I have been asking myself the same question and looking at lots of research to see what I could find out about caffeine as distinct from coffee (or tea, which also has caffeine in a lower dose). Also what about diet cola? It has caffeine.

Can anyone help us with answers to our question? I have switched over to decaf coffee (water decaffeination process) and want to know if that is okay. Also how much insulin does coffee or caffeine stimulate the release of?

I know that caffeine is a muscle relaxant and will relax the muscles of the small and large intestine to relax - causing constipation and the sphincter on top of the stomach to relax - causing reflux. I have experienced the reflux often if I have had a couple of cups of espresso or plunger coffee.

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Gemma in Australia