Raise your hand if you reach for a cup of coffee in the morning!
If you’re like most, coffee gets you going in the morning, keeps you company on your commute, is in hand in the office and provides that afternoon boost.
This was me not too long ago. My morning highlight was my cup of joe. I knew how it affects my adrenals, but I simply enjoyed it too much. While there are studies that show the health benefits of moderate coffee consumption, there is also evidence linking coffee consumption to some hormone havoc. And let’s be honest here, there are so many things wreaking havoc on our hormones that we cannot even see, if we can have one less contributor to the wacky way we may be feeling, well, I’m all for giving it a try!
Women’s hormone expert, Alissa Vitti shared her perspective on coffee consumption in an article over on MindBodyGreen. Vitti believes that women, especially, should cut back or stop consuming coffee. Review her reasoning and see if coffee still has a place in your cup.
Caffeine may impact pregnancy and miscarriage rates
A 2016 study published in “Fertility and Sterility” found that drinking three or more caffeinated beverages a day raised the risk of early pregnancy loss by 74 percent. The study showed the same risk whether women consumed caffeine before or after conception. In men, preconception caffeine use raises rates of miscarriage.
Caffeine disturbs hormonal functionality for 24 hours
The caffeine in coffee decreases insulin sensitivity and increases stress hormone levels in the blood. Goodness knows we have enough stress floating around, we don’t need our fav cup of joe to contribute.
Women may metabolize coffee differently
Caffeine is broken down in the liver by the CYP1A2 enzyme. Interestingly, only ten percent of the population makes enough of this enzyme to break down significant amounts of caffeine. The CYP1A2 enzyme is also responsible for breaking down estrogen. It’s possible that in some women, consuming caffeine may interfere with enzyme CYP1A2 and impact estrogen metabolism (which can lead to estrogen dominance and a host of hormonal imbalance!) Reducing caffeine consumption may reduce health risks more in women who have impaired CYP1A2 function. Genetic testing can determine your status.
Depletes body from Micronutrients
Micronutrients are key for happy hormones and overall health. Coffee can easily deplete those from your body. The Journal of Food Science and Quality Management did a review that found “Caffeine can cause nutrient depletion of important nutrients, like vitamin B6, and interfere with nutrient absorption of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium and B vitamins.” From mood management to sound sleep, caffeine can leach the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Quick steps to Quit Caffeine
Since coffee is the major caffeine culprit, it is tops on the punch lis you may want to begin avoiding. Here are some quick tips to help you break your coffee addiction:
- Stop adding flavor syrups, sugar, and cream to your coffee.
- Switch your mug of coffee to a smaller cup of it! A cup of espresso is better than a large cup of your favorite, sugary Starbucks.
- Half caf. Cut your regular coffee with decaf.
- Eat! Help stabilize your energy by focusing on good nutrition. Balanced blood sugar and a healthy diet offer sustained energy that supports your health.
It is all about your mindset. Once you decide that you have to quit coffee, small steps will help you achieve a bigger goal. Knowledge is power, so go with what you know and make small shifts. Your hormones will begin to balance, chronic inflammation should ease, and you will find that coffee is no longer a need.
And I’m not saying it will be easy – take it from me who just came off 3-days of coffee detox with headaches like someone was hammering my head – I NEVER want to go through that again! If you think coffee is interfering with your hormone or overall health, let’s chat – book your FREE VENTURE CALL and we can figure your next steps together!
Learn about my 21 Day Hormone Reset here, and really get off the hormonal hell ride once and for all! Invest in your health NOW!
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