Why Does Tea Give Me Heartburn But Not Coffee?
It may seem like a strange combination – tea causing heartburn but coffee not having the same effect. Chances are, if you’ve experienced heartburn after drinking tea but not coffee, you’re not alone. Before understanding why this might be so, let’s first look at how coffee and tea can both provide relief or contribute to the symptoms of reflux and heartburn.
How Coffee and Tea Impact Reflux and Heartburn
- Coffee – Coffee is known for helping to open and relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is open, reflux symptoms are more likely to occur. However, coffee can also reduce inflammation in the esophagus, helping to reduce symptoms.
- Tea – Tea, on the other hand, is known for having the opposite effect. While it helps to reduce inflammation, it can also cause the LES to tighten which can contribute to reflux symptoms like heartburn.
Why Does Tea Give Me Heartburn But Not Coffee?
There are a few potential reasons why tea might be triggering your heartburn while coffee doesn’t.
- Acidity – Coffee is known to be more acidic than tea. The higher the acidity, the more likely it is to cause heartburn.
- Caffeine Level – Coffee generally has more caffeine than tea. Since caffeine is known for increasing reflux symptoms, having a higher caffeine level in your beverage may contribute to heartburn.
- Flavor and Ingredients – The last potential reason why tea might be causing heartburn but coffee isn’t is related to the type of tea you’re drinking. Some teas, such as chamomile, can have a higher concentration of flavorings and ingredients that can be irritating to your esophagus.
Conclusion
So, if you’ve been wondering why tea gives you heartburn but not coffee, now you know. The difference could be due to the acidity, caffeine levels, or specific ingredients in the tea. It is important to note that different coffees, teas, and other drinks can still result in symptoms of reflux and heartburn regardless of the type. If you experience reflux and heartburn regularly, it is best to speak with your physician about ways to reduce your symptoms.
