Drinking Coffee for Hormone Health
I hate to break it to you, but drinking coffee on an empty stomach might be wrecking havoc on your hormones.
I need to preface with this: If you drink coffee on an empty stomach and feel amazing, this is not your sign to switch up your whole life –your body might be completely fine with caffeine. But if you’re curious about how caffeine can affect your body (other than by just giving you a buzz), keep reading.
Tips for Drinking Coffee for Hormone Health
Caffeine isn’t ideal for hormonal health (especially if you’re already dealing with a hormonal imbalance.) If you are going to drink caffeine, it should only be with breakfast or after eating because it spikes blood sugar.
Choose high-quality coffee. Not all coffee is created equal. When it comes to improving hormone health, it's important to choose high-quality coffee that is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Look for organic, fair-trade coffee that has been grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Caffeine hinders digestion. When you have coffee on an empty stomach, it puts your stomach’s hydrochloric acid (HCl = stomach acid) production into overdrive. If you don’t have any food to digest, the body realizes over time that its overproduction of HCl is useless, decreasing its production of stomach acid in general. This is also why a lot of people who drink coffee in the morning experience acid reflux.
Finally, when you drink caffeine, the reason it makes you feel more “awake” or energized is because it’s sparking cortisol production (aka the stress hormone.) In the morning, the body relies on a natural, gradual production of cortisol in order to tell the body it’s time to be awake, but caffeine causes a cortisol spike, which can lead to energy crashes in the short term and chronic anxiety and stress in the longterm.
Drinking too much coffee in general can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to a range of negative health effects. Aim to drink no more than 2 cups of coffee per day to avoid overconsumption.
Healthier morning choices:
» make sure you drink coffee with or after you eat breakfast, and aim to eat breakfast within 90 minutes after waking.
» if you’re dealing with any signs of a hormonal imbalance (bad periods, anxiety, acne, headaches, etc.), I recommend switching to decaf.
» opt for low-acid coffee if you have digestive concerns. Espresso, dark roasts, and cold brew are naturally less acidic.
In conclusion, drink coffee in moderation and with care. By choosing high-quality coffee, avoiding drinking coffee on an empty stomach, and listening to your body, you can enjoy the health benefits of coffee without disrupting your body's natural hormone balance.
Contact me to see how I can help you balance your hormones today!