Coffee, Caffeine and Cortisol: Should you still drink coffee?
- Loraine Mazzolini
- Aug 10, 2024
- 3 min read
YES you can ... BUT ... you should consider a delay to drinking your coffee (pre workout powder, celsius, soda or any caffeine drink) first thing in the morning
Why? Because even IF you are drinking black coffee or a no calorie drink, the effects of the caffeine on cortisol can impact weight gain, hormone imbalances and PCOS
Ladies, I get it – coffee is your morning superhero!
The unofficial 1st responder to grogginess.
Caffeine spikes cortisol so it should be avoided until later in the morning and after breakfast.
I am not here to tell you not to drink coffee but just push it back until you eat a protein rich breakfast and after your C.A.R, starts to taper off after 60 minutes of waking.
C.A.R = Cortisol awakening response, body naturally produces for the first 60 minutes in the morning and if you don't feel this natural hormone response it may be a sign that you are chronically stressed, getting too little sleep or letting caffeine interfere with your body's natural process.
But why does waiting until after breakfast make a difference Coach Lo?
For those of us who are dealing with high stress levels (and who isn't),
For women dealing with anxiety due to lowering levels of progesterone
due to peri and post menopause and younger girls and woman who are struggling with PCOS ...
STRESS plays a huge role in influencing how we balance our hormones.
Waiting until after hydrating with water, enjoying a protein rich breakfast and allowing you C.A.R to wear off allows your body to manage the caffeine without spiking cortisol therefore reducing stress on the body. This will also help you avoid the afternoon crash that causes you to reach for even more caffeine! Sound familiar?
Nerd alert for this section - Skip if you prefer - and just remember
HIGH CORTISOL can = FAT STORAGE
You can skip below to my Top 5 ...
The science behind Caffeine and Cortisol:
Caffeine may raise cortisol levels, a hormone produced due to stress by the adrenal glands.
Caffeine activates the adrenal glands, increasing cortisol production naturally changing daily.
Cortisol and Insulin: High cortisol can affect insulin function.
Cortisol manages glucose use, with excess leading to insulin resistance. This hampers glucose entry into cells, elevating blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar and Fat Storage: Increased blood sugar triggers insulin release for glucose absorption. Insulin resistance slows this, causing high blood sugar. Excessive insulin can store fat, especially in the belly.
Resume here
My Top 5 Healthy Morning Caffeine Alternatives:
Water with Electrolytes - IT is crucial to start with water. Your body is dehydrated after a long nights sleep and your brain needs water to function! It would be best if you can drink a filtered water like reverse osmosis and then add in an electrolyte. I can almost guarantee it that once you start incorporating in water and electrolytes as soon as you wake up, you will start to crave this over coffee. Then you can enjoy that hot cup of coffee with breakfast or on your way to work.
My fav is Paleo Valley's watermelon electrolyte
Water with Amino Acids - Another great option to start off with is amino acids which are building blocks for protein. A good start to getting proteins before carbs in the morning
My Fav is Thorne's Amino Complex in Berry - 10% off to my App members - contact me for details
Turmeric Latte - Another fav of mine either in the morning or in the evening before bed. Supports cognitive function in the morning and reduces inflammation throughout the day
My fav is Paleo Valley's SuperFood Golden Milk
Herbal Tea - most herbal teas are caffeine free and are a great warm drink for a substitute to the warm coffee drink and some can help with a morning bowel movement like coffee does for many
Mushroom Latte - these functional mushrooms can increase cognitive function and some also provide some adaptogens to calm the nerves -- just make sure the blend is caffeine free as some do add coffee
**** Need a reminder to incorporate these into your morning routine?? ...
Click here to complete the request for your free "My Top 5 Healthy Morning Caffeine Alternatives" handout and then post it by your coffee pot or in your kitchen:
Need links to any of the products mentioned just let me know. Email me at coachlomazz@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @lomazzolinicoach or join my community in my free app:
Hormone Harmony Collective with Coach Lo and you will find links in the Wellness Products section. https://coachlo.mn.co/
Coach Lo
xoxo
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