We all know the common trigger foods that cause heartburn, from fried foods to spicy foods. However, did you know there are certain drinks you could be drinking that are causing your heartburn more easily than some of the common food triggers?
Coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol are major heartburn triggers in some individuals. These beverages can cause GERD through multiple mechanisms that compromise the anti-reflux barrier and increase esophageal acid exposure: reduced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, increased transient LES relaxations, impaired esophageal motility, increased gastric acid secretion and direct mucosal injury.
Studies, however, show contradictory results regarding the relationship between different beverages and GERD. For instance, coffee has been traditionally thought to decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure, but more recent studies contradict these findings.
At Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center, trigger foods vary greatly among patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). For some people, coffee is a major trigger they need to avoid, while for others, wine is the main culprit. Interestingly, apple cider vinegar, a common trigger for acid reflux, is used by some acid reflux patients as a remedy for heartburn.
With summer in full swing—think parties, BBQs, and family gatherings—cutting back on beverages that trigger acid reflux can be tough. And skipping your usual morning coffee? Not exactly how most people want to start their day.
At the end of the day, the root cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a weakened anti-reflux barrier—not just your cup of coffee. If you’re dealing with daily heartburn, it’s important to get evaluated by a reflux specialist.
At Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center, a proper GERD evaluation always includes staging. Knowing your GERD stage helps determine the most effective treatment plan. For patients with stage 3 or 4 GERD, restoring the anti-reflux barrier is often recommended.
The most reliable way to rebuild this barrier is through procedures like hiatal
hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication.
If you’re ready to take control of your heartburn and get back to enjoying life, call 832-945-8717 to learn more.