Acid reflux is one of the most common problems that many individuals face today. It is a condition in which a person experiences frequent heartburn as a result of stomach acid. Diets high in acid can dramatically increase the extent of burning. And coffee, being naturally acidic, can also lead to heartburn.
I recognize, however, how important coffee is to caffeine lovers. So, rather than completely giving it up, you can employ methods to lower its acid content.
Acid reducers, salt, baking soda, and even eggs can help lessen coffee’s acidity. You can also use cold brew or brew your coffee for a shorter period to limit acid release.
I’ve covered some strategies that can help you reduce acid in your coffee in this article. These approaches are practical and provide excellent results.
Contents
Method #1: Brew Your Coffee in Cold Water
Using cold water to brew your coffee reduces its acid content by 70%, making it perfect for people who have acid reflux or stomach ulcers. Cold-brewing machines produce coffee that is less bitter because the acidity is more balanced. In this method, ground coffee beans must soak in cold water for up to 24 hours.
The oils present in the coffee beans create acidity, and cold brewing decreases it. Cold water prevents acid from being extracted into your coffee. When you brew coffee in hot water, the high temperature allows the acid from the oils to release quickly into your drink.
However, this procedure is not ideal if you’re in a rush because it takes a long time to complete. Make sure to prepare the coffee ahead of time, so you don’t have to wait!
Tip: To neutralize the acid in your coffee, use hard water that contains more minerals and calcium instead of soft water when brewing.
Methos #2: Choose Dark Roast Coffee
The roast also determines the acidity of your coffee. Dark coffee roasts provide less acidic coffee due to the multiple chemical changes during the roasting process. These changes help to reduce the acidity of the coffee. On the other hand, light or medium roast coffee will yield an acidic cup of coffee due to the presence of malic acid. Because they were not roasted for long enough, they still contain a lot of acid.
Light roast coffee also has more caffeine, which results in a more acidic beverage.
Method #3: Pick Low-Acid Coffee Beans
You can determine the degree of acidity in coffee beans by where you cultivate them. Some places make coffee that is slightly more acidic than others. This is due to the environment in which the beans were grown. For example, Arabica coffee beans are less acidic than Robusta beans.
Coffee beans grown at lower elevations have less acid than those grown at higher elevations. Many countries, including Brazil and India, produce less acidic coffee beans than the ones grown in Kenya. Before you buy, read the description of the coffee beans to find out where they were grown and how much acid they contain.
Multiple brands have also developed methods to control the natural acid in coffee beans or prepare them in a way that produces less acid. You can accomplish this by increasing the roasting time or adding substances that aid in acid reduction. Before roasting the beans, these brands usually remove the top waxy covering. This results in a flavorful and less acidic cup of coffee. However, as a result of this, you can reduce the natural coffee’s aroma.
Method #4: Use Acid Reducers
You can find acid reducers in abundance on the market. They generate a chemical alteration in coffee that neutralizes acidity by up to 90% without sacrificing flavor! With acid reducers, you can drink your coffee without worrying about heartburn or acid reflux.
Method #5: Add Eggshells
This procedure is one of the most effective ones. The alkaline calcium in eggshells neutralizes the acidity of coffee grinds. It also reduces the bitterness of darkly roasted coffee beans. Simply crack two eggs and wash them thoroughly to ensure that no yolk or egg whites remain. Hand-crush the washed bits and brew them in your coffee maker. This procedure should be done with caution as coffee with eggshells doesn’t sound appealing.
Note: Many people add salt or baking soda to their coffee which serves the same purpose. Salt is an acid neutralizer, and the alkaline baking soda balances the acid content in coffee.
Method #6: Use a Fine Grinder
The pace of extraction also determines the acidity of your coffee. A grinder with a larger surface area accelerates flavor and aroma extraction, producing less acidic coffee. On the other hand, a coarse grinder with its smaller surface area slows down the extraction rate. Your coffee will be less acidic if you ground it finer.
Method #7: Filter Your Coffee Using Filter Paper
If you’re preparing coffee by a method that requires a filter, always choose a paper filter instead of a metal mesh one. Filter paper traps the oils and other compounds that produce acidity and prevents them from entering your cup.
Final Thoughts
If you have acid reflux or GI burning, you don’t have to quit drinking coffee. The high acidity levels in coffee can cause several negative side effects, but if reducing your caffeine intake is not an option, you can take steps to reduce acid levels.
You can continue to enjoy your favorite drink without suffering from unpleasant heartburn by choosing low-acid, dark roast, and finely ground coffee beans. You can also add milk or cream to your coffee to reduce acidity. I hope this article was useful to you, and you can find new ways to enjoy your coffee without any discomfort!
