Espresso is a beloved beverage worldwide, prized for its concentrated flavor and intense aroma. For many people who experience heartburn or discomfort after drinking coffee, a primary concern is whether this highly concentrated form of coffee is a trigger for acid reflux. This discomfort arises when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. The question is whether the unique chemical makeup and preparation of espresso specifically contribute to this common gastrointestinal complaint.
How Coffee Consumption Affects the Esophageal Sphincter
Coffee, regardless of its preparation method, possesses chemical properties that can disrupt the body’s natural defense against reflux. The primary mechanism involves the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Compounds present in coffee, including caffeine, can cause this muscle to relax inappropriately.
When the LES pressure decreases, acidic contents of the stomach can splash back up into the sensitive lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Coffee also influences the production of stomach acid itself. The beverage stimulates the release of the hormone gastrin, which signals the stomach to increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid. Chlorogenic acids found in coffee also contribute to this effect, leading to a greater volume of acid in the stomach. This combination of a weakened barrier and increased gastric acid production makes coffee a potential trigger for reflux symptoms.
Acidity and Roasting Differences in Espresso
Espresso differs from standard drip coffee due to its specific preparation method and typical roast profile. A traditional espresso shot is brewed quickly under high pressure, resulting in a slightly higher pH level, or lower measured acidity, than a longer-extracted drip coffee. While drip coffee often registers a pH around 5.0, espresso typically falls closer to 5.0 to 5.5, indicating it is marginally less acidic. The short contact time with water during the espresso pull extracts fewer of the acidic compounds responsible for the higher acidity of other brew methods.
Furthermore, the dark roasts commonly used for espresso beans are beneficial because the prolonged roasting process breaks down many chlorogenic acids. This thermal degradation not only lowers the overall acidity but also generates a compound called N-methylpyridium (NMP). NMP is a byproduct of roasting that has been shown to potentially reduce the stomach’s production of hydrochloric acid.
Darker roasts, like those often used for espresso, contain higher concentrations of NMP compared to lighter roasts. This means that a traditional dark-roasted espresso may possess a unique chemical profile that is less irritating to the stomach than a standard medium-roast drip coffee. However, the high concentration of the espresso shot means that all compounds, including residual caffeine and oils, are delivered in a very dense form.
Strategies to Minimize Reflux Symptoms
For individuals who experience reflux but do not want to stop drinking espresso, several practical strategies can help reduce symptoms. A simple but effective method is to ensure that espresso is consumed with food rather than on an empty stomach. The presence of food acts as a buffer, helping to dilute and neutralize the acidity of the stomach contents.
Modifying the beverage itself can also prove beneficial for symptom management. Adding milk, cream, or a non-dairy alternative can help increase the overall pH of the drink, reducing its acidity and buffering the stomach. Choosing coffee beans that are naturally low-acid or have been specifically processed to lower their acid content may also provide relief. The roasting level of the bean is another factor to consider, as darker roasts are generally less acidic and contain more NMP.
Consumers might also explore alternative coffee preparations, such as cold brew, which is made by steeping grounds in cold water for many hours. This process extracts significantly fewer acidic compounds, resulting in a beverage that can be up to 70% less acidic than a traditional hot brew.
Finally, managing the timing of consumption is important, as drinking espresso close to bedtime can worsen nighttime reflux. Allowing several hours between the last espresso and lying down gives the stomach time to empty its contents and reduces the chance of acid flowing back up into the esophagus during sleep.