Why You Should Consider Ditching Coffee
By Genevieve Cunningham
Coffee is a staple of most people’s mornings. There's something about a hot cup of java first thing in the morning that is just so satisfying. For the most part, coffee is fairly low on the list of concerns when it comes to basic health and wellness. But in fairness, it does come with a few concerns of its own. Coffee can be good or bad depending on the person and the level of consumption. But when it's bad, it can be difficult to cut back. If you are unsure whether you should cut back on coffee or not, take a look at these three reasons why ditching it might be a good idea.
You’re Going to Get Dependent
Let’s not kid ourselves. Coffee -- or rather the caffeine and immediate jolt that it provides -- is addictive. If you choose to drink coffee every day, you’re going to get dependent. While this may not seem like much of a problem right now, you’ll quickly notice how hard it is when you have to do without. And inevitably, there will come a morning when you can’t get your morning cup. You’ll be out at your house, running late for work, and the office coffee will be burned. And then you may notice a headache, excessive sleepiness, an inability to pay attention, and a bit of irritation. If you’re OK with being addicted and potentially having to suffer the consequences, then grab a cup. But if you’re a fan of being addiction-free and dependent, you may want to skip the coffee or keep it from being an everyday thing.
It’s Hard on the Digestive Tract
Coffee works as a laxative for many. For those who suffer in this area of their health, this might be a positive. But for some it may work too well. The coffee forces digestion to move too quickly, and the lining of the digestive tract can become damaged. This can cause pain, bloating, ulcers, and inflammation. If you fall into this group, your best option is to lay off the coffee altogether.
You’ll Save Money
Coffee is expensive. It’s less expensive if you always brew a cup at home, but if you like to grab a cup (or two or three) at a nearby coffee shop, those prices are going to add up. If you're at all interested in saving money, ditching coffee might be an easy place to begin.
Is coffee the worst habit in the world? Of course not. And in moderation, it may even bring healthy benefits into your life. But if your consumption has gone a little overboard, you may consider cutting back. With the appropriate level of consumption, you can enjoy the flavor, the pick-me-up, and the habit while leaving the pesky side effects far behind.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Nashville, Tenn.