Why The Caffeine Source Matters
While, chemically, Dr. Cole says that caffeine acts the same regardless of how you consume it , there may be hidden pros and cons in your drink. “The source can have other problems or benefits associated with it that can further perpetuate inflammation or help soothe it,” he says. For example, green tea has powerful catechins like EGCG that have been shown to help drive down inflammation. But regular soda that contains added sugars like high-fructose corn syrup can increase inflammation.
Coffee, though, is one caffeine source that’s been shown to provide benefits from moderate, regular consumption to those without underlying health issues. One paper published in BMJ that reviewed 201 various studies links regular coffee drinking to lower incidents of cancers and neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions, all of which are manifestations of chronic inflammation. Dr. Cole says the quality of the coffee matters, too. Pesticides, storage facility cleanliness, and fungi infections all can lead to coffee bean pollution, which can cause inflammation. So if you can afford to, buy organic to minimize exposure to those factors.
Getting To Know Cyp1a2
We inherit one copy of CYP1A2 from our mom and one from our dad. If you have two of the fast variants of the gene, youlike 40% of the population are a fast caffeine metabolizer. If you have one fast and one slow copy, youre a medium caffeine metabolizer . Youre a slow caffeine metabolizer if you have two slow versions of the gene, which applies to about 15 percent of us.
If youre a slow caffeine metabolizer:
You are much more likely to feel anxious jittery, and sweaty after consuming caffeine. You may get heart palpitations or even panic attacks. Caffeine withdrawal also commonly causes severe headaches in slow metabolizers, but feeling shaky and on edge arent the only health problems associated with caffeine. You also have:
1. Increased risk of high blood pressure
Some fascinating research published in the Journal of Hypertension found that slow metabolizers who drank a lot of coffee were significantly more likely to have high blood pressure. Amazingly, fast metabolizers actually had lower blood pressure after drinking coffee!
2. Increased risk of heart attack
A similar study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that drinking four or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a 36 percent increased risk of a heart attack, only among slow metabolizers.
3. Higher chance of digestive disorders
4. More stress and measurable cortisol spikes
If youre a fast metabolizer:
1. Longer life
2. Faster metabolism
3. Better memory and mood
Coffee And Digestion: 8 Digestive Problems With Coffee
After doing the research for this post I gave up coffee. Im done with it.
I took the last I had to work as an offering to the caffeine addicts there and replaced it with this caffeine-free yet coffee-tasting substitute. It was actually easier than Id expected.
Giving up their daily caffeine fix is a scary thought for some people. Many of us are far more addicted to this legal drug than wed like to admit to ourselves.
What I hope to offer with this post is some positive motivation and momentum to give up coffee.
Ill do this by covering the damaging effects it can have on your digestive system. As well as symptoms and side effects, including stomach pain, bloating, intestinal cramps, diarrhea and excessive gas.
And for some good news, in following articles Ill cover caffeine withdrawal remedies, replacing coffee with healthier alternatives and a step by step plan to quit coffee.
Just making this one change in your drinking habits can make a dramatic difference to your health and sense of well being in your daily life.
Okay, if youve made it this far without being scared off then lets get started.
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What Are The Problems With Consuming Caffeine
Too much caffeine at any one time for example, more than 500mg, which is 3 espresso coffees or 6 to 7 instant coffees can make you feel agitated and anxious. It can make it hard for you to sleep. It may also make you breathe faster and your heart beat faster.
If you drink a lot of coffee over a long period, it might increase your risk of:
- heartburn possibly because coffee relaxes the muscle that stops acid regurgitating into the oesophagus
- osteoporosis probably because caffeine encourages you to lose calcium through your kidneys
- insomnia because of the stimulant effect
- miscarriage in this case, it is not clear why there might be an increased risk
- infertility in men possibly because caffeine damages sperm
Can Drinking Coffee Cause Inflammation
With that being said, coffee still has its potential risks.
The caffeine in coffee is still a stimulant and when consumed in excess, it has both positive and negative effects on the body.
Some negative effects can include increased risk of higher blood pressure, artery stiffness, and increased levels of homocysteine, insulin, and possibly cholesterol. These are all things that relate to or directly affect inflammation.
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Mixing Caffeine With Alcohol And Other Drugs
When alcohol is consumed with or mixed with caffeine as it is in certain energy drinks the caffeine can hide some of the effects of the alcohol. This can make drinkers feel more alert. As a result, they may drink more alcohol and become more impaired than they realise, putting themselves at greater risk.
Caffeine does not affect the way the body absorbs alcohol, so it will not reduce your blood alcohol concentration or help you ‘sober up’ after a big night.
Caffeine can also interact with other drugs such as:
- some heart and asthma medications
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to check if any medications you take could be affected by caffeine.
Does Sugar In Coffee Cause Inflammation
Heres something of a thorny point though many of us enjoy a little sugar with our coffee, or a shot of flavored syrup. And sugar is now known to be one of the bad guys when it comes to substances that can cause inflammation.
So, if black coffee is actually anti-inflammatory, what about coffee with sugar in it, then? How does that raise our risks of inflammation?
Well, as with so many things in life, especially the food and drink we consume, it depends on the amount of sugar youre consuming. The USDA recommends that sugar should account for less than 10% of our total daily calorie intake. For an adult consuming the recommended 2,000 calories a day, thats no more than 12 teaspoons of sugar in total, bearing in mind that you might not realize how many foods contain hidden sugar. Did you know that baked beans and tomato ketchup, for instance, both contain sugar?
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Does Decaf Coffee Have The Same Effect
There arent many studies comparing the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on inflammation.
Yet, one review reported that while coffee generally tends to reduce inflammation, caffeine supplements dont appear to offer the same effects .
This suggests that compounds other than caffeine in coffee may be responsible for this beverages anti-inflammatory effect.
As such, it may be expected to offer the same anti-inflammatory benefits as regular coffee. Still, more research is needed to confirm this.
SUMMARY
What Foods Cause Inflammation
For the past 5 years or so, there has been a war against sugar and the harmful effects it can have on our health. Table sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the two main types of added sugar in the Western diet. Not only can this cause inflammation, but it can also cause our blood sugar levels to rise exponentially.
People with higher sugar diets have more inflammatory markers in their blood, including a marker called C-reactive protein than those who have lower sugar diets.
We know that reading through a bunch of research can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we found this great video by A Sweet Pea Chef on inflammatory foods.
We love how she breaks down everything into easy bites of information. She even has another video on a 5-day anti-inflammatory diet meal plan as well.
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Coffee And Chronic Liver Disease Or Cancer
In 2019, a literature review concluded that coffee intake is likely to reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Earlier, in 2015, a cohort study of a multiethnic population in the United States suggested that depending on the dose, consuming two to three cups of coffee daily reduced the participants risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease by
Is Coffee Good For Arthritis
Coffee could potentially benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee. 5 Reducing inflammation in the body could help reduce joint pain. Also, the stimulating effects of caffeine help to fight physical and mental fatigue that is common with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Red And Processed Meats
Processed meats have been salted, cured, fermented or smoked for flavor or preservation purposes. Research shows both processed and red meats are high in saturated fat, which causes inflammation.
Examples of red and processed meats
Red meat is any meat that comes from cows, pigs, sheep and goats. Examples of processed meats include:
- Bacon.
- Some deli meats.
Side Effects Of Too Much Caffeine
Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.
Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance (
However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.
Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects .
Whats more, individuals who arent used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (
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Can You Drink Coffee On An Anti
Yes, its okay to drink coffee while on an anti-inflammatory diet. As with any food or beverage, though, moderation is key. Just be mindful of creamers and added sugar, as those are certainly not anti-inflammatory foods.
Black coffee is best, if you can stomach it.
And if you dont really like coffee, Golden Ratios gentle flavors will remind you of tea instead .
What are the risks to drinking coffee when on an anti-inflammatory diet? Drinking coffee can have risks, just like anything. Coffee consumption can cause bloating, heartburn, and stomach irritation. It can also have adverse effects if you suffer fromIBS.
However, typically these issues arise when you drink more than 4 cups a day.
If youre unsure, you can always consult your doctor.
Why You Should Never Eat Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with an alkaloid called solanine. Consistent research shows that excessive consumption of tomatoes can result in swelling and pain in the joints as they are packed with an alkaloid called solanine. The Solanine is responsible for building up calcium in the tissues and it later leads to inflammation.
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How Coffee Roasting & Additives May Impact Inflammation
Different types of coffee beans dont seem to affect the anti-inflammatory effects of coffee. However, how your coffee is roasted and coffee additives may increase inflammation if youre not careful.
Darker coffee roasts may offer less benefit because the longer coffee beans are roasted, the less chlorogenic acid they contain. Of the drinkable coffee roasts, gold coffee theoretically should have the highest levels of this powerful compound.
Some potentially toxic compounds can be found in coffee thats improperly roasted or stored. Regular coffee consumption, overall, seems to reduce inflammation, but mold or other toxins could potentially offset this.
Finally, its important not to load up your coffee with extras that are known to be inflammatory. Added sugar is the most obvious culprit, but other junk in cheap coffee creamers can have the same effect.
So Does Drinking Coffee Cause Inflammation
Coffee can help in preventing inflammation among fast metabolizers who can tolerate it well. If youre noticing some signs of inflammation, but still want to drink coffee, you might want to consult your doctor about it for recommended dosage as well as about an anti-inflammatory diet that suits you.
Nevertheless, you must drink coffee in moderation especially if you are a slow metabolizer or consider mild blends.
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What Are The Foods That Cause Inflammation
The type of food put into the body can often affect inflammation. Some foods can help decrease inflammation, while others increase it. A wide variety of foods increase inflammation in the body. These include some dairy foods, gluten-rich foods, saturated fats, red meats, egg yolks, corn, and many processed foods. While there are a number of different foods that cause inflammation, the exact items and ingredients will vary from person to person.
People with food allergies will likely find that allergens will increase inflammation in the body. Many dairy items can cause inflammation, especially in individuals who have lactose intolerance. Some dairy products, however, may actually decrease inflammation in the body. Plain yogurt can have anti-inflammatory effects and may actually reduce inflammation in the stomach. Gluten products are also allergens and are among the types of foods that cause inflammation. These items include ingredients such as oats, wheat, and rye.
Refined sugars and processed foods are some of the biggest causes of inflammation. Most processed foods contain excessive amounts of saturated fats, additives, and chemicals that can cause inflammation. Artificial sweeteners and refined sugars, such as white, brown, confectioners sugar, and corn syrups are among the types of refined sugars in foods that cause inflammation. Alternatives to refined sugars include natural sweeteners such as honey, date paste, or rice sugar.
How Much Caffeine Is In Our Diet
The biggest sources of caffeine are coffee and energy drinks . Be aware of your portion size. Many mugs and coffee-shop drinks can hold as much as 20 ounces.
According to Harvard Universitys T.H. Chan School of Public Health, other sources of caffeine include a shot of espresso , a cup of black tea , green tea , 12 ounces of Mountain Dew or cola , an ounce of dark chocolate , and decaffeinated coffee .
Of course, dont forget to drink water, which not only hydrates the body, but helps counter the potential diuretic effects of caffeine.
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The Buzz On Your Body And Caffeine
To understand how your body reacts to caffeine, first think about any underlying health issues you may have. Anxiety, for example, can cause the heart to beat faster, and that prolonged stress on the heart could lead to chronic inflammation, specifically in the form of cardiovascular disease. “Caffeine can stimulate catecholamines, and if you are someone who suffers from anxiety and palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, stimulating catecholamines can exacerbate your symptoms,” Eudene Harry, MD, the medical director for Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center in Orlando, explains. “Otherwise, most individuals who do not have these conditions, based on many studies done to this point, can tolerate moderate caffeine consumption.”
Outside of underlying conditions, consider how quickly your body metabolizes it. “If someone is a slow metabolizer , they may experience an inflammatory reaction or a spike in the stress hormone, cortisol,” says Will Cole, DC, a leading functional medicine expert and the author of The Inflammation Spectrum.“This can be an issue especially with adrenal fatigue and other hormone problems. Some people have an initial spike in cortisol from caffeine but gain tolerance over time, while others donât adapt to caffeine.”
Good Benefits Of Caffeine
Caffeinated coffee and tea are already a part of many peoples day, and this new finding furthers the possibility that they could be a healthy choice.
More research is needed to fully explain how caffeine is interfering with inflammation. But a growing body of research is showing us how healthful coffee and tea can be and not only because they may help to block inflammation.
Coffee has been shown to have some unexpected and stunning anti-aging health benefits, from decreasing the risk of diseases, including dementia, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, to prolonging life expectancy overall.
In his landmark book, How Not to Die, Michael Greger, MD, explains the effectiveness of coffee consumption in preventing and treating Parkinsons disease. And the key helpful ingredient appears to be the caffeine.
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Why Added Sugars Cause Inflammation
When you digest something, the sugar enters your blood. Insulin then puts the sugar into your cells to give them energy. But when theres too much sugar at one time, insulin tries to store the excess in your fat cells, causing them to get larger. Over time, research shows this can lead to weight gain or insulin resistance, which is associated with other metabolic conditions.
Our body is not designed to process excessive amounts of added sugar throughout the day, we must be more aware when choose products and read the label, Coates explains.
Does Coffee Cause Inflammation
Americans long-lasting love affair with drinking coffee shows no signs of ending. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, coffee consumption is up 5 percent since 2015, with 62 percent of Americans indulging daily. The average coffee lover now drinks more than three cups of coffee every day. Science swings back and forth on the health benefits of coffee but lately, seems to be more in favor of java than not.
The weight of the evidence today indicates less harm and more good from a cuppa Joe, says Melissa Ann Prest, a doctor of clinical nutrition and a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Several studies have suggested that coffee may be associated with a reduced mortality, including a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. And some of these benefits may be from coffees anti-inflammatory properties.
Heres what you need to know about coffee and its effects on inflammation in the body.
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