I love coffee. In fact, I enjoy a cup of black coffee most mornings and have since I was a teenager.
But, I don’t always feel great when I drink it. It can cause bloating, increase my anxiety, and cause inflammation. Among other things.
So I’ve gone through periods of time where I’ve taken a break from coffee. And while I miss the nostalgia of my hot cup of coffee, I always feel better without it.
Why is that? Because coffee irritates the gut – affecting digestion and mood. So while you may love your coffee (as do I!), it may not be the best thing for you either.
If you’re struggling with:
- Anxiety or depression
- Inflammation (even acne)
- Food sensitivities
- Poor sleep
- Indigestion (gas or bloating)
- Constipation or diarrhea
And you drink coffee daily, then your morning coffee might be ruining your digestion. Here’s how:
Prevents Absorption of Nutrients
Caffeine can inhibit the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and b vitamins. These are all important for proper digestion.
The nerves in your digestive tract need calcium to help regulate digestion. Magnesium helps with gut motility and regular bowel movements. Iron helps with a healthy gut microbiome. B vitamins help breakdown your food to provide energy for digestion.
Raises Your Cortisol Levels
If you’re already stressed then caffeine may increase cortisol secretion. According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine.
When your cortisol levels rise, blood flow goes to your brain and away from digestion. This impacts your ability to digest your food.
Causes Loose Bowels
A study by BMJ Journals found that drinking coffee does cause loose bowel movements for some. It also showed that it didn’t matter whether it was caffeinated or not!
And while that might seem like a good thing (bye constipation!), it’s actually not. The quick movement means less absorption of nutrients, and looser bowels causes dehydration.
So what should you do if you’re worried that coffee is ruining your digestion? Well, you may need to give it a little break.
I know, that sounds less appealing than poking your eye with your finger. But the benefits are worth it, I promise.
I do a coffee detox two to three times a year and always feel better for it. I take coffee out for two to four weeks and replace it with healthier options. I’ll use hot water and lemon, matcha tea, or herbal tea to fill the void.
I walk away with better digestion, a more stable mood, and way more energy.
If you’re ready to feel great again, maybe you should give it a try too!
