Doctor's Advice For GERD Patients Who Still Want To Drink Coffee

Coffee illustration (Pexels/Rodolfo)

JAKARTA - GERD is a stomach acid disease, a chronic condition where stomach acid or other contents of the stomach rise back into the stomach (esofage). This disease makes sufferers have to pay close attention to what is consumed, because some food and drinks can trigger severe symptoms, one of which is coffee.

Coffee contains caffeine that can trigger an increase in gastric acid production, so that stomach acid can easily rise to the concavity. However, that does not mean that people with GERD cannot drink coffee at all.

Internal Medicine Specialist Eka Hospital Permata Hijau, Pandu Tridana, said that for GERD sufferers who want to continue to consume coffee, they are advised to treat the disease first. GERD treatment is usually carried out for 8 weeks.

"For GERD patients, GERD must be treated first. GERD's treatment is usually 8 weeks," said Pandu, during a media meeting in Semanggi, Jakarta, written on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

GERD's treatment was carried out by recovering the wounds that occurred in the lower cavity valve. The wound was restored by giving various drugs from the doctor.

"We have to add more injuries first, we will strengthen the lower esophagean sfingter valve or lower esophagus. That's what is weak, so it must be repaired first for 8 weeks by giving medicines," he explained.

If the treatment is carried out properly and the symptoms of GERD are decreasing, then you can return to consuming coffee. However, consumption is recommended a little first, it cannot be done directly in large quantities.

"After that, try (drinking coffee again) a little first, according to tolerance. Patients (GERD) can return (drinking coffee), some cannot, so that's really personalize," he said.

In addition, GERD sufferers are also advised to drink coffee after a large meal. It is not recommended to drink coffee while the stomach is still empty, because it can trigger inflammation and injury again.

"For consumption, it is also recommended after eating big. If it has been 8 weeks to recover, the next day you will immediately drink coffee in the morning before breakfast, don't do that too. After eating, your stomach is not empty," concluded Doctor Pandu.