Caffeine is known to irritate the stomach lining and trigger digestive discomfort in some people. For those with acid reflux, gastritis, IBS or general gut sensitivity, switching to mushroom coffee may offer relief, and not because it’s a miracle cure, but because it avoids many of the triggers associated with regular coffee. This article explores the science behind how functional mushrooms and caffeine-free blends can support more comfortable digestion.
Coffee and digestive irritation: What the research says
While coffee is enjoyed worldwide, it’s also a common trigger for gastrointestinal (GI) issues. For many people coffee can cause:
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Acid reflux or heartburn,
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Stomach cramping,
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Loose stools or urgency, or
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Nausea on an empty stomach.
This isn’t necessarily due to the caffeine alone! Chlorogenic acids, natural oils and other compounds in coffee stimulate gastric acid secretion (Waldum et al., 1991). In people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing GI conditions, this can lead to discomfort.
A review by Boekema et al. (1999) found that coffee stimulates gastric acid production and may increase the risk of dyspepsia and reflux in susceptible individuals.
Why caffeine itself may be a problem
Caffeine increases gastric motility (how quickly contents move through the stomach and intestines) which can lead to:
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Diarrhoea or urgency,
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Bloating, and
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Poor nutrient absorption.
It can also lower the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that prevents stomach acid from rising up into the oesophagus, making reflux more likely (Wendl et al., 1994).
This is why even decaf coffee can still cause issues for some people: it still contains acids and bioactive compounds that stimulate the GI tract.
How Mushroom Blends differ
Mushroom coffee blends, like Earthrise, do not contain roasted coffee beans or added caffeine. Instead, they are made from functional mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs like:
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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum),
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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus),
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Cordyceps militaris, and
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Raw cacao and spices for flavour.
These ingredients are non-acidic, low-irritant and typically well tolerated by individuals with GI issues.
Functional Mushrooms and gut health: What we know
1. Reishi Mushroom and Gut Inflammation
Reishi has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in the gut. In preclinical studies, Reishi extracts helped protect intestinal mucosa and modulate gut microbiota composition (Zhang et al., 2017).
This may be helpful for people with IBS or gut sensitivity, where inflammation and dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) are common.
2. Lion’s Mane and Gut-Brain Connection
Lion’s Mane supports the enteric nervous system (the network of neurons that governs gut function) via its impact on nerve growth factor (NGF) (Mori et al., 2009). It may help regulate gut-brain signalling, especially in stress-induced IBS.
3. Prebiotic Effects
Polysaccharides found in functional mushrooms like β-glucans are prebiotic fibres... meaning they can nourish beneficial gut bacteria (Li et al., 2018). This may improve digestion, reduce bloating and support long-term gut health.
Can Mushroom Coffee help with stomach issues?
While more human clinical trials are needed, mushroom coffee may be a better option than traditional coffee for people experiencing:
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Acid reflux (GERD),
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Bloating and gas,
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Cramping,
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Caffeine-related diarrhoea or urgency, or
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Stomach irritation from acidity.
Because it’s low-acid, caffeine-free, and made with anti-inflammatory adaptogens, many people with digestive complaints report improved tolerance.
When not to take Mushroom Coffee
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If you have a mushroom allergy,
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If you’re taking immunosuppressive medications (some functional mushrooms modulate immune activity), or
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If you have a diagnosed GI condition like IBD, SIBO, or ulcers.
Mushroom coffee isn’t a cure for digestive disorders, but it offers a gentler, more supportive alternative to traditional coffee... especially for those dealing with stomach sensitivity, reflux or GI discomfort.
By removing common irritants like caffeine and acidity, and adding in functional mushrooms known for their anti-inflammatory and gut-supportive properties, blends like Earthrise give you the comfort of a morning ritual, without the pain that sometimes follows it.
If coffee isn’t sitting right anymore, your body might be telling you it’s time for something different.
We are that difference. Calm energy, better digestion and no compromise on flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mushroom coffee help with acid reflux?
Mushroom coffee is lower in acid and does not stimulate gastric acid secretion like regular coffee. Many people with reflux find it gentler, but individual results may vary.
Are functional blends caffeine-free?
Earthrise contains no added caffeine and only trace amounts naturally found in raw cacao. It’s suitable for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Does mushroom coffee cause bloating?
Most people tolerate it well. In fact, the prebiotic β-glucans in functional mushrooms may help reduce bloating over time by supporting the gut microbiome.
Can I drink mushroom coffee if I have IBS?
It depends on your triggers. Earthrise is free from coffee, dairy, gluten, and artificial ingredients and is generally well tolerated. Always check with your health professional if unsure.
Can I drink coffee substitutes on an empty stomach?
Yes, many people find Earthrise soothing and easy to digest first thing in the morning, unlike traditional coffee.
References
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Boekema, P. J., Samsom, M., van Berge Henegouwen, G. P., & Smout, A. J. (1999). Coffee and gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology Supplement, 230, 35–39.
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Waldum, H. L., Mjønes, P., Sørdal, Ø. F., & Fossmark, R. (1991). Gastrin and gastric cancer. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 8, 77.
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Wendl, B., Pfeiffer, A., Pehl, C., Schmidt, T., Kaess, H., & Lock, G. (1994). Effect of decaffeination of coffee on gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 8(2), 283–287.
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Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.
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Li, W., Nie, S., & Liu, X. (2018). Recent advances in bioactive polysaccharides from mushrooms and their biological activities. Food & Function, 9(11), 5361–5370.
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Zhang, X., Zhang, L., Xu, L., & Li, W. (2017). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides protect against inflammatory bowel disease by modulating the gut microbiota. Journal of Functional Foods, 38, 658–665.
