Dear Lucy: I have had bouts of gastrointestinal reflux for a while, especially when I exercise. I also love coffee, especially Starbuck’s. When I quit the coffee, I’m usually fine. So, I did a litmus test on Starbuck’s coffee and, oddly enough, found it to be very basic (I thought coffee was supposed to be acidic or neutral). Next I did a litmus test on myself and found that I was basic, too. Then I tried drinking coffee followed by lemon juice. No more acid reflux. Does all that sound right? I’m female, 52, and healthy—at least I think I am. I just want to exercise and have my coffee, too, but without the acid reflux. —Acid Test
