Introduction
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. It’s a great way to get a quick energy boost and can even have some health benefits. However, there are some people who should avoid drinking coffee, according to experts. In this article, we’ll look at 12 people who should never drink coffee, according to Eat This Not That. We’ll discuss why these people should avoid coffee and what alternatives they can use to get their energy boost. So, if you’re one of the people on this list, it’s time to start looking for other ways to get your caffeine fix.
12 People Who Should Never Drink Coffee, According to Experts — Eat This Not That
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it’s not for everyone. While some people can’t get enough of the energizing effects of caffeine, others may find that it’s too much for their bodies to handle. Here are 12 people who should never drink coffee, according to experts.
1. Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should avoid drinking coffee, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day.
2. People With Anxiety
Caffeine can increase anxiety levels, so people with anxiety should avoid drinking coffee. If you’re prone to anxiety, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
3. People With High Blood Pressure
Caffeine can raise blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure should avoid drinking coffee. If you have high blood pressure, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
4. People With Heart Disease
Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so people with heart disease should avoid drinking coffee. If you have heart disease, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
5. People With Insomnia
Caffeine can interfere with sleep, so people with insomnia should avoid drinking coffee. If you have trouble sleeping, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
6. People With Acid Reflux
Caffeine can aggravate acid reflux, so people with acid reflux should avoid drinking coffee. If you have acid reflux, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
7. People With Kidney Disease
Caffeine can increase the risk of kidney stones, so people with kidney disease should avoid drinking coffee. If you have kidney disease, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
8. People With Diabetes
Caffeine can raise blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should avoid drinking coffee. If you have diabetes, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
9. People With Osteoporosis
Caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption, so people with osteoporosis should avoid drinking coffee. If you have osteoporosis, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
10. People With Gastrointestinal Issues
Caffeine can aggravate gastrointestinal issues, so people with gastrointestinal issues should avoid drinking coffee. If you have gastrointestinal issues, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
11. People With Liver Disease
Caffeine can increase the risk of liver damage, so people with liver disease should avoid drinking coffee. If you have liver disease, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
12. People With Adrenal Fatigue
Caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to produce cortisol, so people with adrenal fatigue should avoid drinking coffee. If you have adrenal fatigue, it’s best to stick to decaf or herbal teas.
If you’re one of the people listed above, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee. Stick to decaf or herbal teas to get your caffeine fix without the potential risks.
Coffee can definitely be defined as a health elixir. It’s been found to reduce prostate cancer risk, reduce heart failure risk and even lower your risk of hearing loss. And drinking a dark roast may even help you lose weight.
But for certain people, coffee may actually have more negative side effects than positive. We asked nutritionists about the people that should skip drinking coffee for better health, and here’s what they said. Read on, and for more on healthy eating, don’t miss What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Coffee and try The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science.
“Caffeine can increase bowel regularity, including increasing the chances of diarrhea (a major symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS),” says Angel Planells MS, RDN, Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist and National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. “So if you have IBS, it is encouraged to limit/avoid caffeinated beverages.”
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“Intraocular pressure increased for those with glaucoma when consuming coffee [according to a recent study], so it’s encouraged to limit/avoid intake, but more research is warranted,” says Planells.
“We all know it is best to avoid a large cup of coffee before a long trip, especially if restroom breaks are limited. Caffeine intake can increase both urinary frequency and urgency,” says Sue Heikkinen, MS, RD, registered dietitian for MyNetDiary. “If you don’t regularly drink coffee, you may be even more sensitive to this effect.” If you are planning for a long trip, then check out these 25 Best Healthy Snacks to Pack For a Road Trip.
“As the caffeine from coffee can cause temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, it’s important for anyone with pre-existing heart conditions to talk with their healthcare provider about if/how much coffee is safe to consume,” says Kelli McGrane MS, RD, registered dietitian and Lose It! nutrition consultant.
“The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends pregnant women limit caffeine to 200 milligrams (about what is found in 2 cups of coffee) daily in order to minimize the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low birth weight,” says Heikkinen. “However, a 2020 review published in the British Journal of Medicine concluded there is no safe level of caffeine intake during pregnancy. Pregnant women should discuss their caffeine intake with their doctor.”
“As caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic, the concern is that a breastfeeding mother may be at risk for dehydration,” says Planells. “The American Pregnancy Association suggests avoiding caffeine as much as possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding.”
“It is understandable to reach for a cup of coffee (or more) after a poor night’s sleep, yet your coffee habit may perpetuate a cycle of poor sleep and fatigue,” says Heikkinen. “Even if you don’t think your afternoon coffee affects your sleep, it could indeed affect sleep quality. Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime, as recommended by the Sleep Foundation.” Instead, maybe switch over to one of the 4 Best Teas for Sleep, According to Experts.
“Caffeine is a stimulant, which may worsen anxiety in some individuals,” says McGrane. “If you regularly experience anxiety or panic attacks, you may want to consider avoiding or reducing your caffeinated coffee intake.”
“Some people swear by their morning cup of coffee to ‘get their bowels moving,’ but this effect is not desirable if you are struggling with diarrhea,” says Heikkinen. “Decaf coffee may be less problematic, although hot liquids, in general, tend to stimulate the bowels.”
Related: 7 Things You Should Never Add to Your Coffee
“While a limited study, [recent findings showed that] heavy coffee consumption was associated with increased seizure frequency. But more studies are needed,” says Planells. Consider talking to your neurologist about your caffeine intake if you have epilepsy.
“While caffeine can make any of us a little jittery, it can have more noticeable and even serious side effects at smaller doses in kids,” says McGrane. “For example, too much caffeine in kids can lead to increased heart rate, increased feelings of anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and an upset stomach. Another aspect to consider, especially in toddlers, is that coffee can mask hunger cues, so toddlers may not get the nutrition that they need for growth and development. Finally, keep in mind that coffee itself is quite acidic, and as a result can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk for cavities.”
“Caffeine can loosen the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the valve between the esophagus and stomach. This could cause acid stomach contents to enter the esophagus, resulting in uncomfortable GERD symptoms,” says Heikkinen. “If you have GERD, see if switching to decaf helps.” Or maybe skip coffee completely: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Coffee.