, however, that insight may have actually made the symptoms worse. Drinking darker coffee or espresso drinks that contain NMPs may be the answer to avoiding coffee-induced heartburn without having to give up coffee.
By experimenting with mild roasts that contain NMPs, researchers are trying to change the relationship between mild coffee and acid reflux. If it’s possible to prepare mild roasts that contain NMPs, future coffee lovers who shudder at the thought of the dark roast may not need to change their tastes. For now, though, it appears coffee and acid reflux can be avoided simply by sticking to darker beans.
Although some coffees can cause acid reflux, painful stomach acids are more often caused by overeating and poor sleeping habits. Stay away from certain foods that can cause heartburn eat less and not right before sleep; and head elevation while sleeping are all proven ways to reduce chronic acid reflux. Seeing a doctor is always recommended to get specific medical advice on how to treat a case of acid reflux.
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