The Morning Mug debate
This is something I enjoy 90% of my mornings, because there are always those days when my soul craves a good cup of coffee. But 9 times out of 10 I’m sipping on a base of Rooibos Tea.
I was first introduced to Rooibos tea in 2014 from the late Paul Horan. He was following a protocol from Dr. Hyman that eliminate caffeine and coffee. Why? We’ll 1. coffee is super acidic for our gut biome and 2. caffeine causes a lot of undesirable reactions when consumed everyday.
What type of reactions? Things like blocking adenosine (chemical that helps you sleep) and stimulating adrenaline release. Which, if you’re being chased by a bear you want but on an easy Sunday Morning maybe you don’t. Adrenaline then stimulates the mobilization of glucose so you have energy to run and increases heart rate and oxygen consumption so you can run for a longer period of time to outrun the bear. This would all be great if there was in fact a bear but I don’t think you need a faster heartbeat to shower and get ready for work or to finish that crossword puzzle.
Adrenaline is a stress response hormone and if we keep stimulating it day after day, multiple times a day, well it can get a little burnt out. Ever hear of Adrenal Fatigue? Coffee may be a cause for adrenal fatigue. Basically its that your adrenal fail to produce and regulate hormones as efficiently as it should.
FYI >> Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Back to the coffee, so you’ve just has a couple sips and your heart rate increases, your blood pressure increases, your lung capacity increases, pupil expansion and glucose is surging thought your blood. Because of these “reactions” you will also have the mobilization of key nutrients but mainly; B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Also increased urination and increased sweating.
Mothers warning: Caffeine does pass into the placenta and into breast milk.
Now I mentioned the gut biome. Research does show that some coffee’s do increase in the metabolic activity and presence of host probiotics for the gut. And you may have herd that coffee is a highly acidic substance however the acid/base content vary dramatically based on your beans and brewing methods. Coffee’s average pH is 5, about the same as a banana. AND
Where are these ph’s coming from? Chlorogenic Acid & Quinic Acids
In its green state, coffee has a very large concentration of chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic Acid (good cuz its the antioxidants we want) degrade in the roasting process to quinic acids. The darker the roast the more alkaline because there is a lower levels of chlorogenic acid. The lighter the roasted coffees have a more pronounced acidity. When it gets too acidic the body is unable to absorb nutrients as well and for some nutrients it even prevents absorption.
Now I' don’t want to be all harsh on coffee because I do love it occasionally and in fact Coffee does have some benefits too. It is high in antioxidants and several trace minerals. In fact, many reports suggest that in the typical American diet, coffee is the highest source of antioxidants in the diet (which is sad considering all the fresh fruits an d veggies that contain antioxidants - guess the Typical American doesn’t eat many of those). In addition coffee/caffeine has been shown to decreases your risk for type 2 diabetes, lowers cancer risk and improves mood and memory. Coffee can also boost metabolism and sports performance.
SO, At the end of the day…..ugh and all that research I just did, what do I do? Love coffee, enjoy it once in a while. But don’t become addicted to the adrenal fatigue.
Wait….I was write this blog on why I choose Rooibos Tea, not a lecture about the dangers of coffee. I guess I needed to get all of that out of my head first. Explain to you “my why” I choose not to have coffee First.
“Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.”