If you have managed to switch to a darker roast of coffee, or your workplace only has cheap gut-wrenching coffee in the kitchen, then enjoy this easy hack to make it much easier on your stomach.
Yes, we’re adding baking soda to coffee.
It might sound a little bit odd but many people swear by it, and claim that it makes coffee easier to digest for sensitive stomachs.
Why is this though? Today we take a look at the science to explain why adding baking soda to your coffee can be a good thing.
Coffee Is Acidic
Contrary to what you might think, acidic foods can be a good thing, particularly in the case of coffee. The acid in coffee is what gives coffee its famous tang, and is what makes coffee… you know… coffee.
However, acid can be hard on sensitive stomachs. This is especially true in light and medium roasts and cheap coffee beans, and even more so if you’re having more than one cup a day. This is because while dark roasts contain a good amount of a compound called N-methylpyridinium, which stops the stomach from producing as much acid, light and medium roasts contain far less. This leaves your stomach secreting far more acid, which can lead to discomfort.
Coffee can have a pH of 5, which is quite high. However, with its links to reducing risks of strokes and depression on top of its addictive nature… why would you ever want to kick the habit?
Baking Soda Is an Alkaline
The alkaline nature of baking soda helps to neutralize the acidic effects of coffee significantly. Even as little as a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda can quell the harsh flavors of dark roasts or cheap coffee. This makes it much easier to digest, and does so without leaving any noticable flavor in your coffee cup.
For similar reasons, baking soda also makes for a good deodorant – it helps counter the acidic stench of bacteria molecules.
While coffee is a 5 on the pH scale, baking soda scores a 9, making it alkaline.
It will tamper with the flavor of your coffee slightly though, so be sure only to add a pinch!
Baking Soda Side Effects
Like with any home remedies it’s important to be aware of any side effects that might come into play should you be entertaining the idea of using baking soda to help limit the acidic effects of coffee.
Larger amounts of baking soda have been shown to alleviate the symptoms of indigestion, it’s still important to be measured with it. Like salt, large amounts of baking soda have been proven to be high in sodium, which can lead to higher blood pressure. So if you have a history of high blood pressure, be sure to speak to your doctor first before experimenting with baking soda.
Have you tried adding baking soda to coffee? Did you notice a difference? What ways do you have of making certain foods easier to digest? Let us know in the comments!
