Many people awaken desperately craving a morning coffee, but what you might not realise is there are occasions when you're better off avoiding it. You could potentially be doing more damage than benefit to your body, as the timing of your consumption could be significantly impacting your wellbeing and health.
Rojina Shams Nateri, Pharmacist at Roseway Labs, highlighted that consuming coffee initially, without water, exacerbates your overnight dehydration and contradicts your natural biology. Cortisol is the body's awakening hormone and reaches its peak approximately 30 to 60 minutes after rising, and Rojina noted that, by saturating your system with caffeine before this hormone has completed its function, you interfere with your body's natural balance.
She explains that caffeine can wreak havoc with hormones, too. In fact, there's genuinely an optimal moment you can consume it if you wish to savour it in the most beneficial way.
Offering expert guidance, Rojina stated: "It's much better tolerated 60 to 90 minutes after waking, as it allows adrenal function to balance out, meaning the caffeine in your coffee is used more strategically and effectively."
Nevertheless, she also cautioned it's not solely coffee that poses the issue. She further highlighted several supposedly "healthy" trends should likewise be steered clear of. For instance, a breakfast high in sugar and low in protein can wreak havoc with your blood sugar levels and sustained energy, the expert warns.
Cold showers also stimulate adrenaline that can prove depleting over time, particularly during winter when your body is already expending considerable effort to maintain warmth.
Exercising on an empty stomach can deplete glucose and glycogen levels, compounding your body's stress response and leaving you feeling exhausted rather than energised. Checking emails immediately upon waking prompts an early dopamine surge, resulting in mental exhaustion.
The best way to wake up
For improved and more reliable energy levels, Rojina suggests a gentler morning routine. She explained: "Start with water before caffeine to restore hydration.
"Limit screen exposure in the first hour and try to get natural morning light in with a walk, for example, to support your circadian rhythm."
She also recommends obtaining appropriate tests before taking supplements. She continued: "B12, iron and magnesium are great but they should always be guided by blood test results to ensure a true clinical benefit.
"Magnesium is often better suited to evening use rather than for immediate energy."
Consuming coffee before 9am might explain why you're shattered by 3pm. Numerous people are inadvertently causing blood sugar spikes and depleting their nervous system.
By delaying your caffeine intake, you allow your body's natural cortisol (stress hormone) levels to reach their peak and then decrease, preventing excessive jitteriness and enabling caffeine to deliver a more effective, natural energy boost.
Moreover, consuming coffee on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up can heighten stomach acidity, potentially leading to acid reflux. There are several reasons why it's beneficial to wait.
So, in summary, hydrate first, consume protein and hold off for 60 to 90 minutes before having that morning brew. You'll notice the difference come afternoon.
