Caffeine may lower pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle in the esophagus. The effect relaxes the muscle and worsens symptoms of acid reflux, the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Acid reflux causes the burning or painful sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat. You may also experience a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth. Avoiding caffeine helps reduce symptoms.
Esophageal Function
The lower esophageal sphincter normally opens as contents enter the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not close tightly and allows stomach acid backup into the esophagus. Research confirms that caffeine lowers esophageal sphincter pressure. One study by researchers at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, examined 12 healthy men and women. The volunteers consumed water and later drank water containing caffeine. Researchers found no change in esophageal pressure when volunteers drank water, but the esophageal pressure lowered significantly after they consumed caffeine. The researchers concluded that caffeine may affect esophageal function to promote the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, according to the June 2006 edition of "Diseases of the Esophagus."
Acid Reflux Triggers
Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. GERD patients and people who experience frequent heartburn may see symptoms reduced by avoiding acid reflux food triggers, such as coffee, tea, carbonated beverages and chocolate, which contains caffeine. Other triggers may include fried or fatty foods, onions, tomato-based products, citrus fruits and alcohol. Some people, however, have specific triggers. They may not be bothered by common triggers and experience symptoms from other foods. Keeping a food journal, noting the foods you eat and symptoms that follow, helps you identify your particular triggers.
Cell Damage
Hiatal hernia patients often experience increased acid reflux episodes because of weakened tissue in the stomach and esophageal sphincter. Frequent acid reflux over time and left untreated may develop into Barrett's esophagus, which damages cells in the esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer. GERD, hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagus patients benefit when they limit or eliminate caffeine from their diet.
Acid Reflux Diet
A small amount of caffeine may be fine for some people, but multiple cups of coffee a day is excessive when trying to reduce acid reflux, according to Kerry Dunbar. M.D., in an article for Johns Hopkins Pathology. You may have to determine your own limits in avoiding acid reflux and learn what items trigger your symptoms. Aside from avoiding caffeine and other triggers, you can benefit from a low-fat diet and eating smaller meals, which digest fast to decrease the risk of acid reflux. Include plenty of non-citrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Choose lean meat, fish, skinless poultry and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
References
- "Diseaseas of the Esophagus;" Effect of Cafffeine on Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure...; S. Lohsiriwat, et al; June 2006
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Johns Hopkins Pathology; Diet and Barrett's Esophagus; Kerry Dunbar, MD; April 2009
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