100 reasons not to drink coffee

“Long ago I suffered from heart trouble until I discovered that it was due to the innocent cup of coffee I consumed every morning. I discontinued at once, tho I confess it was not an easy task…. A drastic, if not unconstitutional, measure is now being put thru in this country to prevent the consumption of alcohol and yet it is a positive fact that coffee, tea, tobacco, chewing gum and other stimulants, which are freely indulged in even at the tender age, are vastly more injurious to the national body, judging from the number of those who succumb. So, for instance, during my student years I gathered from the published necrologues in Vienna, the home of coffee drinkers, that deaths from heart trouble sometimes reached sixty-seven per cent of the total.
– Nikola Tesla

I lapsed!

I started drinking coffee again.

Even though I understand why it’s bad for you.

Why is coffee bad for you?

Coffee itself is not inherently bad for everyone, but there can be negative effects associated with its consumption, particularly due to its caffeine content and other compounds. Here’s why coffee might be considered bad for some individuals:

1. Caffeine Dependence: Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to physical dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue when you try to cut back or quit.
2. Sleep Disruption: Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep, which can affect overall health and well-being.
3. Anxiety and Nervousness: For some people, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety, causing feelings of jitteriness, nervousness, and unease. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to feelings of anxiety.
4. Digestive Issues: Coffee is acidic and can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, and changes in bowel habits. It can also exacerbate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like GERD or IBS.
5. Heart Health: While moderate coffee consumption is not linked to heart disease and may even have protective effects, excessive intake can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks for those with certain cardiovascular conditions.
6. Bone Density: High consumption of caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption, which may contribute to bone thinning or osteoporosis, particularly in individuals with low calcium intake.
7. Pregnancy Concerns: Pregnant women are generally advised to limit caffeine intake due to potential associations with miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth.
8. Mental Health: While coffee can boost mood and concentration in the short term, excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and mood swings. It can also worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
9. Nutrient Absorption: Compounds in coffee can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron, leading to or exacerbating deficiencies.
10. Addiction and Withdrawal: Regular use of caffeine can lead to addiction, and withdrawal can cause symptoms such as headache, fatigue, irritability, and depressed mood.

You can read more in my article here:

Is coffee good for you?

100 Reasons Not to Drink Coffee

One study showed that regular consumption of two to four cups of caffeine each day is known to reduce cerebral blood flow by 22-30%.  Article here. Study here.

We have to question something whether something that 1) affects blood flow to the brain, and is 2) addictive, can be good for you.

Here are 100 reasons not to drink coffee

1. Improves Sleep: Reducing coffee intake can lead to better, more restful sleep.
2. Reduces Anxiety: Less caffeine can decrease anxiety levels.
3. Lower Blood Pressure: Coffee can raise blood pressure; cutting back may reduce it.
4. Heart Health: Less caffeine can improve heart health and reduce heart palpitations.
5. Decreased Risk of Addiction: Avoiding coffee reduces the risk of caffeine addiction.
6. Improved Digestion: Coffee can be hard on the stomach; less may improve digestive health.
7. Stronger Bones: Caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption.
8. Balanced Hormones for Women: Coffee can affect estrogen levels and hormone balance.
9. Reduced Headaches: Caffeine can trigger migraines and headaches in some people.
10. Improved Mental Health: Reducing caffeine can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
11. Stable Energy Levels: Avoiding the caffeine crash can lead to more stable energy.
12. Better Nutrient Absorption: Coffee can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients.
13. Healthier Teeth: Coffee can stain teeth and contribute to tooth decay.
14. Hydration: Coffee is a diuretic, so drinking less can improve hydration levels.
15. Skin Health: Reducing coffee may improve skin health and reduce acne.
16. Lower Risk of Heartburn: Coffee can increase stomach acid and the risk of acid reflux.
17. Weight Management: Coffee, especially with additives, can contribute to weight gain.
18. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive coffee drinking might be linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
19. Less Stress: Lowering caffeine intake can reduce cortisol levels.
20. Improved Focus: Less caffeine can improve concentration and reduce restlessness.
21. Better Mood Balance: Caffeine can affect mood swings.
22. No More Dependency: Breaking the habit means not relying on a substance.
23. Lower Risk of Osteoporosis: Caffeine can affect bone density.
24. Improved Absorption of Minerals: Coffee can hinder the absorption of iron and other minerals.
25. Healthier Pregnancy: Reduced caffeine intake is advisable for pregnant women.
26. More Consistent Performance: Avoiding caffeine highs and lows.
27. Enhanced Memory: Less caffeine can improve memory and cognitive function.
28. Increased Calmness: Reducing caffeine can lead to a calmer demeanor.
29. Better Blood Sugar Regulation: Coffee can impair insulin sensitivity.
30. Enhanced Detoxification: Reducing toxins from coffee can aid body detox processes.
31. More Authentic Energy: Learning to rely on natural energy sources.
32. Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Some studies suggest a link between caffeine and certain cancers.
33. Improved Bladder Control: Caffeine can contribute to urinary incontinence.
34. Better Hydration for Skin: Improved hydration can lead to better skin health.
35. Reduced Risk of Gout: Lower caffeine levels can reduce the risk of gout.
36. Healthier Liver: Less caffeine can contribute to liver health.
37. More Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Avoiding spikes from caffeine.
38. Lower Risk of Stroke: High caffeine intake is linked to increased stroke risk.
39. Better Immune Function: Excessive caffeine can suppress the immune system.
40. Reduced Inflammation: Caffeine can contribute to bodily inflammation.
41. Improved Vision Health: Caffeine can increase pressure inside the eye.
42. Enhanced Fertility: Reduced caffeine is advisable for those trying to conceive.
43. Better Mental Clarity: Less caffeine can lead to clearer thinking.
44. Lower Risk of Seizures: High caffeine intake has been linked to seizures.
45. Reduced Risk of Pancreatitis: Caffeine can affect pancreas health.
46. Healthier Aging: Reduced oxidative stress from caffeine.
47. Less Gastric Irritation: Coffee can irritate the stomach lining.
48. Better Nutritional Choices: Less reliance on caffeine can lead to healthier eating habits.
49. Improved Joint Health: Caffeine can affect joint health.
50. Increased Relaxation: Less caffeine can lead to increased relaxation and stress relief.
51. Reduced Menopausal Symptoms: Caffeine can exacerbate hot flashes.
52. Lower Risk of Miscarriage: High caffeine intake can be linked to increased risk.
53. Enhanced Recovery from Surgery: Caffeine can affect recovery times.
54. More Effective Medication: Some medications can interact adversely with caffeine.
55. Reduced Dizziness: Caffeine can contribute to episodes of dizziness.
56. Better Appetite Control: Caffeine can affect hunger signals.
57. Lower Risk of Tinnitus: High caffeine intake is linked to increased risk of ear ringing.
58. Improved Blood Circulation: Caffeine can constrict blood vessels.
59. More Balanced Neurotransmitters: Caffeine affects dopamine and serotonin levels.
60. Reduced PMS Symptoms: Caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of PMS.
61. Better Overall Well-being: Reducing caffeine can improve overall health.
62. Increased Mental Resilience: Less reliance on substances for mood regulation.
63. More Natural Sleep Patterns: Avoiding caffeine can help restore natural sleep rhythms.
64. Reduced Jitters and Shaking: High caffeine levels can cause tremors.
65. Better Balance of Body Fluids: Less diuretic effect from caffeine.
66. Improved Muscular Function: Caffeine can affect muscle relaxation and contraction.
67. Enhanced Natural Detoxification: Less caffeine can improve liver function.
68. More Effective Stress Management: Learning to manage stress without caffeine.
69. Reduced Risk of Kidney Stones: Caffeine can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
70. Better Emotional Health: Reducing caffeine can lead to improved emotional stability.
71. Lower Risk of Depression: High caffeine consumption is linked to depression.
72. Enhanced Physical Performance: Balanced energy levels can improve endurance.
73. More Stable Hormone Levels: Caffeine can disrupt hormonal balance.
74. Reduced Bloating: Coffee can contribute to digestive issues and bloating.
75. Improved Wound Healing: Caffeine can slow down the healing process.
76. Better Regulation of Body Temperature: Caffeine affects thermoregulation.
77. Increased Productivity: Less dependency on caffeine for productivity.
78. Lower Risk of Developing Insomnia: Caffeine can contribute to sleep disorders.
79. Reduced Muscle Pain: Caffeine can exacerbate muscle tension.
80. More Mindful Eating: Less caffeine can lead to more conscious food choices.
81. Lower Risk of Dental Problems: Coffee can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.
82. Enhanced Recovery from Workouts: Caffeine can affect muscle recovery.
83. Better Stress Response: Less caffeine can lead to a better response to stress.
84. Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Some studies link high caffeine
85. Lower Risk of Glaucoma: High caffeine intake can increase the risk of glaucoma.
86. Improved Posture: Less muscle tension can lead to better posture.
87. Reduced Risk of Endometriosis: Caffeine can affect the risk of endometriosis.
88. Better Control of Blood Lipids: Coffee can affect cholesterol levels.
89. Enhanced Mental Endurance: Less reliance on caffeine can improve mental stamina.
90. More Effective Hydration: Better overall body hydration without the diuretic effect.
91. Improved Quality of Life: Overall better health can lead to a better quality of life.
92. Increased Longevity: Healthier habits can contribute to a longer life.
93. Better Emotional Responses: Less caffeine can lead to more stable emotions.
94. Enhanced Cellular Health: Reduced oxidative stress from caffeine.
95. More Balanced Diet: Reducing caffeine can lead to a more balanced diet.
96. Lower Risk of Sarcopenia: Caffeine can affect muscle mass and strength.
97. Improved Sleep Quality: Better sleep leads to improved overall health.
98. More Stable Mood: Avoiding caffeine highs and lows can lead to a more stable mood.
99. Better Decision Making: Less caffeine can lead to clearer thinking and decision-making.
100. Greater Overall Happiness: Many find that reducing caffeine leads to an overall increase in happiness and satisfaction with life.

Further Reading

Here’s a list of books that explore the negative effects of coffee or the impact of caffeine on health. While not all of them may be entirely dedicated to demonizing coffee, they provide insights into how coffee and caffeine can affect various aspects of health and well-being:

1. “Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America’s #1 Drug” by Stephen Cherniske
   This book delves into the various ways caffeine affects the body and mind, advocating for a life without caffeine. I believe this is the best book I’ve read on the effects of caffeine.
2. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use
   In this introductory guide, Rosemary Gladstar shows you how easy it can be to make your own herbal remedies for life’s common ailments. Gladstar profiles 33 common healing plants and includes advice on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using herbs in healing tinctures, oils, and creams.
3. “Buzz: The Science and Lore of Alcohol and Caffeine” by Stephen Braun
   Braun explores the cultural and biological impacts of caffeine and alcohol, including the downsides of caffeine consumption.
4. “The Caffeine Advantage: How to Sharpen Your Mind, Improve Your Physical Performance and Achieve Your Goals — The Healthy Way” by Bennett Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer
   Despite its title suggesting benefits, this book also covers the negative aspects and helps readers understand both sides.
5. “The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World’s Most Popular Drug” by Bennett Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer
   This comprehensive book explores the history and impact of caffeine, including its adverse effects.
6. “Caffeinated: How Our Daily Habit Helps, Hurts, and Hooks Us” by Murray Carpenter
   Carpenter provides a deep dive into how caffeine consumption affects our health, sleep, and overall well-being.
7. “Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams” by Matthew Walker
   While not solely about coffee, this book discusses how caffeine consumption can significantly affect sleep quality and patterns.
8. “This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More” by Uma Naidoo
   This book includes discussions on how dietary choices, including caffeine intake, can affect mental health.
9. “The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It” by W. Chris Winter, M.D.
   Dr. Winter explores various factors that impair sleep, including caffeine consumption, and offers solutions for better rest.
10. “How to Make Coffee: The Science Behind the Bean” by Lani Kingston
    While primarily a guide to making coffee, this book also touches on how coffee affects the body and can contribute to various health issues.
11. “The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience, and the Secret World of Sleep” by Guy Leschziner
    Though not exclusively about coffee, it discusses how substances like caffeine impact sleep and neurological functions.