_ Another health consequence of drinking coffee is that it could lead to digestive disorders. The caffeine in coffee stimulates stomach cells to secrete more hydrochloric acid (Hendrick, 2010). The stomach lining can withstand highly acidic conditions but overproduction of acid can damage the intestinal lining. This can lead to formation of ulcers and gastritis in sensitive people. Drinking coffee for a long time can cause inflammation and pain due to chronic irritation. Increased production of acid can also lead to heartburn. Caffeine relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which controls the opening between the stomach and the throat. When there is a change in the pressure of the esophageal sphincter, stomach acid comes up in the throat causing heartburn (Hendrick, 2010).
Picture references:
http://desertstarweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/coffee_cup_jpg1.jpg
http://www.naturalremedies.org/images/digestive-disorders-1.jpg
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http://www.naturalremedies.org/images/digestive-disorders-1.jpg