Thanks for this helpful info. In regard to GERD and coffee, an ongoing factoid I hear is that it isn’t that coffee is that acidic, but that it also “loosens the LES” valve to a compound it contains (found in both regular and decaf). Is there truth to this?
I looked it up and yes coffee (caffeine) can decrease LES pressure. But that being said, coffee is not a cause of GERD but might make it worse. There are interesting studies showing strengthening the diaphragm may help increase the pressure since it’s both the LES and diaphragm which creates the anti reflux barrier. I talk about that more here https://maryannjacobsen.substack.com/p/midlife-digestive-issue-stomach
Thanks for this helpful info. In regard to GERD and coffee, an ongoing factoid I hear is that it isn’t that coffee is that acidic, but that it also “loosens the LES” valve to a compound it contains (found in both regular and decaf). Is there truth to this?
I looked it up and yes coffee (caffeine) can decrease LES pressure. But that being said, coffee is not a cause of GERD but might make it worse. There are interesting studies showing strengthening the diaphragm may help increase the pressure since it’s both the LES and diaphragm which creates the anti reflux barrier. I talk about that more here https://maryannjacobsen.substack.com/p/midlife-digestive-issue-stomach
Great article! Thank you for the deep dive into the research and sharing your findings.
You’re welcome!
Good to know-I love coffee!
Me too. My husband makes the best coffe 💜
Love hearing all these myths busted! And the final point that coffee, like everything else, is individualized is the best point to keep in mind.
For sure. Like everything else in midlife!