To begin with, we are going to discuss the drug “caffeine”. I guarantee that most people you know are not aware that this powerful ingredient in our coffee can actually be prescribed in a pill form. Caffeine is digested by each person in a different way just like people digest milk, gluten and shellfish differently. We also metabolize the caffeine enzyme at different rates which leads to different effects in the body.
There are two phases of metabolism: 1st phase=helps your body break down enzymes. 2nd phase=helps your body eliminate them so they don’t build up in your body. What are enzymes? They are proteins that help control the speed of metabolism which is the chemical reactions in our bodies.
How do you know if you have a fast or slow coffee metabolism? If you have a fast coffee metabolism, then you can drink a cup right before bed and have no problem falling asleep. If you have a slow coffee metabolism, you can have a cup in the morning and not be able to sleep at night. You also may experience jitters, nervousness and increased heart rate.
Unfortunately this is not something you can change and it is determined by genetics. There is a drink that Dr. Hyman recommends if you want to be able to drink coffee and not have the negative side effects. The drink is called UPDATE and has the molecule in coffee called paraxanthine isolated.
The following are known benefits of coffee:
Source of antioxidants
Improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Reduces cholesterol when coffee is consumed with fat
Helps reduce gut permeability/leaky gut
Decreases risk for type 2 diabetes
Lowers cancer risk
Improves mood and memory
Boosts metabolism and sports performance
Can potentially relieve headaches
The following are potentially negative side effects:
Can become addicting
Alters stress hormones while making you feel tired and wired
Can potentially interfere with liver detoxification
Avoid caffeine altogether if you have:
Adrenal fatigue
Sensitivity to coffee beans
Dr. Hyman recommends treating coffee like any other potential toxic trigger. How do you know if you have an addiction? If you need coffee every day to feel motivated or even to function the answer is yes. If you have withdrawal symptoms when you go without coffee or headaches the answer is yes. These are signs that you are biologically addicted to coffee. Your stress hormones need to be reset.
Dr. Hyman’s personal recipe for his version of Bulletproof coffee:
1 Cup of coffee
1 T butter/ghee
1 T Coconut oil
½ t cinnamon and/or cocoa powder
In conclusion, pay attention to your body and care for your health. Coffee may be medicinal and support your health in the best of ways, or it may be a curse and doing you much more harm for good. Are there any alternatives you could try for a more holistic support that will give you a more gentle boost of caffeine? Green tea and matcha are two that are much gentler.
