During the espresso brewing method, hot water runs through coffee grounds with high pressure for no more than 30 seconds. Because of this, fewer stomach-irritating substances are released into the drink. So the espresso is actually easier on your stomach than other coffee brews.
The rule is: the shorter the brewing time, the more stomach-friendly the coffee. For that reason espresso, despite its intensive and strong taste and appearance, is better digestible than filter coffee. In addition, espresso contains less caffeine than filter coffee.
The anti-inflammatory qualities of espresso can keep you from feeling bloated and sick after a meal. Instead of feeling like lying down for a nap, the increased energy espresso provides will make you feel like moving which aids in digestion.
The study states that dark roasted coffee is easier on the stomach than light and mild roasts because it produces an ingredient that prevents hydrochloric acid from building up in the stomach.
But espresso is known for being easier on the stomach for a couple of reasons. First, the combination of high pressure and short extraction time produces a different balance of chemical compounds than the same coffee would in a drip or pour over brew.
During the espresso brewing method, hot water runs through coffee grounds with high pressure for no more than 30 seconds. Because of this, fewer stomach-irritating substances are released into the drink. So the espresso is actually easier on your stomach than other coffee brews.
Dark roasts
Dark roast coffees tend to be less acidic because they contain fewer compounds that cause stomach cells to produce acid.
The Verdict: Yes, generally speaking, espresso is less acidic than coffee. The acidity of coffee and espresso is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of beans used, the roast level, and the brewing method.
Add eggshells to your coffee grounds.
Bases neutralize acids, and eggshells, which are made of calcium carbonate, are basic (or alkaline). Eggshells added to ground coffee will absorb and neutralize the acids and other bitter compounds that may irritate your stomach.
The takeaway. In general, doctors don't recommend coffee for IBS patients because it can exacerbate symptoms including diarrhea and stomach pain due to the fact that the caffeine in coffee speeds up gut motility.
Caffeine. Caffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief — check labels carefully.
Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, espresso can keep you from feeling bloated and sick after a meal.
In comparison to the average cup of drip coffee, some might consider espresso to be the healthier choice because brewing it requires no filter, meaning espresso contains more natural nutrients than a cup of drip.
Despite acid reflux being caused by stomach acid, it's actually not really linked to the acidity of the coffee. Espresso blends have more caffeine, so even though they make less acidic coffee, they are more likely to cause acid reflux than regular coffee.
Many people think espresso and coffee are two distinct beverages, but they're actually just different brewing methods. Both types of drinks have similar benefits, although light- to medium-roasted coffee has a slight edge over espresso for supporting heart health, cognitive health, metabolic health, and more.
Opt for Arabica coffee.
Arabica beans have less acid than Robusta beans, so choose a blend with 100% high-quality Arabica.
Coffee from Sumatra is one of the least acidic ones – usually it's earthy and has more body than and mouthfeel compared to African or Central American coffees. Remember, that you also want to make sure that the roast is medium to dark if you're going to ensure a non-acidic experience.
Cold Brew Process Yields Low Acid Coffee
The least acidic coffee brewing method is to make cold brew coffee. The process to make it significantly reduces the volume of organic compounds such as caffeine and acids, compared to hot-water brewing.
The best type of coffee for your gut
Roast coffee is shown to have higher levels of polyphenols. Adding milk could make polyphenols in coffee less bio-available. All types of coffee have been shown to contain some fibre, but freeze-dried contains the most. The health benefits are also associated with decaf.
The best type of coffee bean for IBS will usually be a bean of the Arabica variety as opposed to Robusta. Robusta coffee typically will have double the caffeine of Arabica.
Green coffee has a higher concentration of alpha-dicarbonyls, which are highly prone to glycation (the binding of sugars to proteins or lipids). However, both green and dark roasted coffee have advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can induce inflammation and may exacerbate leaky gut [20].
The bottom line? If you're dealing with gastritis, switching to a decaffeinated, low-acid roast with nondairy creamer may be the easiest way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee – without all the negative effects that can come with gastritis.
The action of coffee on stomach acid secretion has raised the issue of a possible increase in dyspepsia (poor digestion, discomfort, nausea, heartburns, eructation, and flatulence), or esophageal burns, gastritis or ulcers, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
So, even though the coffee itself may not be too acidic for you, the caffeine may boost your acid production over the comfort line. But the caffeine molecule on its own is already considered a stomach irritant. Due to the laxative effect, it forces your digestive system to work faster.