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Caffeine Effects: The Truth and Its Influence on Your Hormones and Body

Today is a special day, because September 26th is National Coffee Day! It's the perfect opportunity for us to delve deeper into the effects of caffeine on the female hormonal system. We at Goldea Health are dedicated to helping women optimize their hormones for a healthy and balanced life. We're happy to share our insights, tips, and advice with you! Caffeine, that tempting substance that often gives us such a wonderful kick-start in the morning. But what happens if you consume too much of a good thing?

The impact on your hormones:

Did you know that caffeine can affect your hormones? And we're not just talking about that sudden energy boost after your first cup of coffee.

Example: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach in the morning is like starting your car without a full tank. It's like giving your foot a hard push on the accelerator without the necessary fuel in the tank. For some people, this isn't a problem at all, but for women who experience a lot of stress on a daily basis, it can be a challenge.

Caffeine gives you a quick adrenaline rush, giving you an artificial energy boost. But this boost is short-lived and often followed by an even bigger energy crash, especially if you haven't had breakfast and your body is deficient in essential nutrients!

Even more concerning, caffeine can negatively impact your adrenal glands. It stimulates these small glands to produce adrenaline and cortisol, the well-known stress hormones that prepare you for a "fight or flight" response. While these hormones are helpful in acute stress situations (like running from a lion), in our modern lives, our adrenal glands are often overworked and overstimulated by this constant exposure to caffeine and stress.

Disadvantages of Caffeine/Coffee

Let's face it, we love our coffee, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be harmful.

  1. Stress hormones : Coffee can increase the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
  2. Adrenal Disruption : Excessive caffeine consumption can overload and exhaust the adrenal glands.
  3. Sleep disruption : Coffee can reduce sleep quality and disrupt sleep cycles.
  4. Estrogen Balance : Caffeine can affect estrogen balance in women, which can cause menstrual problems.
  5. Calcium Loss : Coffee can lead to calcium loss through urine, which can affect bone health.
  6. Insulin sensitivity : Excessive coffee consumption may reduce insulin sensitivity.
  7. Fertility : Caffeine may have a negative effect on fertility in women.
  8. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate : Coffee can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can affect hormonal responses.
  9. It robs B vitamins: to supplement these I recommend: a Vegan Multi .

How to Know if You're Caffeine Intolerant

Many women experience side effects of caffeine in their bodies. Ironically, coffee, which you think is a solution to functioning well, can actually be the cause of the very problems you think you need it for. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, your body may not be processing caffeine as efficiently as you'd like:

  • Nervousness and tension
  • Insomnia : Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Restlessness : Having a constant feeling of unrest, of being rushed.
  • Fatigue : Paradoxically, caffeine can cause fatigue, which perpetuates coffee cravings.
  • High blood pressure : Increased blood pressure due to caffeine use.
  • Fluctuating blood sugar levels : A significantly changing blood sugar level, which can manifest itself in constant hunger or a craving for sugar.
  • Digestive problems : Discomforts such as stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation.
  • Elevated resting heart rate : A faster heart rate, even when you are relaxed.

These symptoms are often attributed to other causes, such as adrenal fatigue (burnout) or anxiety disorders. However, it's worth considering whether caffeine plays a role in these symptoms, and trying a caffeine-free period can be illuminating for your overall well-being.

What contains caffeine?

Caffeine isn't just found in your beloved cup of coffee. It can also sneak into other foods and drinks.

  1. Coffee
  2. Tea
  3. Energy and soft drinks
  4. Chocolate
  5. Some herbal teas
  6. Medicines
  7. Nutritional supplements

Hormone proof coffee

We love to think about possibilities, and we have good news! There's a way to enjoy your coffee without upsetting your hormones. We call it "hormone-proof coffee," and we're going to tell you exactly how to make it.

How to make hormone-proof coffee

  1. Breakfast first: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast before reaching for your coffee. This will nourish your body and prevent caffeine from having too much of an impact.
  2. Timing: Choose the right time for your coffee consumption. Your natural cortisol peak in the morning makes this the ideal time.
  3. Collagen powder: Add a scoop of collagen powder to your coffee. This can help maintain healthy hormonal balance.
  4. Plant-based or cow's milk: Add plant-based or organic raw cow's milk (healthy fats) for a latte effect.
  5. Celtic Sea Salt: If you're feeling stressed, add a tiny pinch of Celtic sea salt to your coffee to replenish your minerals.

Hormone-proof coffee offers many benefits:

  1. Less restlessness and agitation : It calms feelings of restlessness and agitation.
  2. Heart rate stabilization : Your heart rate remains stable, without unnecessary acceleration.
  3. Increased energy and concentration : It provides long-lasting energy without concentration dips.
  4. Less perspiration : You will suffer less from sweaty hands and night sweats.
  5. Reduce PMS Symptoms : Breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms in particular may be reduced because the liver enzymes that break down caffeine also help process harmful estrogens.

If you continue to experience symptoms, try avoiding coffee altogether.

Other alternatives to caffeine

We have some alternatives in store for you that can keep your energy levels up without disrupting your hormones.

  1. Herbal teas : Chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos are all caffeine-free options that offer delicious flavors and health benefits.
  2. Matcha : This green tea powder contains caffeine, but provides a slower and more sustained energy release than coffee.
  3. Chicory Coffee : Chicory coffee, made from roasted chicory root, has an earthy flavor and is caffeine-free.
  4. Golden Milk : A mixture of heated milk, turmeric, and spices like cinnamon and black pepper can be a caffeine-free alternative with anti-inflammatory benefits.
  5. Lemon Water : Start your day with a refreshing glass of lemon water to awaken your senses without caffeine.
  6. Plant-Based Smoothies : Make energizing smoothies with vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins and healthy fats for a healthy start to the day.
  7. Chaga Tea : Chaga mushroom tea is known for its adaptogenic properties and can provide a caffeine-free energy boost.

Extra Tips

Week before menstruation: limit caffeine

Did you know that caffeine can affect your menstrual cycle? Those last few days before your period can be intense. Caffeine can exacerbate mood swings and fatigue. Reduce your caffeine intake and try calming chamomile or rooibos tea.

Tea as a coffee alternative

If you're trying to cut down on your coffee intake, tea is a great choice. Recent research has revealed that a staggering 94% of tea is contaminated with pesticides. Furthermore, consumer organizations have already shown that many supermarket tea bags contain added flavorings and sugar to disguise their poor quality. It's important to be aware of these issues when choosing your tea. So, choose organic tea from brands like Pukka, Yogi, or Zonnatura for a healthier alternative. These teas are pure and free of harmful pesticides. This is better for your hormones and the environment. Small changes, big difference!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog has helped you better understand the effects of caffeine on your hormones and body. It's important to be aware of what you consume and how it affects your well-being. Remember that small lifestyle changes, like adjusting your coffee consumption, can have a major impact on your hormonal balance and overall health.

Sometimes just quitting coffee isn't enough. If your hormones are out of balance, our product #13 Hormone Balance can help! Would you like someone to help you and provide personalized advice?

Do you have any questions?

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