Champlain Coffee :: Commonly Asked Questions

Commonly Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the coffee and the doctor's responses:

Why do some people have stomach discomfort after drinking coffee?

Many people who are prone to get indigestion, upset stomach or heartburn are affected by the natural irritants most coffees contain. These irritants can also cause damage to the lining of the stomach and aggravate acid reflux.

Can these effects be avoided by taking over-the-counter medication?

The effects can't be avoided, only modified. Most over-the-counter medications either neutralize stomach acid or reduce its production. Because less acid exists, there is less injury. But it is definitely not a cure for the discomfort many people experience after drinking regular coffee.

What's so special about Hevla Coffee's Stomach Friendly Gourmet Blend?

Stomach friendly coffee is a specially processed coffee bean in which known irritants are markedly reduced, so they no longer cause a problem. Yet the coffee retains its taste, aroma and caffeine.

Are there any side effects with drinking coffee that utilizes this process?

There are no side effects to this process. However, because the irritants in stomach friendly coffee are greatly reduced and not eliminated, some people may notice slight discomfort after drinking an unusually high volume of the coffee.

Dr. Jospeh Schmer's Bio:

Dr. Joseph Schmer is a principal at Coffee Legends, Inc., the premiere coffee roasting company that has introduced the stomach friendly Gentle Java process to America. Dr Schmer serves as the company's chief consultant on all issues having to do with the effects of coffee on the digestive system.

In addition to his position at Coffee Legends, Dr. Schmer is a gastrointestinal medical specialist and diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He has served both in private practice and as co-chief of gastroenterology and director of endoscopy for the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Before coming on board, Dr. Schmer's interest in coffee was confined to his efforts to treat patients who experienced mild to severe side effects, such as heartburn and stomach upset, from drinking coffee, and to urge them to cease consumption.

Over dinner one evening with acquaintance Joseph Steinberg, Coffee Legends President, Dr.Schmer learned of the irritant-reducing process used on some coffees in Europe. As curious as he was skeptical, Dr. Schmer asked to read the published studies. Over the next several months, he reviewed these studies and the medical literature on the subject extensively. Joe Steinberg's claims were substantiated in both scientific studies and patient observations: when chlorogenic substances are reduced prior to the roasting process, there is little left to form irritants resulting in stomach friendly coffee. Patients who had abstained from coffee for years because of the side effects it caused would now be able to enjoy it.

Certain that a stomach friendly coffee would be highly beneficial in a country where nearly half the population drinks coffee, Dr. Schmer joined forces with Joe Steinberg in his effort to introduce Hevla Coffee’s to the U.S. Dr. Schmer continues to regularly monitor and follow-up on applicable medical literature.

Dr. Schmer was born in Poland, spent his childhood in Israel and moved to the U.S. at age 13. He began his medical studies at The Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium where he graduated Cum Laude. He then trained in internal medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY and in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Services in Elmhurst New York. Currently Dr. Schmer and his wife, who is a pediatric cardiologist, reside in Sweden with their two children.