7 Tips to Keep 'The Burn' Under Control (Without Giving Up Coffee)

Dealing with acid reflux or heartburn can feel like a never-ending battle. For many people, it’s not just certain foods that cause flare-ups—it’s your morning coffee, your afternoon snack, and sometimes even your water! The constant discomfort, bloating, and burning sensation can make you feel like you’re always on the defensive.

If you’ve ever been told to cut out coffee (or worse, give it up completely), you know how hard it is to say goodbye to that comforting, energizing cup. But here’s the good news: while it’s true that certain habits and foods can aggravate acid issues, there are simple, practical changes you can make to manage your symptoms—without having to give up everything you love.

1. Drink More Water—But Make It Purified or Alkaline

Hydration is key for your body’s overall function, including digestion. But what you drink matters just as much as how much you drink. Regular water is great, but if you're dealing with acid reflux, you may benefit from switching to alkaline water.

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular water, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Drinking purified water is also essential to ensure that you're not consuming any unwanted toxins or chemicals that might aggravate your symptoms.

Tip: Start your morning with a glass of purified or alkaline water to help balance your stomach before eating or drinking anything else.

2. Go for a Walk After Eating

One of the simplest ways to help your digestive system after meals is to take a light walk. Physical activity helps stimulate digestion, preventing food from sitting in your stomach for too long—a common cause of acid reflux.

A gentle 15-20 minute walk after meals can help move food through your system more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of acid creeping back up your esophagus.

Tip: Instead of lying down or staying seated after a meal, make it a habit to take a walk—whether it’s a stroll around your neighborhood or simply moving around your home.

3. Avoid Eating Close to Bedtime

Late-night snacks may be tempting, but they can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to acid reflux. Lying down too soon after eating gives stomach acid the chance to travel back up into your esophagus, leading to that uncomfortable burning sensation.

Try to finish your last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime to give your body enough time to digest your food properly.

Tip: If you feel hungry before bed, try a small snack that’s easy on your stomach, like a banana or a handful of almonds—both are known for being good for digestion.

4. Ditch the Processed Foods

Processed foods are a major trigger for acid reflux, often because they contain artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive amounts of salt or sugar. These ingredients can irritate your stomach lining, making it harder for your digestive system to do its job effectively.

Instead, focus on eating whole, natural foods that are easier for your body to process. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support your digestion and reduce flare-ups.

Tip: Make a habit of checking ingredient labels. If a product contains a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, it’s probably best to avoid it.

5. Slow Down and Chew Your Food Well

How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Eating too quickly can lead to overeating, which puts extra pressure on your stomach and forces acid back up into your esophagus. Additionally, not chewing your food thoroughly makes digestion more difficult, increasing the chances of acid reflux.

Take the time to slow down during meals, savor each bite, and chew your food well before swallowing. This small change can make a big difference in reducing your symptoms.

Tip: Try setting down your utensils between bites and taking sips of water throughout your meal to pace yourself.

6. Make Small Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Digestion

Besides food and drink, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to help manage acid issues. These include:

Elevating the Head of Your Bed: This helps keep stomach acid where it belongs—down in your stomach. Simply using an extra pillow or raising the head of your bed can minimize nighttime reflux.
Managing Stress: Stress can trigger acid production in your stomach. Incorporating stress-relief practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine can significantly reduce flare-ups.
Wearing Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can press on your stomach, forcing acid upwards. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to reduce pressure on your abdomen, especially after meals.

Tip: Start small—add one new habit at a time and see how it improves your symptoms.

7. Switch to Low Acid Coffee

And finally… if coffee is one of your triggers, consider switching to low acid coffee. Many traditional coffees are highly acidic, which can irritate your stomach and exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.

Low acid coffee is carefully roasted to minimize its acidity, making it easier on your stomach while still allowing you to enjoy the rich, bold flavors you love. It’s a great way to keep coffee in your routine without triggering uncomfortable side effects.

Bringing It All Together: A Holistic Approach to Managing Acid Reflux

By implementing these simple tips—hydrating with alkaline water, going for walks after meals, eating mindfully, and making lifestyle adjustments—you can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of your acid reflux symptoms. And by switching to low acid coffee, you don’t have to give up your beloved morning ritual.

Remember, managing acid reflux is about making small, consistent changes that help your body function at its best. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with the tips that resonate most with you and build from there.

Looking for Low Acid Coffee That Tastes Great?

At the end of the day, your coffee habit doesn’t have to be the enemy of your digestive health. Java Planet’s Organic Low Acid Coffee is specially crafted to be easier on your stomach, without sacrificing flavor. We roast our beans in small batches to ensure they’re as fresh and delicious as possible, and our coffee is third-party tested to be free of mold and heavy metals—so you can sip with confidence.

Ready to enjoy coffee again without the burn? Try Java Planet’s low acid coffee today and discover the difference it can make for your mornings—and your digestion.