Coffee
Most of us know – or have a rough idea – that drinking too much coffee is not good for us.
We know that caffeine is a stimulant and can affect our sleep. We know that it gives you an initial boost of energy and then you get the crash afterwards. But did you know that there’s a lot more to it than that?
I’m probably going to get people’s backs up by writing this – talking about the negative effects of coffee seems to get people the most defensive I’ve ever seen. That in itself made me question it further, as I wondered why it had such a hold on people?
These are intelligent, health conscious people, but when it comes to talking about drinking coffee, the response is an immediate shut down and they become highly defensive.
So if I haven’t put you off already and you’re interested to know everything I have found out, then it could change your view about coffee as you know it. Maybe, slightly, a little bit, who knows! After all, what good is knowledge if you don’t benefit from it? Looking after our health is a full time job, and if you’re good at it, the payout is incredible!
Addiction
Let’s start with why coffee is so addictive.
Someone described coffee shops as akin to opium dens recently. The mellow vibes and the comfy seating – that’s not the only similarity. Coffee actually contains a substance that is just as addictive as narcotics. What most people don’t realise is that coffee contains a morphine-like compound called cafestrol. Coffee lovers may know that coffee is addictive, but innocently thinking that it is just the caffeine that they are craving, without releasing that they’ve become hooked on a narcotic.
This is also present in decaffeinated coffee – which still contains a very high caffeine content by the way!! I know it’s very misleading, but there isn’t a caffeine free version of coffee, just lower caffeine content – and the chemical process that it’s been through to lower the caffeine content adds even more toxins for your body to deal with. I wish they would write that on the box.
Fight or Flight
The main reason I advise my clients to reduce their coffee intake is because of the effects it has on your stress hormones – adrenaline in particular.
Every time you have a cup of coffee, your system is flooded with adrenaline, you are pumped up and ready for action. This is a heightened state and is telling your body that you need to be alert and in the moment. Your body only naturally does this when there is danger present – and we have all heard of the phrase fight or flight.
When your adrenals are producing high levels of adrenaline, you are automatically put into this fight or flight state. You may enjoy the extra energy, especially when you know you are safe and that you don’t actually have to fight or run for your life at any moment.
But this is not sustainable, and it comes with the inevitable crash afterwards. The thing is, our daily lives cause us to go into fight or flight mode far too often as it is – stress being the number one factor for this, and demands from work and family. So adding in another dose of high adrenaline when we are overloaded already, adds to the depletion, exhaustion and burn out factor that so many people are trying to avoid.
More severe effects of coffee
Caffeine blocks a chemical in the brain called adenosine. Adenosine helps us to feel calm, relaxed and sleepy. When adenosine is blocked, the body becomes more stimulated and alert, which in turn causes the nervous system to become more active and stressed.
If you repeatedly get in this state it can have other effects on your health – such as an increased heart rate and even palpitations. A lot of people comment that they have heightened anxiety, which is no surprise as you have blocked the chemical that helps us to relax and feel calm.
But the most serious and alarming effect that caffeine can cause is brain seizures. Adenosine has anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) properties. When caffeine blocks this, brain cells are at risk of being so over-stimulated – especially in highly sensitive individuals, that it could actually cause a seizure.
Withdrawal Headaches
When people stop drinking coffee after drinking it daily (or several times daily) they tend to experience headaches. This can put people off so much that they give in and reach for another cup of the good stuff. I wanted to explain exactly what is happening in the body when coffee withdrawal causes these headaches.
Caffeine changes blood flow in the brain and affects brain chemistry. When someone who regularly consumes caffeine suddenly stops, the body has to readjust, and one of the most common withdrawal symptoms is a headache.
Caffeine causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict – if caffeine is suddenly removed then blood vessels can dilate more than usual – this causes increased blood flow which can put pressure on surrounding tissues and pain-sensitive structures, which can trigger a withdrawal headache.
It can also cause temporary tiredness, irritability and brain fog. No wonder no one likes to give it up! I want to emphasise the word temporary here. Once your body finds its natural balance again, these symptoms disappear, plus you won’t have the constant attack on your adrenal glands.
Once the adjustment period passes, many people notice more stable energy, fewer crashes, and a better understanding of their true energy levels rather than the temporary boost caffeine provides.
Alternatives
I hope this has given you food for thought. Maybe you will consider reducing your daily coffee intake? If you enjoy a cup on a weekend as part of a treat or a relaxing ritual, then I think there is no problem with that.
If you enjoy it and it doesn’t cause you any noticeable negative effects, then maybe your body is less sensitive which is great! But over time, the more coffee you consume, the more detrimental effects it has on your energy and health in general. So reducing it would greatly benefit you.
I am highly sensitive to caffeine and haven’t been able to tolerate coffee for years. I have struggled with my energy over the years too, and used to wish that I could drink coffee just sometimes – when I really needed it!
As a woman in my mid forties I used to feel exhausted every day. This would cause me stress even if my adrenals weren’t being spiked by actual caffeine, the stress itself would cause me issues.
I am very happy to say that I no longer have that problem. I have found two amazing alternatives that give me the sustained energy that I need, without any negative effects! There are lots of alternatives out there, and we are all individuals so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next, but there is growing awareness in the area of health and natural energy boosters, so try some on for size and see what fits you best.
My absolute favourite is a drink called Rise which is a supplement made from 7 different mushrooms amongst other ingredients. I have written lots more about that as I love it so much – it really is a part of my life now – see what I have previously written.
The other is another mushroom drink called Bioflow – which is more like hot chocolate. Again, I decided to jump on board and become an affiliate for Bioflow as I really like their approach to health and the product they deliver. The link if you would like to purchase that through me is here.
Thanks so much for reading. My aim is to help improve health where I can, and spread the knowledge of how you can do that for yourself as much as possible.
Until next time, Zoe x
I am a homeopath based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. I offer consultations online or face-to-face. Please email me zoe@zoebrowning.com for more details and to discuss your requirements.
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The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content shared through this website, consultations, programmes, articles, resources, or communications should not be considered medical advice and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical professional.
As a homeopath and holistic health practitioner, I work to support overall health and wellbeing through individualised homeopathic care and lifestyle guidance. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in their health and to consult their GP or other appropriate healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns, diagnoses, symptoms, medications, or treatment decisions.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical attention because of information you have read on this website. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services or seek immediate medical care.
Results from homeopathic treatment and lifestyle recommendations vary from person to person, and no specific outcomes can be guaranteed.
By using this website and engaging with my services, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your own health decisions and understand that all information and services are provided in good faith for educational and wellbeing purposes.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Homeopathic treatment and lifestyle guidance are designed to support overall health and wellbeing and should be used alongside appropriate medical care where necessary.
If you have concerns about your health, are taking medication, are pregnant, or have a diagnosed medical condition, please seek advice from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
Individual results may vary, and no specific outcomes can be guaranteed.