How to Neutralize Coffee Acid in Your Stomach

No matter how much you love coffee, it may not love you back — if, like 60 million other Americans, you have acid reflux. With this common GI disorder, drinking those beloved cold brews and lattes can trigger heartburn, indigestion, nausea, belching, and even regurgitation. So, how do you prevent acid reflux from drinking coffee? That's where the Alkamind Acid-Kicking Coffee Alkalizer comes in: it’s packed with acid-fighting minerals to help neutralize the effects of your morning cup of java. Is it any surprise Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa are huge fans of the product? As someone who struggled with acid reflux for a good portion of adolescence into adulthood, the Coffee Alkalizer has become a staple in my household. But how does it work? And how do you use it? RELATED: How to Get Rid of Bloat in a Hurry, According to Experts Here’s what to know. Why Does Coffee Trigger Acid Reflux? The main reason why coffee often causes or worsens acid reflux symptoms is that it’s loaded with acids — which contribute to its characteristic taste, but also can wreak havoc on your stomach. In fact, according to Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a board-certified chiropractor, functional nutritionist, and founder of Alkamind, its pH level is around 5 on a scale of zero to 14 (with zero being the most acidic). “That means coffee is about 100 times more acidic than the water we drink,” explains Gioffre. In other words, it can increase the release of acid into your stomach, which can then lead to reflux. RELATED: Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers “There are a lot of benefits to coffee, but the one big downside is that it’s loaded with acid, and it’s the acidity that causes bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, gut irritation and inflammation — and many other downstream problems in the body, both mentally and physically,” Gioffre adds. Why the Alkamind Acid-Kicking Coffee Alkalizer Works “I work with so many clients who want to heal their gut and be healthy but are not willing to give up their coffee,” Gioffre tells AskMen. “Being healthy is not about deprivation and giving up the foods and beverages you love, it's about finding better versions of those to put inside your body.” Adding just one scoop of the Acid-Kicking Coffee Alkalizer neutralizes these problematic acids in your coffee before you even take your first sip. The power of this product lies in the minerals it contains — magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate — which can help increase the pH level of the coffee, thereby reducing its acid levels. “These minerals act as buffers, neutralizing some of the most acidic and gut-damaging compounds in coffee, and making your coffee smoother and easier on the entire digestive system,” explains Gioffre. “By alkalizing your coffee with these acid-fighting minerals, you will lower inflammation in your gut, gain energy, and take the stress off your body from having to neutralize all these acids on its own.” RELATED: What Is 'Proffee'? Here’s Why Fitness Pros Are Combining Protein With Coffee Magnesium is particularly effective at neutralizing stomach acid — which is why it’s such a common ingredient in over-the-counter antacid medication. But the benefits to magnesium don’t stop there. It can also help to ward off headaches and migraines — a not-so-uncommon side effect of consuming a lot of caffeinated drinks like coffee. What’s more — magnesium can reduce how much cortisol is sent to your brain. Cortisol is one of your body’s stress hormones, and studies have repeatedly shown that the caffeine in coffee causes your body to release more of it. By leveling out your cortisol, magnesium may help to minimize the jitters and anxiety you feel after drinking a cup of joe. How to Make Coffee Less Acidic With the Alkamind Acid-Kicking Coffee Alkalizer This product couldn’t possibly be simpler to use. Just add one scoop to your iced coffee, hot coffee, cold brew, or espresso and stir well. One scoop can effectively neutralize the acid in as much as 22 ounces of coffee. According to Gioffre, the flavorless Acid-Kicking Black Coffee Alkalizer reduces over 99.9% of the acids in your coffee — and I can attest to the fact that it doesn’t impact the taste whatsoever. I might even forget it’s there, if it didn’t make such a huge difference in minimizing the discomfort after drinking my favorite beverage. I love that it comes in individual packets, which are convenient for taking on the go. I always keep a few in my purse so I can use it when I’m traveling, or buying coffee from a local cafe rather than making it at home. I’ve found that it mixes particularly easily in hot liquids. If, like me, you prefer iced coffees and lattes, try using a handheld milk frother or even a cocktail shaker to ensure it blends well. I love that the four flavored versions — vanilla, salted caramel, mocha, and hazelnut — are sweetened with stevia, which is one of the only sugar-free options that isn’t linked to potentially harmful health effects. Not only do the flavored Alkalizers boast the acid-fighting minerals, but they also feature MCT and coconut oils — which send signals of “fullness” to your brain to help reduce your appetite — as well as Himalayan pink salt, which contains more calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals than traditional table salt. Plus, they contain a digestive enzyme blend that helps your body more effectively break down fats and other macronutrients. The Hazelnut Alkalizer has the added benefit of brain-boosting nootropics like lion’s mane mushroom and L-theanine. Research shows that lion’s mane, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, may help stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve cognitive performance while also supporting gut health. Studies have found that the amino acid L-theanine can increase brain chemicals that reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Additionally, L-theanine can help you stay focused — and according to a 2019 study, this particular benefit is enhanced when consumed with caffeine-containing drinks like coffee. You Might Also Dig: Guide to the Pre-Workout CoffeeHow to Make Cafe Quality Coffee at Home Why Liposomal Supplements Are the Way of the Future