Enjoy Non Acidic Coffee Without Heartburn

By Juana Buchanan


Are you a cafe-au-lait lover who no longer can sip this beverage because it upsets your stomach? Well, cheer up. You can resume the time-honored pursuit of sitting over the morning paper with a steaming cup next to you - or enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up - by using non acidic coffee. Actually, the term maybe should be 'low acid', since some acids will remain.

Some acids remain in all types of coffees, but this is good. Authorities say that it is the acids that give the brew its flavor. Only some of the highly acidic compounds found in the beans cause problems. People who are sensitive may experience heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. These side effects can be eliminated or minimized by methods of growing the beans, roasting them, or processing them.

Millions of people who love this caffeinated beverage both for its flavor and for its energizing properties have had to give it up because they are so uncomfortable after drinking it. Others struggle with an overwhelming desire to go ahead and enjoy a cup, even though they know what will happen half an hour later. However, where there's a will there's a way, and solutions have been found.

Low-acid coffees abound on today's market. Some of these are grown on special soils at lower altitudes and naturally have a lower pH. Others have been roasted long and slow to give a smoother taste and a gentler effect on your stomach. Steam processing removes some of the harsher acids from the grounds. There are all sorts of low-acid brews available: regular and decaf, medium and dark roasts, and flavored brews.

The cold-brewing method reduces the harsh effect of both regular and decaf coffees on your intestinal tract. Grounds are steeped for twelve hours in cold water. The mixture is then strained and filtered to give a pure extract that can be mixed with either cold or hot water to taste. Many people find that soaking the grounds overnight gives the kick without the burn.

Those who are in the know order cold-brewed coffees at Starbuck's or use a device called a Toddy at home. So many people now work in high-stress environments that nervous stomachs and ulcers are a real problem. Learning about a gentler kind of beverage that still wakes you up, keeps you energized and alert, and helps you relax in the evening may be the answer.

There are even cold-brewers that you can buy. For some, this is old news, but many people have never heard of the Toddy or similar devices that have been around for quite a while. If you don't want to use a covered bowl to make your cold brew, check out the units that make the cold-brewing process easier.

Try low-acid brands - they come in regular, decaf, and flavored varieties - or the cold-brew method to enjoy your coffee without harming your stomach. Go online to learn more; you'll see Arabica and Colombian roasts and other options. You'll be sure to find one that you like, and just think how much fun it will be trying all the options open to you until you find your new favorite brands or ways to make the perfect cup.




About the Author: