How many cups of coffee have you had this morning? Maybe you are drinking one right now as you are reading this, or maybe you will grab a energy drink this afternoon to power through the evening.
“Butter coffee” “Bulletproof coffee” are the new trend in the paleo, health world. But I am not so easily sold on the caffeinated ingredient in this cocktail. I have a case against caffeine, although I know I could quickly lose many of you by just saying that! But stay open-minded here and let me explain…
Over 90 % of Americans drink caffeine regularly, yet somehow we are still chronically fatigued and dragging through the day. But did you know that this attempt to boost your energy and focus can actually be making your fatigue worse?
Caffeine has a stimulatory effect on your system. Revving up your Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system (HPA system) which creates a fight-or-flight reaction releasing Adrenaline and Cortisol throughout your body. Cortisol is a “stress” hormone, it effects your blood pressure, blood sugar, controls your metabolism, activates your nervous system and gets your body quickly ready to flee from danger.
The problem is today we are often living in this sympathetic, fight-or-flight mode all day long. We wake up to a blaring alarm, rush to get ready for the day, deal with the stress of job responsibilities, tight deadlines, family, children, errands, and then finally crash at the end of the day just to start it all over again in the morning.
We are powering with the pedal to the metal, all awhile often consuming an imperfect diet of sugar and processed foods, dealing with internal stressors of hormone imbalance, weakened immune systems, and a congested detoxification pathways and relying on our 5 cups of joe to just get us through. Sounds like you are putting a lot of faith in that latte to keep on living?
If you remember your first drink of caffeine you probably got that jittery, energetic response. But over time your “tolerance” has built and you can have 6, 7, 8 cups of caffeine throughout the day without achieving that rush of energy you once experienced. Over the long term this is your tolerance of the drug caffeine building and your adrenals burning out, not able to keep up with the cortisol you demand from them every day.
“Caffeine doesn’t add energy to your system, it just burns up your reserves at a faster pace. You get a short-term boost at the expense of long-term jitters and fatigue. “
The Unofficial Guide to Beating Stress by Pat Goudey
Researchers from John Hopkins Medical School suggest that increases in performance from caffeine drinkers is actually a result of a short term reversal of caffeine dependence they have built up. So your “Only talk to me after I have had my coffee” feelings are just because you need to take your body back to a short term normal state to get you through the day.
I decided to give up caffeine 6 months ago, and I will be honest, it was not easy. I actually only consumed about 1-2 cups of coffee a day, but even that small amount had its addictive grip around me tight. I felt very tired and cranky for about 3 weeks after I completely cut it out. This was surprising to me because I thought not being a heavy drinker that I would be able to normalize quicker. But this goes to show how worn down and imbalanced my HPA system was from this and other pressures in my life.
But this struggle was completely WORTH IT. I feel like I have found a new source of energy. I wake up without my alarm, flow through the day and have more energy in the evenings than I ever thought I could.
Traveling and busy mornings has not become a struggle because I can get to my day, do what I need to do, without being cranky and irritable to those around me because I was not able to get my cup of coffee first thing.
I still do love the taste and smell of coffee. I drink Swiss water-processed organic decaf now, which is over 99.9% caffeine free but I still get to enjoy the taste. I have often have my own version of “bulletproof” coffee, getting the energy boost from the healthy fats by blending MCT oil with my decaf and sometimes adding a little protein or coconut powder. And I love trying new herbal teas, especially licorice mint.
Now, when I have a late night out or want a real pick-me-up I can have a small cup of green tea or coffee now and get that intended boost. I am not controlled by it but can enjoy a small amount and be fine without it the next day.
If you have been struggling with fatigue, sleeplessness, blood sugar issues, anxiety, or other chronic issues I urge you to just cut back and give this caffeine-free way of life a try.
Here is my outline for tapering off caffeine:
Days 1-4: Cut your caffeine intake in half (for example, if you drink 5 cups of coffee a day cut back to 2-2.5)
Days 5-8: Fill your new intake with half decaf and half regular (2 cups coffee, in each cup half decaf/ half regular, or if you grind beans at home, grind half decaf and half regular)
Days 9-12: Switch your caffeine intake to green or white tea
Days 12-15: Transition your caffeinated tea over to herbal tea or water.
Day 16: You are free!!!
Remember, this may take time to fully adjust and allow your body to find its energy and hormonal baseline again. I recommend you give yourself 3-5 months to really see how you can feel without caffeine.
I know this can be daunting, but think of the money you will save, the time you aren’t fantasizing over a morning Americano, the time in line at Starbucks, and the natural energy and health you can find and regain within yourself.
If you need support or guidance regaining your health, I am Here for you.
Have you given up caffeine? Would you like to? Share your story and experiences below!