Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux, is characterized by chronic, frequent heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus, opens spontaneously and allows acid to pass into the esophagus. Symptoms include a burning feeling in the back of the throat and chest. Factors that contribute to GERD include obesity, pregnancy and smoking. Caffeine intake may contribute to GERD, but clinical proof is lacking.
Caffeine Effects
A review of 100 relevant studies conducted by researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine and published in the May 2006 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine" found no studies that documented improvement in GERD after reduction of caffeine intake in the form of coffee or chocolate. However, there is physiological evidence that exposure to caffeine decreases the pressure inside the lower esophageal sphincter, making GERD more likely.
Caffeine Types
In a Korean study reported in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility," carbonated drinks increased the symptoms of GERD by 69 percent, while caffeine drinks increased the incidence by 41 percent. A University of Kentucky student study of the effects of different types of caffeine on acid reflux found that high-caffeine sources such as espresso, caffeine pills and energy drinks caused GERD more than other sources.
Atypical Symptoms
Not everyone who has GERD experiences heartburn or the typical burning feeling in the chest. Most children under age 12 and some adults never experience heartburn with GERD. Less typical symptoms of GERD include a cough, asthma symptoms or difficulty swallowing. If you still experience these symptoms while drinking caffeinated beverages, even if you do not have heartburn, you may still have GERD.
Considerations
Not everyone who has GERD needs to give up caffeine. Studies have not shown a proven correlation between GERD symptoms and caffeine intake, Lauren B. Gerson, M.D., states in the September 2009 issue of "Gastroenterology and Hepatology." Try giving up caffeine, especially sources high in caffeine or caffeinated drinks that are carbonated, and see if your symptoms improve. Once you have GERD under control, try reintroducing a small amount of caffeine to see if it makes a difference in your symptoms. If symptoms reappear when you reintroduce caffeine, you're better off leaving caffeine out of your diet.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- The University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences: Correlation Between Caffeine Consumption and Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease; Emily Hayman
- "Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; Current Developments in the Management of Acid-Related GI Disorders; Lauren Gerson, M.D.; September 2009
- "Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility"; Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms and Dietary Factors in Korea; J.H. Song, et al.; January 2011
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Are Lifestyle Measures Effective in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?; Tonya Kaltenbach, MD, et al.; May 2006
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