Health & Life

The Morning Brew: Is it a Potion for Long Life or a Camouflaged Health Risk? Unveiling Expert Opinions.

Drinking coffee has become an integral part of many people's morning routines, but does this habit impact longevity?

21 July, 2024

With the growing trend of health consciousness, people are paying more attention to safeguarding their well-being. A healthcare expert has pointed out that there are 10 common daily habits that can be detrimental to one’s health. Notably, the first habit mentioned is drinking coffee.

Morning Coffee: Helpful or Harmful?

In an online post, Chris Boettcher, a physical therapist from South Carolina, shared some health advice, particularly regarding the habit of drinking coffee first thing in the morning. According to Boettcher, having coffee immediately after waking up may not be the best choice for our health.

Boettcher points out that after a long night, our bodies tend to be dehydrated. This is the time when our bodies need to rehydrate to restore balance. Caffeine, found in coffee, is a diuretic and can increase dehydration. So, drinking coffee as soon as you wake up can make your body even more dehydrated instead of providing the needed moisture. Boettcher recommends drinking about four glasses of water before enjoying your morning cup of joe.

Additionally, after a long sleep, the stress hormone cortisol levels in our bodies tend to be high. Drinking coffee at this time can give you a quick boost of alertness, but it also increases cortisol levels, leading to reduced effectiveness of caffeine. This can cause feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and excessive stress, instead of a gentle boost of alertness.

Drinking coffee right after waking up may not be the best choice for your health

The Best Time to Drink Coffee to Optimize Health Benefits

To make the most of coffee’s benefits and protect your health, choosing the right time to drink coffee is crucial. According to experts, there are specific time frames during the day when drinking coffee will be most beneficial to your body.

Best Time to Drink Coffee: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Research shows that the period between 10:00 and 11:30 AM is the ideal time to enjoy a cup of coffee. During this time, cortisol, the stress hormone, has decreased after the morning surge, helping you avoid excessive stress when consuming caffeine.

Afternoon Coffee: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

After lunch, from 1:00 PM onwards, cortisol levels in the body drop once again. This is when many people experience an energy slump and feel drowsy. A cup of coffee between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM will help you regain alertness and boost your focus for the afternoon tasks.

Choosing the right time to drink coffee not only allows you to enjoy your favorite beverage but also optimizes its health benefits, keeping you energized and spirited throughout the day.

Choosing the right coffee-drinking time optimizes both flavor and health benefits

Habits That Negatively Affect Your Health, According to Experts

Apart from avoiding morning coffee, expert Chris Boettcher also points out some other habits that can be detrimental to your health and are commonly practiced by many.

Using Your Phone Right After Waking Up

Boettcher warns that using your phone immediately after waking up can trigger a stress response in the body, leading to the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. This not only affects your mood throughout the day but may also decrease your ability to focus and be aware of your surroundings.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose is another common issue. Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which leads to dental problems such as tooth decay and infections.

Being mindful of and changing these habits can improve overall health and enhance your daily quality of life.

Screen Time Before Bed

The blue light emitted by phone screens can disrupt sleep patterns and keep your brain in an “active” state. This light inhibits the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep. Chris Boettcher suggests using blue light blocking devices or simply turning off your screens at least an hour before bedtime to mitigate this effect. Additionally, it’s recommended to turn off all devices and enable “Do Not Disturb” mode about 1-2 hours before hitting the hay.

Consuming Only Refined Carbohydrates for Breakfast

Refined carbohydrates, often found in breakfast cereals, are typically high in carbs and refined sugars, leading to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels after consumption. Boettcher suggests opting for a protein-rich and fiber-filled breakfast instead. For instance, your morning meal could include eggs, oatmeal, berries, and nuts to provide adequate nutrition and sustained energy.

Chris Boettcher points out several habits that can harm your health, in addition to morning coffee

Not Consuming Enough Protein

Boettcher suggests that focusing on protein intake can help prolong satiety, aid in weight loss, and maintain overall health. Protein should be considered a core component of meals to sustain energy levels and support vital bodily functions.

Sitting at a Desk for Too Long

According to expert Bosch, sitting at your desk for more than six hours a day can lead to serious health issues. This situation not only causes poor posture but also contributes to weight gain and the risk of chronic illnesses. To minimize negative effects, it’s crucial to take breaks, move around, and perform stretching exercises regularly. This not only improves your health but also boosts your work productivity.

Carbonated Drinks and Fruit Juices

Carbonated drinks and fruit juices are often appealing due to their sweet and refreshing flavors. However, these beverages tend to lack fiber and contain high amounts of sugar. This leads to a direct absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, causing a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. Overconsumption of these drinks can be detrimental to health, especially for those at risk of diabetes.

Frequently asked questions

According to physical therapist Chris Boettcher, drinking coffee first thing in the morning may not be the best habit for our health. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a diuretic and can increase dehydration, especially after a long night when our bodies need to rehydrate. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also increase cortisol levels, leading to restlessness and anxiety instead of a gentle boost of alertness.

Experts suggest that the ideal time to drink coffee is between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. During this time, cortisol levels have decreased after the morning surge, so you can avoid excessive stress while consuming caffeine. Another good time for a cup of coffee is between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when you might feel an energy slump after lunch. Drinking coffee during this afternoon slump will help you regain alertness and boost your focus.

Using your phone right after waking up can trigger a stress response and release cortisol, affecting your mood and focus throughout the day. Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth and dental problems. Screen time before bed can disrupt sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted by phone screens. Consuming refined carbohydrates for breakfast can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Not consuming enough protein can affect satiety and weight loss efforts. Sitting at a desk for too long can lead to poor posture, weight gain, and chronic illnesses.

Be mindful of your phone usage, especially first thing in the morning, and try to limit screen time before bed. Practice nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing to prevent dry mouth and dental issues. Opt for a protein-rich and fiber-filled breakfast instead of refined carbohydrates. Take breaks from sitting at your desk, move around, and perform stretching exercises to improve your posture and energy levels.