Coffee: Satan or Superfood?

Coffee is the fashion equivalent of leopard animal print.  Sometimes it's hot, sometimes not.

From a chiropractor's perspective - too much coffee can have detrimental effect on the spine and skeletal system.

From a fitness perspective - anyone who works out at 5am or 6am knows what a godsend it can be.

From a dietary perspective - there is the good [colorectal health, liver health] and bad [acidic cellular environment, blood pressure, iron blocking] and the ugly [yellowed teeth and coffee breath]

Lets talk java.

The Good

1. Protects the Liver

I can't tell you *how* it works (research is still inconclusive) but coffee is being touted as having a protective effect on liver cancer as well as liver cirrhosis.  Studies I have read show consumption in the 2 cup/day range to achieve these benefits.

2. Stimulates the Large Intestine.

You know what I am talking about.  That strong cup of morning coffee and shortly afterward need to go to the bathroom. Great for keeping things, ahem, moving, and cleaning out the colon and rectum.  This is directly related to helping lower the risk for colon cancer.

3. Short Term Memory

Forgot where you put your wallet/nail clipper/important document?  Drink some joe and see if that changes. Short term memory improvements have been seen with as little as 100mg of caffeine (the equivalent in a average cup of coffee)
 

4. Instant Energy and Fat Loss

Fitness buffs have long loved coffee and they will tell you that they have increased strength in the gym if they have had some coffee prior. They will also tell you that it helps them burn fat and achieve a ripped physique.

In addition, coffee has been shown to lower the risk for type 2 diabetes, Parkinson, headaches, and even cavities!  

The Bad & The Ugly

1. Acidic Environment & Osteoporosis



This is an important one.  Unfortunately, coffee is highly acidic, and since the body will always want to maintain a pH balance of about 7 (7.35-7.45 to be exact), it will try to neutralize this acidity by looking for calcium.

And what is the best source of calcium in the body?  Yes.  Your spine.  The blood will basically leach calcium from our bones (because it is highly alkaline) to neutralize the bloods high acidity.  Not really important one or two times.  But over the course of a lifetime, the calcium bank will run out of money.

Overtime, this can lead to osteopenia and eventually osteoporosis.  This is the WORST.  Your spine will literally shrink as the bones get more porous and you will get shorter.  Bones basically turn into swiss cheese with pock marks all over them.  They become extremely delicate and brittle.  Not. Fun.

2. Iron Blocking

This one is especially important for the ladies.  Unfortunately, too much coffee blocks the absorption of iron.  So don't chase down your supplements with a cup of coffee!  Pair them as far apart in time as possible.

In addition, excessive coffee intake has been shown to increase blood pressure, cause constipation, dehydrate, increase the incident of miscarriages and stillbirths, yellow your teeth, and dehydrate your skin.

Blech.
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Now, I am usually not the person to to talk about 'everything in moderation".


You will never hear me say I think is ok to have some sugar, or some white bread, or some doughnuts, or some processed entree for dinner.  I think it is all crap and should never be consumed.  Ever.  It messes with your brain chemistry and just makes you want more of it.

*However*, coffee is one of those things, imo, that should be consumed regularly...but with some care and moderation.

You just cannot ignore the benefits of regular coffee consumption.  So long as you are not gulping down multiple triple shots each day, and you time it correctly  (um...that would be a no to a 9pm cuppa), take your supplements at least a few hours apart from it, and avoid it if you are trying to get pregnant (that goes for both the men and women!)...you will be able to reap the benefits it has to offer.
 
Everyone is different, so you should absolutely speak to an up-to-date chiropractor, naturopath, or dietician about your specific dietary needs.

Be Healthy.

Dr. S
xo