One of the biggest problems with caffine and acid reflux is that caffeine acts as a relaxant for the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle that is found at the top of the stomach where the esophagus meets the stomach.

The LES is designed to stay closed, only opening to allow food through when we swallow. If the muscle becomes relaxed then acid and food can splash up into the esophagus bringing on the symptoms of acid reflux.

A lot of people like to start the day with a cup of tea or coffee for the taste and also for the caffeine content to give them that ‘kick’ to get the day started. If you are one of those people, then it could be a contributing factor as to why you are having problems with your upper digestive system and acid reflux symptoms.

Do you wonder about the connection between caffeine and acid reflux? Here are some common reasons why caffeine can affect acid reflux and its related symptoms:

1. Gastro esophageal reflux can be caused by caffeine decreasing the pressure in the LES.

2. Caffeine can interfere with the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) metabolism. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in the nervous system, GI tract, and brain. GABA is essential for stress and mood managing, and evokes a sense of calm within the digestive tract. Caffeine interferes with GABA, and thus reflux can become more common and painful.

3. The hormones Cortisol, epinephrine and nor epinephrine are elevated by caffeine. Together, these hormones increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and put the body in a state of emergency. When these hormones are more prominent, blood is routed to other areas away from the digestive system leading to reflux issues.

4. It is thought that caffeine suppresses the immune system.

So, what caffeinated products should be avoided? Caffeine is a prominent ingredient in many types of colas. Coffee contains caffeine, as does tea and many energy drinks on the market. You can also find some in chocolate. However, it is the caffeine in drinks that most acid reflux sufferers have problems with, most notably coffee, tea, and large amounts of soda.

Some believe they can alleviate the problem by drinking decaffeinated drinks, but some of them still have a trace amount of caffeine. There are some brands that are totally without caffeine, but you may have to search to find them. To be sure a product does not contain any caffeine look for the words ‘caffeine-free’ on the label. Just having decaffeinated does not mean there is no caffeine rather is contains less caffeine.

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What then, can I drink? The best drink for the body is of course water, and that goes doubly for those who have problems with acid reflux. If you can find water that has been filtered free of chlorine, you have found a great choice. However, besides water, there are a few other options that you can have to scintillate the taste buds:

1. Coffee Replacements: You may find that herbal coffees are caffeine free. Some types include: Postum, HerbaCafe™, Chicory, and Teeccino. These will brew in the same manner as coffee, and have the same aroma, but they tend to not taste the same and they can be an acquired taste.

2. Tea: While herbal teas are free of caffeine, you should avoid peppermint, as it can aggravate GERD.

3. Soda: Most sodas that are light in color do not contain caffeine. Orange soda, ginger ale, and lemonade are just a few. They do, however, contain carbon and sugar in high amounts so they aren’t great substitutes.

Getting rid of caffeine and acid reflux can really make a difference to how you feel, especially your energy levels. You may find it hard to eliminate caffeinated drinks at first, as caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, but it is the best in the end. It means deciding that your health and comfort are more important than your daily caffeine injection.

See the article here: Avoid Caffine And Acid Reflux Symptoms Can Reduce