Good morning

The acids in coffee can cause or worsen various digestive and physical issues, particularly for individuals with sensitivity to acidic foods or caffeine. [1, 2]  

Digestive and gastrointestinal problems 

• Heartburn and acid reflux (GERD): The acidity of coffee, combined with its caffeine content, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn. While not all studies show a direct link, many people report a worsening of symptoms after drinking coffee. 

• Irritation of the stomach lining (gastritis): For people with a sensitive stomach, the combination of coffee's acids and caffeine can irritate or inflame the stomach lining. This can aggravate existing conditions and lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, indigestion, or an upset stomach. 

• Stomach ulcers: While coffee does not cause stomach ulcers, it increases the production of stomach acid, which can make ulcer symptoms worse. 

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The acidity of coffee and its stimulating effect on the digestive tract can worsen symptoms of IBS, such as cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. 

• Increased bowel activity: The acids in coffee stimulate the production of certain hormones that cause involuntary muscle contractions in the digestive tract, leading to a laxative effect. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]  

Other negative effects 

• Dental concerns: The acidic pH of coffee can negatively impact dental health. The acidity can weaken tooth enamel, leading to staining and decay over time. 

• Anxiety and jitteriness: While primarily a side effect of caffeine, the rapid absorption of coffee when consumed on an empty stomach can intensify caffeine's effects. This can make sensitive individuals feel anxious, jittery, or irritable. 

• Bitterness and astringency: The breakdown of chlorogenic acids into quinic acid, especially during dark roasting or if the coffee is over-extracted, can create an unpleasant, bitter, or sour taste. [2, 4, 8, 10, 11]  

Factors that influence negative effects 

The severity of these negative effects can depend on several factors: 

• Type of bean: Robusta beans, which contain higher levels of both caffeine and potentially irritating quinic acid, can be harsher on the stomach than Arabica beans. 

• Roast level: Lighter roasts tend to be more acidic, while darker roasts contain more quinic acid, which can be irritating to sensitive stomachs. 

• Freshness and quality: Stale or low-quality beans can develop rancid oils that worsen digestive issues. 

• Brewing method: Cold brew is significantly less acidic than hot coffee and is often better tolerated by those with sensitivities. 

• Individual sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to coffee's effects due to underlying conditions like GERD or IBS. [1, 2, 12, 13, 14]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.bulletproof.com/coffee-articles/understanding-coffee-acidity-flavor-health-acidity-levels/[2] https://generalwarfieldscoffee.com/blogs/our-blog/low-acid-coffee-benefits[3] https://www.quora.com/Should-I-be-worried-about-acidic-coffee[4] https://cafely.com/blogs/info/how-acidic-is-coffee[5] https://allieddigestivehealth.com/can-coffee-cause-gastritis/[6] https://www.gastroconsa.com/can-coffee-cause-heartburn/[7] https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/coffee-abdominal-pain/[8] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coffee-on-empty-stomach[9] https://www.tums.com/about-heartburn/causes/can-coffee-cause-heartburn/[10] https://accessdentalnj.com/the-impact-of-coffee-on-your-dental-health/[11] https://sanjaykalradentalclinic.com/how-does-coffee-affects-the-oral-cavity/[12] https://twistedgoatcoffee.com/blogs/coffee-101/how-to-make-coffee-less-acidic[13] https://berksbeans.com/berks-blog/f/why-coffee-causes-heartburn-gut-issues-%E2%80%93-and-how-to-prevent-it[14] https://parachutecoffee.com/blogs/coffee-general/coffee-make-me-nauseous

Henry McClure  
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