We’ve all heard various opinions from so called experts on this topic. So what gives? Is coffee healthy for me or not? Today we go over the research we found to answer this question.
Small amounts of coffee can be beneficial for some people. However, when over consumed coffee can lead to stress, irritability, poor sleep, and dependency.
Mood effects
Coffee has been known to cause many different mood effects. We all know someone who doesn’t like to be disturbed before they’ve had their coffee. Okay, maybe that is us! The point is whether we admit it or not – that morning irritability may have effect on our quality of life especially if it happens throughout the day as well.
Questionable sourcing
Lots of coffee is not sourced sustainably. In some cases this means child and even slave labor is used throughout the process. Even big name brands that have plenty of money have been known to have poor working conditions for their workers. Look for brands that are labelled “Certified Fair Trade” in order to avoid supporting any type of unfair laboring situations.
Pesticides and Chemicals
Since coffee is a huge cash crop, many farms are using pesticides. Coffee is highly absorbent. This means any pesticides used during the grow process may make it all the way to your cup. Additionally, acrylamide, is another chemical that is generated during the roasting process. Acrylamide is a chemical known to be carcinogenic in rats.
But what about the positives?
It is true that coffee has been credited for many benefits such as increased energy and focus, digestive benefits, and quite a few very off the wall health benefits ranging from better liver function to increased longevity. Are any of these benefits real?
We can agree coffee does give you extra energy. Perhaps even focus for some. However considering that to get those benefits you have to drink it daily and even multiple times throughout the day more often than not it results in some of the side effects listed above. Stress and irritability are the most typical, though more serious side-effects do occur.
If you are hear reading this, I’m going to guess you aren’t one of the few who enjoys just an occasional cup of coffee. If you are, then congratulations, you are quite the exception.
Lets be honest, if you have to continue using a potentially addictive substance to get the benefits from it, then it may not quite be the staple of health we once thought it was.
Withdrawal Symptoms
It is important to know what you might face in potential caffeine withdrawal. Some may not experience any of these symptoms while others may experience a variety of symptoms. Chances are if you have used caffeine regularly for any period of time you may have experienced some of them.
Some common withdrawal symptoms are Headache, Fatigue, Depression, Constipation and Irritability
Headache
This is actually a result of getting more blood to the brain – which is a good thing!! Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor which means it shrinks the blood vessels in the brain. Stopping caffeine means the blood vessels return to normal size and blood flow is increased. Headaches will subside as your brain adjusts back to the increased blood flow. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Fatigue
As your brain chemistry returns to normal, you may experience some changes in energy levels. Caffeine blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine and as it returns to normal levels you may experience some drowsiness or fatigue. Once again plenty of water will help you to feel better faster.
Depression
As most people drink coffee for an extra boost, when stopping you may temporarily notice a depressed mood. This may also be related to caffiene’s ability to block the neurotransmitter adenosine.
Constipation
Many people rely on coffee’s ability to stimulate the bowel. When stopping you may find yourself a little backed up. Eat plenty of fiber rich foods or add a fiber supplement to keep things moving.
Irritability
You don’t have to go long without a cup of coffee to start feeling this one. Starting the day a morning meditation practice will help you to center yourself and significantly improve your mood and quality of life!
Living free from caffeine
The benefits of being free from cravings are immense. Not to mention the potential life enhancing effects one can experience by going about this in a different way. Here are a few things that will help not only liberate you from coffee but help increase your well-being and resolve some of the reasons why we turned to coffee in the first place.
Start a meditation practice
Starting the day with meditation not only equips you with the mental faculties to better handle any challenges, it also gives you a massive boost of energy! The benefits of meditating regularly are immense. Best of all there are no negative side-effects!
Start exercising
Staying physically fit is important in living a happy and healthy life. You don’t have to become a professional weight trainer to experience massive benefit from exercise. Even 15 minutes a day could not only extend your life significantly, it can also increase your quality of life dramatically!
Drink more water
What if I told you 90% of your issues would go away if you simply drank more water? Dehydration causes its own problems and if left unchecked may lead to dis-ease. Staying hydrated increases your health, wellness and mood significantly! Also, seeing how water IS the source of all life, may as well drink it up!
Remember to Breathe
Believe it or not this one simple thing can fundamentally change your life. Life is always going to have its challenges and stresses. Making a point to stop and breathe helps us be better equipped to face anything that may come. Every chance you get take a moment to take a few breaths. Your body will thank you