Indigestion and associated symptoms are on the rise. According to population-based studies, the global prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia varies between 7% and 45%.
Many people take medications to cure digestive issues.
Nexium (esomeprazole) is a highly used drug for indigestion and associated symptoms. However, some medicines do not interact well with certain foods and beverages, putting you at risk of unwanted side effects.
One such potential adverse reaction is the combination of Nexium and coffee. While you can drink coffee after taking Nexium, experts suggest delaying coffee intake after the drug’s consumption.
So, how long after taking Nexium can you drink coffee? Read on to learn more!
Nexium Uses
Esomeprazole or Nexium belongs to the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs (PPIs). PPIs have been shown to have promising results in the management of different gut conditions, which are mentioned below:
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common presentation of gut disorders. The feeling is, at times, confused with heart pathologies.
Timely treatment is crucial as untreated heartburn can interfere with sleep and lead to further complications.
Research shows that esomeprazole effectively reduces nighttime heartburn in patients and also helps improve sleep quality.
Peaceful sleep amps up your work productivity. 40mg of esomeprazole is the ideal dose for total heartburn relief.
GERD
Heartburn and acidic regurgitation are common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The persistent acid regurgitation in the gut walls causes gut wall erosion and can interfere with everyday life. Nexium for six months is a cost-effective medicine for the condition.
According to a meta-analysis, esomeprazole therapy effectively reduces GERD symptoms, including gastric pain and heartburn. The drug is also potent in preventing relapse.
Stomach Ulcers
Nexium and other PPIs are also part of the peptic ulcer regimen. PPIs are given to reduce the production of acids and alleviate symptoms.
The reduced production of acid aids in the rapid healing of the gut.
Coffee and Digestive Health
Coffee is often negatively associated with digestive health. Chronic coffee drinkers usually present with gastroesophageal disorders.
This popular beverage combines different compounds, i.e., phenols and flavonoids. Caffeine is the main ingredient in various types of coffee (espresso, black coffee, cappuccino).
Those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are typically advised to eliminate sodas, alcohol, and beverages like tea and coffee. Some evidence reveals that coffee can cause reflux symptoms.
Combining caffeine with Nexium is not preferred as it can undo the effects of esomeprazole. A narrative review reveals the impact of coffee on gut health. Coffee promotes secretions (gastric and pancreatic).
The stimulated production of acids is opposite to the intended effects of Nexium, which works to block the production of acids in the stomach.
Coffee increases the activity of the colon (large intestine). You can also see changes in the gut microbiota due to chronic coffee drinking.
GERD
High caffeine consumption increases your chances of developing gut disorders. Drinking copious amounts of coffee induces excessive production of gastric acid.
A study reveals that drinking tea and coffee with milk /sugar is associated with reflux symptoms. As coffee promotes gut acid production, there are greater chances of developing erosive esophagitis.
Another study concludes that caffeine-mediated acid releases symptoms of epigastric pain, dyspepsia, and heartburn (GERD symptoms).
A Nigerian survey highlights a clear association between GERD and coffee consumption. Coffee consumption and increasing age are significant risk factors for GERD.
Heartburn
Regular intake of coffee is linked to the overproduction of acid in the lower part of the esophagus (food pipe).
According to a study, certain foods, such as spicy foods and alcoholic beverages, also increase heartburn (in GERD patients).
Stomach Ulcers
The impact of caffeinated beverages on the gut harms peptic ulcer patients. PPIs are advised to help manage the irritation of the ulcers.
Reports show that coffee stimulates acid production and slows down gastric emptying. So, a more pronounced effect on the gut is seen.
Functional Dyspepsia
Hot beverages have a strong link with functional dyspepsia. The latest research identifies spicy foods and coffee as risk factors for indigestion.
Researchers believe that the active ingredient of coffee (caffeine) is the reason behind the dyspeptic symptoms.
A 2021 study reveals that replacing caffeinated coffee with non-caffeinated drinks decreases symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
How Long After Nexium Is Drinking Coffee Safe?
You should avoid eating or drinking anything for an hour after Nexium as it can inhibit the absorption of the drug.
Fatty and spicy foods can have negative impacts on your gut health. It is generally not preferred to drink tea or coffee after Nexium (especially when you have GERD).
You should delay caffeine intake for at least an hour after drug intake for optimal absorption in the bloodstream.
What Is the Best Time to Take Nexium?
Nexium is best taken on an empty stomach. Taking the pill at least an hour before breakfast will yield the most significant efficacy and better results by enhancing absorption.
What Type of Coffee Can GERD Patients Drink?
As mentioned, caffeine is believed to be the main culprit of increased gastric acid secretion. Decaffeinated coffee shows lesser acid production as compared to regular coffee.
According to the latest study, decaffeinated coffee is an acceptable alternative to regular coffee for GERD and functional dyspepsia patients.
How Can I Treat Heartburn at Home?
Heartburn is a presentation of underlying gut disease such as GERD. You can symptomatically manage GERD by making some simple adjustments to your dietary and lifestyle habits, such as:
Drinking Herbal Tea
Peppermint and chamomile tea are great ways of relieving the gut. These herbal teas are potent in easing digestion. Old patients can get the maximum benefit from herbal preparations.
Eat Bananas
A ripe banana is a friendly food for your gut. Ripe bananas are effective in lowering symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Reducing Your Weight
A balanced diet and an ideal weight are the keys to optimal digestive health. Obesity is a significant contributor to GERD symptoms.
Excessive abdominal weight puts additional pressure on your stomach, which makes you prone to gastric reflux. Therefore, losing weight can help you with indigestion.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is directly linked to damage to the esophageal sphincters. The sphincter muscles are responsible for preventing the reflux of stomach acids into the gut.
Weakening of the sphincters can trigger heartburn episodes, so smoking cessation can help prevent it.
Relaxing Your Mind
Gastric acid secretion increases under emotional stress. The prolonged exposure of gut walls to acid causes erosion and can induce the formation of ulcers.
You can adopt meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to manage stress.