Patients ask all the time: “Is it alright for me to continue drinking coffee?”
Well, it really depends on how you drink your coffee. Coffee has evolved in many ways since it was discovered. Until now, many innovations involving coffee have invaded the homes of every family in the world.
The question if it is still appropriate to drink arises for two possible reasons; patients have read stories of its potential harmful effects, or they attribute some of their symptoms to caffeine intake. Despite coffee being a very popular beverage, many are afraid it could also be the cause of their chronic diseases.
The total coffee consumed in the Philippines in 2020 was about 3.3 million 60kg bags according to Statista Research Department. The most recent National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition research Institute also noted that 1/3 of all households in the country consume either 3 in 1 coffee or regular coffee every day. Among the youth and young adults, coffee consumption has increased due to the many coffee chains and shops built in every corner of the street.
Coffee has rich phytochemistry, most common of which are caffeine, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and hydroxy hydroquinone (HHQ). A lot of reliable research are available supporting the health promoting potential of coffee. Significant studies also show the beneficial effects of coffee towards several disease conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, Type II diabetes, Hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma including nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases.
Caffeine, polyphenols, trigonelline and diterpenes in coffee have antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti- apoptotic effects which helps in neuroprotection to delay onset or progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases as well as Ischemic Strokes and Cognitive deficits. The antioxidant activity of coffee has been noted to have inverse association with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were studies which showed that habitual coffee consumption is associated with lower risks for cardiovascular death and a variety of adverse CV outcomes including Congestive Heart Failure and even stroke.
In some studies, coffee is associated with improved asthma control due to its’ bronchodilation effect. In a meta-analysis study, the inverse association between coffee and all- cause mortality was consistent.
Studies on the health benefits of coffee are robust yet most of these are observational studies. There are very few randomized controlled trials which may significantly produce more accurate results. However, in these few studies, beneficial results may not be entirely attributed to coffee intake.
Consumption of 2-4 cups of coffee per day seems to be the most recommended amount of coffee intake, with 2 tablespoon of ground coffee in every 8-ounce cup. The US FDA also recommended that moderate intake is at 3-4 cups per day.
Studies show that despite its’ seemingly beneficial effects, coffee may not be good for everyone. Most of the symptoms reported are due to the effects of caffeine.
Caffeine, the most common chemical in coffee may also be found in tea, energy drinks, some food and even medications. It is a natural stimulant. It keeps one awake and is responsible for that happy morning mood. Like any other stimulants, too much caffeine may pose problems.
The Mayo Clinic noted that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. A teaspoon of pure powdered caffeine is equivalent to 28 cups of coffee. This level can cause serious problems and even death. Too much caffeine can lead to a fatal overdose.
Caffeine in moderate amount is generally safe among older adults. However, it is not recommended for children. Even adolescents and young adults are warned of excessive caffeine intake especially that most beverages have varied amounts of caffeine in it. The idea of mixing it with alcohol and other drugs also pose serious side effects. Pediatricians discourage the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.
Caffeine may have a negative impact on pregnancy and fertility. Among those who are pregnant and breast-feeding, caffeine must be limited to 200mg daily. Among women, more than 2 cups of coffee a day may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Caffeine may also trigger a gout attack among people sensitive to hyperuricemia causing gouty arthritis. Among the elderly, too much caffeine even 6 hours before bedtime may affect sleep and reduce its quality. Apart from sleep, the risk of incontinence and other bladder problems is also higher.
Although not true for everyone, caffeine may cause hyperacidity due to increase release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Some people go to work with just a cup of coffee and this may cause an upset stomach and even heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux.
Caffeine may also interact with medications or supplements one is taking. It is always best to consult a physician. Certain over the counter medications when taken with caffeine may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.
It has been noted that too much caffeine may worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. People suffering from anxiety may experience palpitations and nausea which may be affected by too much caffeine intake. On a personal note, I was rushed to a hospital due to excessive intake of coffee one morning, which triggered a plethora of annoying symptoms and led me to avoid coffee for the past ten years now. My daily caffeine supply comes from green tea and other organic tea I drink every day.
Is coffee good or bad? Your personal experience should tell you if you may need to curb your caffeine intake. Generally, if upon taking a certain amount of coffee you start to experience headache, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors, perhaps, you need to adjust or stop drinking coffee. Just a warning though, caffeine withdrawal may occur if one regularly consumes coffee and then suddenly decides to stop drinking. The above symptoms enumerated may be felt exaggeratedly for two weeks. It is advised that one should drink a lot of water or decrease coffee intake slowly.
Moderation is the key to almost everything.
Well, get up and pour that hot coffee in your cup now.
