Coffee’s downsides include potential health risks like acid reflux, IBS aggravation, increased stress, and acrylamide exposure, plus effects on skin and mood; moderation and choosing high-quality options are key.
Believe it or not, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. But does this much-loved drink have any downsides? In this article, we’ll explore the potential negative effects of coffee and its impact on your health.
Coffee: Downsides and Side Effects
Let’s dive into the potential downsides of coffee, looking at its effects on health, skin, and even your mood.
1. Coffee’s Health Effects: The Dark Side
Here are some of the most important potential health risks associated with coffee:
Increased Risk of Acid Reflux
Coffee stimulates the production of certain substances needed for digestion, like caffeine and stomach acid. This can be problematic for those prone to heartburn and related issues. It’s a good idea for people who suffer from these problems to consult their doctor about whether drinking coffee is right for them.
In addition, you might want to be aware that highly acidic coffee can further increase the risk of heartburn. The acidity can irritate the stomach lining and make you more susceptible to bacterial infections that can cause ulcers, as well as increase the risk of esophageal cancer due to repeated acid reflux irritation.
Exacerbation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms
The components found in coffee, especially caffeine, contribute to digestive stimulation, exacerbating IBS symptoms, and related problems like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Heartburn
One of the downsides of coffee is that it speeds up the digestive process and the passage of food. This can sometimes lead to incomplete digestion and increased bowel movements, which can result in heartburn if you drink too much.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
Drinking large amounts of caffeinated coffee can increase the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Coffee’s effect on stress and anxiety levels can sometimes mask underlying anxiety and stress, which can lead to reliance on coffee to manage stressful situations, but actually making the problem worse in the long run.
Increased Risk of Acrylamide Exposure
Acrylamide is a substance that forms when some starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures. It can be found in coffee as a result of roasting the beans at high temperatures. While the amount of this substance is relatively small, it can be carcinogenic if consumed in large quantities.
However, the amount of acrylamide found in coffee is small enough that the benefits of drinking coffee, such as antioxidant effects, outweigh the risks. You can also choose naturally low-acrylamide coffee or opt for green coffee.
Increased Risk of Osteoporosis
Coffee can affect calcium absorption in the body, as well as interfere with the kidney’s ability to retain calcium. Magnesium, calcium, and zinc are some of the essential minerals that can be excreted through urine.
A decrease in these elements may contribute to health problems or increase the risk of certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, especially among older people who are already more prone to it.
Elevated Blood Pressure
Coffee consumption can cause an increase in blood pressure in those who already have hypertension, so it is recommended to drink coffee in moderation and consult your doctor about the appropriate amount for you, especially if you have other underlying health conditions associated with high blood pressure.
2. Coffee’s Effects on Your Skin
Drinking coffee can have negative effects on your skin. Here’s how:
- Dehydrated Skin: The high caffeine content in coffee can act as a diuretic, leading to fluid loss. Those who consume significant amounts might experience dehydration, which can result in dry skin.
- Premature Aging: Coffee contains tannins that can bind to collagen and reduce its absorption by the body. This can lead to dryness and premature aging of the skin.
3. Coffee’s Impact on Your Mood
Drinking coffee first thing in the morning is not always recommended, because it inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is essential for digestion and is secreted in the presence of food.
When this acid is suppressed, your body struggles to digest coffee and may find it difficult to extract the nutrients it needs to deal with the day ahead.
This can also affect protein digestion, because of lack of enough of this acid to complete its digestion. This can cause new health problems, such as:
- Bloating, indigestion, and gas.
- IBS.
- An increased risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
So, it is recommended to avoid this habit of drinking it on an empty stomach to avoid these risks.
Medication Interactions with Coffee
If you’re taking certain medications or herbal supplements, be mindful of drinking coffee too closely to taking them. There are potential interactions between caffeine and some medications, such as:
- Certain types of antidepressants.
- Ephedrine.
- Osteoporosis medications.
- Some heart medications.
Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor about the best way to take your medications and what foods and drinks might interact with them.
Tips to Minimize the Negative Effects of Coffee
If you’re concerned about the downsides of coffee, here are some tips to continue enjoying it in a healthier way:
- Make sure your coffee intake is moderate and in small cups. It’s generally advised not to exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is about 4 small cups of coffee.
- Choose high-quality coffee and avoid those that have been processed with chemicals.
- Opt for green coffee, which is a great source of antioxidants and chlorogenic acid. Studies have shown that it helps reduce body fat, protects against free radicals, and may lower the risk of diabetes in the blood.
- Replace regular coffee with decaf to enjoy the taste without the side effects.
Benefits of Moderate Coffee Consumption
Of course, coffee has many benefits when consumed in moderation. Some of the previously mentioned benefits include:
- Improving alertness.
- Reducing the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
