Introduction
Coffee is loved the world over for its flavour and for the lift it gives. Not everyone, though, can enjoy it without stomach trouble. Plenty of people wonder whether coffee irritates the stomach and whether there is anything to be done about it. Below we look at why coffee can cause digestive discomfort, and at what a gentler coffee looks like.
The health benefits of coffee
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and carries a number of health benefits. Studies show that drinking coffee regularly may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Coffee improves concentration and raises energy levels, which helps in everyday life.
Does coffee irritate the stomach?
Why coffee can irritate the stomach
Coffee is an acidic drink, and that acidity can irritate the stomach lining, causing abdominal pain, indigestion and cramps. The acidity of coffee can increase the production of hydrochloric acid, which makes the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux worse.
Reflux and other stomach problems
People with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often find their symptoms flare up after coffee. Caffeine can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, letting stomach contents travel back up into the oesophagus and causing heartburn and a burning sensation.
What does a gentler coffee look like?
Coffees that are kinder to the stomach
If you have a sensitive stomach, look for low-acidity coffees. They tend to irritate the stomach lining less and cause fewer digestive problems.
Medium roast coffee
Medium roast coffee is gentler on the stomach than a dark roast. Medium roasted beans contain fewer irritant compounds, which can help you avoid stomach trouble.
Light roast coffee
Light roasts can also be gentler, even though they taste more fruity and you would expect higher acidity from them. Brew them well and the result is much softer. Use a paper filter and brew a light roast in a dripper: the filter takes out the fines that irritate the throat, and brewing slightly longer, with a medium grind, softens the acidity and gives you a black coffee worth drinking. For this kind of brewing we recommend Colbergcoffee Fazenda Rainha or Colbergcoffee Guatemala Huehuetenango.
Adding milk to coffee
Adding milk can help neutralise the acidity, which is useful if your stomach is sensitive. Milk acts as a buffer and reduces irritation of the stomach lining. If you are lactose intolerant, a plant-based drink is a good alternative.
Not drinking coffee on an empty stomach
Coffee on an empty stomach can raise acid production and cause irritation. Drink it after a meal, or with one, to limit the effect on your stomach.
Coffees from the Colbergcoffee range
Gentler on the stomach
Colbergcoffee offers low-acidity coffees that are gentle on the stomach. Low in acidity, and medium roasted as well. Examples are Colbergcoffee Peru Chanchamayo HB and Colbergcoffee Mexico El Jaguar. Both come from regions where acidity is naturally low.
Medium roasts
Medium roast coffees are gentler on the stomach than darker ones, because a medium roast produces less caramelisation in the bean and fewer irritant compounds.
Research on coffee and health
Studies supporting the health benefits
Numerous studies point to health benefits from coffee. Drinking it regularly may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. The antioxidants in coffee help fight free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Studies on coffee and stomach problems
Research shows that coffee can affect the health of the stomach. For anyone with a sensitive stomach, coffee can make reflux symptoms worse and cause discomfort. Choose lower-acidity coffees and follow the advice above, and you can enjoy coffee without the trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Does coffee irritate the stomach?
It can, particularly for people with a sensitive stomach or with reflux. The acidity of coffee can increase hydrochloric acid production and cause discomfort.
Which coffee should I choose if I have reflux?
Go for lower-acidity coffees, such as medium roasts. Adding milk or a plant-based drink can also help neutralise the acidity.
Does adding milk actually help?
Yes. Milk can reduce the acidity and the irritation. It acts as a buffer, softening the effect of coffee on the stomach lining.
Is a medium roast better for the stomach?
Medium roasts contain fewer irritant compounds than dark roasts, which can be easier on a sensitive stomach.
Are all coffees equally acidic?
No. Acidity varies a great deal. Coffees from some regions, Central America among them, can be naturally lower in acidity.
How do I avoid stomach trouble after coffee?
Pick lower-acidity coffees, add milk, avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach and have it after a meal.
In summary
Coffee can irritate the stomach, especially if your digestion is sensitive. Choose lower-acidity coffees, add milk and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, and you can enjoy the flavour without the after-effects. Colbergcoffee has a range of coffees that are gentle on the stomach and may suit anyone with digestive trouble. We covered specific beans from our roastery in our ranking of low-acidity coffees.
