What's the Deal with Coffee?

One day, we hear that coffee is the perfect morning drink to kickstart a healthy routine, and the next day, we hear that  it alters stress hormones and should be avoided at all costs. Like many things in the health and wellness space, it gets confusing. So let’s talk about the most important things to think about when deciding if we should include coffee in our morning rituals. 

Something to keep in mind is that it’s not about the coffee, it’s about the person. The benefits and drawbacks of coffee consumption depend on the individual and their response to it, not the coffee. Everyone is different and we experience the effects of coffee differently. 

If you are someone that struggles with adrenal fatigue, you might be sensitive to coffee beans and experience unpleasant symptoms as a result of consumption. Additionally, if you find yourself restless or constantly wanting to fall asleep throughout the days when you drink coffee, then it might not be the best drink for you. 

If you feel energized, satisfied, and ready to take on the day when you have that morning brew, then coffee might be the perfect addition to your daily habits. If you fall in this category, you are likely to experience all of the benefits of coffee consumption, including reduced possibility of leaky gut, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, with increased moods, memory metabolism, and sports performance. 

Now what?

Now that you know the nuances of coffee and that it is dependent on the individual, assess your relationship with it. How do you truly feel when you drink coffee? Are you energized or are you lethargic and feeling like you need frequent coffee breaks throughout the day?

If you are in the lethargic category, try cutting out coffee for a week and ask yourself the following questions: 

-How do I feel?

-Am I able to function normally?

-Do I have symptoms of withdrawal?

This will give you a baseline understanding of your body’s response to coffee intake. If you feel good, are able to function optimally, and do not experience symptoms of withdrawal, then you can keep coffee in your morning routine - it is working for ya! If you feel sluggish, are not able to function well, or experience headaches, nausea or other symptoms, then it is a good idea to look at coffee alternatives.