100 reasons not to drink coffee

April 23, 2024
100 reasons not to drink coffee

“I don’t drink coffee. I’ve never been interested in it. This way, I can go to sleep at night.” Haruki Murakami

I lapsed!

I started drinking coffee again.

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

Contents
1 Why is coffee bad for you?
2 100 Reasons Not to Drink Coffee
3 Further Reading
4 Register for Monthly Updates
5 Books To Read
6 Related posts:

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

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Books To Read

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.

 

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Last updated on May 5, 2024
Show 45 Comments

45 Comments

  2. Andy Everett
    Reply
    April 24, 2024,

    After scanning this article I became worried about my morning coffee. A Google search do coffee drinkers live longer came back with results that confirm my hunch. I’m not as worried about my coffee drinking now.

    • Richard Coward
      Reply
      April 24, 2024,

      Thanks Andy, it’s my experiences, and I recommend the books at the bottom of the article.

      Many of the studies may have been written by or funded by coffee companies, and may not be accurate.

      Also important to take into account reasons why coffee drinkers might live longer or be healthier.

      Such as: Wealth Effect: The ability to purchase coffee regularly might indicate disposable income, which is often associated with the ability to afford better nutrition, health care, and living conditions.

      • Francisco
        Reply
        April 24, 2024,

        I find it odd that there are 5 variations of mood that can be reduced to one reason. Multiple reasons, in fact, can be listed as one. This is simply many reasons stated in different ways.

        • Richard Coward
          Reply
          April 24, 2024,

          Thanks for the feedback, I agree some of the reasons can probably be simplified or put together, and there are also some reasons omitted here or that we don’t know about.

      • Robert
        Reply
        April 24, 2024,

        I drink at least 2 pots a day it is my go to drink. I sleep well and can drink it right up to bedtime. I’m 73 in excellent condition I run 5k races under 25 minutes and didn’t start going it until I was 69. Resting heart rate is 47 so none of this is based in fact for me. I have never drank Cow milk it causes me stomach issues so I had goat milk and my bottle was half coffee and cows milk before switching to goat milk the coffee diluted then ows milk which made the affects of it less of a problem. Coffee is good for you unless it’s decaffeinated an is high in antioxidants. Caffeine is also a stimulant for working out but it does bother some people and is the only reason to avoid it.

        • Richard Coward
          Reply
          April 25, 2024,

          Thanks Robert that’s interesting. Wow you seem very fit. What other health habits do you have? How’s your diet? Exercise is surely the best medicine. Perhaps people have different sensitivities to caffeine. It definitely affects my sleep when I drink coffee, and I sleeep much better and feel more refreshed the next day when I don’t drink it. Yes I also try to avoid cows milk.

      • JA
        Reply
        April 27, 2024,

        #1 and 10 are the same. That was enough to know there would be repeats in the 100 reasons.

  3. Biochemguy
    Reply
    April 24, 2024,

    Dumb. See #1 and #97. Drink some coffee. You’ll do better.

  4. Cte RegardePas
    Reply
    April 24, 2024,

    It is quite hard to argue against or for coffee. There is non-bias research proving both sides of the story. However, the take away can be, excess consumption of anything – even water can have negative effects.

    The way the writer jumps on these comments and replies makes me think he is very well caffeinated!

    • Richard Coward
      Reply
      April 24, 2024,

      Thanks for your comment and feedback. I’m definitely not caffeinated! I prefer natural energy from high quality food and sleep and rest.

  5. DJ
    Reply
    April 24, 2024,

    Ok. Now I’m not a doctor, but have you tried decaffeinated coffee? Most of your negatives come from the caffeine. And they do make sugar free creamer .. As I read your post, it seems as though these two small changes would resolve 99% of your problems. Seems like you certainly left out the most obvious fix, Rather than solving your own problem, you try to scare others into your ignorance.

    • Richard Coward
      Reply
      April 25, 2024,

      Thanks but I think if you’re drinking coffee for the taste then yes decaffeinated maybe better but still has some caffeine in it. Otherwise maybe better to drink water or something else like ginger tea which is one of my favourites

    • Kirk Yager
      Reply
      April 28, 2024,

      I would be more concerned with the processing on how manufacturers decaffeinate coffee. Namely, methylene chloride, a constitute in paint strippers.

      Creating bastardization of mtDNA-> genomic instability -> precursor to several different pathological consequences.

      Since we’re discussing genomics. Take a peek at how caffeinated coffee effects DNA strands breakage.

  6. Scott
    Reply
    April 24, 2024,

    Thank you for the information. I now agree with most of the list. However, it’s not just a matter of coffee or caffeine, it’s definitely quantity that matters. Many of us can drink their one cup a day, but issues arise when you consume more. My doctor told me a long time ago to stop drinking caffeine to solve my stomach issues and when I cut back I was a little better however, it was too late , by the time you get over agree 30 issues become worse and you are now on proton pump inhabitors and those work like a miracle until you are 50. Then you either stop or suffer other issues that you mentioned in your list. Also, spasms and IBS are common in Europe and America where we drink stronger coffee and tea. Last time I got sick I didn’t drink coffee for a week and started feeling better. I’m back to only 1 cup a day instead of 3 or 4, 12 ounce cups, ok maybe it was 16 ounce cups.

    • Richard Coward
      Reply
      April 25, 2024,

      Thanks for sharing Scott. Perhaps it affects different people in different ways. Wish you great health for future

    • Kevin
      Reply
      April 27, 2024,

      Coffee reduces bloodflow in the brain. I had a stroke 3 years ago and I stopped drinking coffee and my speech improved noticeably perhaps due to the improved bloodflow. Perhaps coffee made me agitated and anxious and I am able to speak better because of it.
      I started sleeping well for the first time in decades

  7. Ken LOW JR
    Reply
    April 25, 2024,

    One good reason to embibe. I enjoy it.

  8. Dana
    Reply
    April 25, 2024,

    What about decaffeinated coffee? Is that bad too? I like to drink organic decaf or Swiss water ones. I also drink half caffeine coffee too.

  9. Jenny W
    Reply
    April 25, 2024,

    I think it’s the most misunderstood addiction in modern times. The anger that just the idea that it’s harmful illicits is, to me, more evidence of its addictive nature. I’m trying to cut back and it is unbelievably hard. Anyway, great article and very brave to speak an unpopular truth.

  10. Edy Nurhan
    Reply
    April 26, 2024,

    Agreed. Anything make you crazing is not good for you.

  11. Chris Buckle
    Reply
    April 26, 2024,

    Some valid points and coffee is not for everyone but very one sided. The medical literature on coffee suggests numerous preventative health benefits. To pick one example, several meta-analysis suggest that regular coffee consumption significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer. See for instance https://www.nature.com/articles/srep37488
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32830818/
    https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/5/e013739

    Similar story for several other diseases neurodegenerative, diabetes

  12. Gary Scott
    Reply
    April 27, 2024,

    Lots of claims, but not much to back them up. Where are links to reputable studies backing up your assumptions?

    Here are some sample studies showing coffee can be good for your health:

    1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/#:~:text=The%20caffeine%20in%20coffee%20has,the%20brain%20that%20produce%20dopamine.&text=In%20a%20large%20prospective%20cohort,of%20death%20from%20all%20causes.

    2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/

    Actual quote from this article:
    “Coffee consumption was more often associated with benefit than harm for a range of health outcomes across exposures including high versus low, any versus none, and one extra cup a day.”

    3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/coffee-and-health/faq-20058339

    4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270202#health-benefits

    5. https://www.mdlinx.com/article/is-coffee-actually-good-for-you-here-s-the-latest-research/6tTVxquPInK36U4sI9tM6Y
    (That article has links to an actual scientific study corroborating its claims)

    And so and so forth…Lots of materials showing the benefits. Where are yours?

    Just because you experience certain side effects with coffee does not mean everyone will. It appears to me you are trying to scare people into not drinking coffee.

    I drink three, sometimes four cups of coffee a day and can drink coffee literally 10 minutes before going to bed and still fall asleep.

    More than once I have stopped drinking coffee for a few days, one time to prove to a friend that I could go without it and did not experience any withdrawal symptoms as you state in your article, neither did I crave it.

  14. Amit
    Reply
    April 27, 2024,

    I agree coffee has acidity which contributes to heartburn. However, robusta bean coffee has very little acid.

    I assume that the article is about arabica been coffee which is sold everywhere.

    I drink robusta bean coffee which is sold online.

    There is difference in the properties of the 2 beans.

    Also caffeine does not have same effect on everyone. Some have higher tolerances while some cannot ingest low amounts.

    Since each person responds differently depending on their age, health and fitness level, the article seems to imply that it will be same effect on all

  16. Markus Roth-Gross
    Reply
    April 28, 2024,

    Wrong.
    All the research points towards coffee (coffee, not including added sugar) being healthy. And it’s not just a trial or 2, any systematic review or meta-analysis you find will show coffee decreases cancer risk (slightly increases the risk of some cancers, but more than makes up for it by moderately decreasing the risk of others), decreases the risk of Parkinson’s disease, the risk of depression, etc. The addiction caused by coffee is mild enough that some studies find almost no withdrawal, meaning it’s all psychological, not your body becoming dependent to it. If you like coffee, please keep drinking it, it is good for you in moderate amounts (up to 3-4 cups a day).

  17. Mike Bemus
    Reply
    April 28, 2024,

    The most alarming reason that I rarely see listed about caffeine/coffee is the blood flow reduction in the brain from 20-35% from regular use of 2-4 cups. The figures vary based on the source, but it’s not something I want to worry about. I did noticed having a massive headache after quitting the ceremonious 2 cups a day. The good news is decaf still tastes the same to me.

  18. Jun Matigas
    Reply
    May 1, 2024,

    Coffee is good to your health drink black coffee two cups a day is good to your body

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