One in five people have acid reflux on a weekly basis.
The American Gastroenterological Association estimates 1/3rd of the US population has gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). (data according to a 2021 article in aboutgerd.org)
What the heck is provoking this?
It’s not what you’d think…
…most people are not producing too much acid, rather – it’s underproduction of acid that’s at the root of most issues.
Is it the coffee?
I’ve spent countless hours negotiating coffee deals with those who suffer from acid reflux and gut issues.
Second to sugar, coffee is likely the world’s most favorite drug…and laxative.
I truly wonder how many people would be constipated without coffee…
…side note…there are quite a few research studies on this phenomenon – who would’ve guessed?!
Having the pleasure of living in the Pacific Northwest for more than half my life I’ve seen the most intense of coffee addictions.
Just listening to people order their favorite drink is impressive, it took me years to recite my husband’s simple “16 oz – quad shot americano, with room” .
Did you know you can get 6 shots of espresso in a coffee and not have a heart attack?
Go figure.
Coffee lowers the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, that’s the connection between your esophagus (tube food goes down) and stomach.
Many other things do that too…
mint
citrus
caffeine containing black/green teas
tomato
pepper
alcohol
chocolate
In addition to coffee these things can provoke or contribute to acid reflux.
Eating on the go, not chewing your food effectively and eating when stressed also contribute to symptoms.
The act of eating is a parasympathetic, chill response.
Slowing down to eat is vital to your digestive health as you get older.
Anytime I go out to eat I use enzymes, especially if I’m going to a steak place.
American Health Papaya Enzymes – 3 chewables after a meal have been a go-to for many years, however, CVS is the parent company so I’ve recently moved to Nature’s Truth Papaya Enzyme chewables as they are privately owned.
Papaya contains bromelain, pineapple and kiwi do as well – you could eat these after a meal to help with digestion.
Bromelain powder is used as a meat tenderizer as it helps with the breakdown of protein.
If you struggle with a heavy gut after eating meat, these could help as well.
To prevent burn and help heal up the tissue while you’re preventing burn I use Rhizinate Licorice Root Chewables (fructose free).
You chew one 20 minutes before a meal.
Yes, they taste like licorice root.
If licorice isn’t your flavor then I would consider aloe vera juice or glutamine powder.
When acid reflux has been going on for a while and perhaps you’ve even seen a GI doc and received a medicine like Omeprazole, a powdered licorice root drink like GI Revive by Designs for Health would be my recommendation.
Keep in mind, Omeprazole can be helpful for serious acid reflux but it’s not designed to be used 24/7 – it’s meant to be used as needed for short periods of time.
In my opinion, if it’s going to prevent someone from vomiting due to acid reflux ramping up – I’d take it and work on the natural stuff in the meantime to get things calmed down.
So is coffee really the culprit when it comes to GERD?
I think it’s a contributor.
Your digestion is aging much like a car.
The harder you drive it, the more chances for it breaking down.
Beating up your gut by eating on the go, not chewing sufficiently and over filling the gut with food or liquid has consequences.
I’ve had a lot of people resolve their GERD and keep their coffee by sitting down to eat slowly first.
No need to spend money on enzymes or medications.
Your habits, routines and behaviors have a role in whether you have acid reflux or not.
The more you take notes on what works and what doesn’t the better idea you’ll have what’s contributing to your symptoms.
You can protect your gut health as you get older…
…and you can keep your coffee…perhaps not a quad shot but some is better than none!
Here’s to a healthy gut as you get older,
Dr. J
