Why do I get heartburn from coffee?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The NHS names coffee as a food and drink that can cause or worsen heartburn. Caffeine relaxes the valve between stomach and esophagus, and coffee stimulates acid production, so the acid has both motive and opportunity. Smaller, weaker cups with food, no coffee near bedtime, and staying upright after drinking it solve most cases; decaf helps some people but not all, since caffeine is only part of the problem. Pharmacy antacids cover occasional flares. Heartburn most days, trouble swallowing, vomiting, or weight loss is the GP version.
What to do
- Shrink the dose: one small, weaker cup, with food, not on an empty stomach.
- No coffee within 3 to 4 hours of bed, per NHS reflux advice.
- Stay upright after drinking it; slumping or lying down invites the acid up.
- See a GP for most-days heartburn, swallowing trouble, vomiting, or weight loss.
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