BEWARE of the “Coffee Trap” [UNDOES Benefits]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 21, 2024
Longtime Living Well Daily readers know I love my coffee.
Powerful antioxidants and other healthy compounds in coffee deliver various health benefits. In fact, studies confirm a regular coffee habit may reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and liver disease.
It also provides a temporary boost in energy and focus that many people rely on to be productive (like the guy writing this article).
However, some frequent coffee drinkers fall into what I call the “coffee trap,” which can UNDO all those benefits.
The coffee trap starts when you have a bad night’s sleep.
That poor sleep obviously leads to feeling tired the next day. So, to compensate, you pour yourself an extra cup to stay awake and alert.
But now you’ve boosted your typical caffeine intake, which can lead to… yes, you guessed it… ANOTHER ruined night of shuteye.
The next day, you need TWO extra cups of coffee just to make it through the day.
Caffeine, like many drugs, is something your body adapts to. That means that over time, you’ll need more and more coffee to feel alert, but the jitteriness and anxiousness build up while the benefits diminish.
Soon, you’ll fall into the trap of drinking four, six, or eight cups of coffee daily.
As with most things, the key to BENEFICIAL coffee drinking is moderation. Go ahead and enjoy your Java, but don’t depend on it as a long-term solution for fatigue.
Drink caffeinated coffee earlier in the day and switch to decaf or herbal tea at night. And stick to a strict sleep schedule and focus on improving your sleep hygiene habits.
Coffee has its perks, but don’t let it trap you in a vicious cycle of OVER-caffeination. Be mindful of when and how much you drink so the benefits always outweigh the drawbacks.
P.S. I often get asked by patients if they should be drinking light or dark roast coffee. My answer might surprise you.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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