Coffee can provide the energy and motivation you need to start your day right, not to mention providing essential antioxidants that may reduce heart disease risks and protect against certain cancers. Unfortunately, caffeine and other compounds found in coffee may trigger heartburn for people suffering from acid reflux; however, with smart selection of low acid varieties you can still reap its many healthful benefits!

Acidity levels for beverages are determined by their pH levels; lower values indicate greater acidity while higher numbers suggest reduced acidity. A cup of coffee typically ranges between 4.85 and 5.10 in terms of its acidity level while decaffeinated coffee has a pH level closer to 4.8 making it significantly less acidic than regular coffee.

Caffeine increases stomach acid production and may increase gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in some individuals. Furthermore, caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter which allows more stomach acid into the esophagus from your stomach.

Other foods that can trigger GERD symptoms, like tomatoes and citrus juices, should also be included as potential acid reflux triggers. A food diary can be an invaluable way to identify these triggers so that they may be avoided altogether. Other effective remedies for acid reflux may include drinking nonacidic beverages like herbal teas, low fat milk (plant-based), coconut water smoothies or nonacidic fruit juices as dietary changes or remedies; you could also opt for decaf beverages in lieu of caffeinated options like soda and tea beverages instead.