Does drinking coffee cause acid reflux?

The answer: Coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage that has both positive and negative effects on health. One of the potential negative effects of coffee is that it can cause acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and other symptoms. Coffee can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus. When the LES is relaxed, stomach contents can more easily flow back into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Additionally, coffee can increase the production of stomach acid, which can further contribute to acid reflux.