Does your morning coffee leave your stomach grumbling? The culprit might be acidity, and understanding it can save your gut. For beginners, coffee’s pH—around 5—sounds nerdy, but it’s key to a happier belly. Let’s break it down!
➡️ Acidity 101: Coffee’s acids (like chlorogenic or citric) give it zing but can crank up your stomach’s acid production, sparking heartburn or reflux. Compared to water’s neutral pH of 7, coffee’s a bit tart—think lemon’s 2.5 for perspective.
💡 What Hurts: On an empty stomach, coffee’s acids can erode your gut’s protective lining, causing irritation, especially if you’ve got ulcers. It’s not causing ulcers, but it can make them angrier.
⚡ Quick Fixes: Try low-acid beans grown at high altitudes or in shade—they’re gentler. Dark roasts also cut acidity compared to light ones. Brew with coarser grounds to dial back the bite.
🔍 Beginner’s Take: You don’t need a chemistry degree to tweak your coffee. Small changes—like picking a darker roast—can keep the flavor you love without the stomach drama. It’s all about sipping smarter.
Ready to experiment? Check your coffee’s roast type. What acid-taming trick worked for you?
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