Taking the leap and doing a cleanse is something to be celebrated. Not everyone has the courage to hit the reset button on their eating habits and put their health first. So, congratulations!
However, you need to know if your favorite beverage, a steaming hot cup of coffee, is going to be there to support you through this journey.
The quick answer is no, you need to take a break from coffee. It’s advisable to reduce your caffeine intake before and after a cleanse in addition to avoiding coffee while on a juice fast.
Don’t believe us? Keep reading to explain the effects that consuming coffee can have before, during and after a cleanse. You may even begin to enjoy life without it!
Coffee’s Impact On The Body Before Cleanse
While the majority of us consume coffee like it is going out of fashion and we simply cannot function without it, there can be major implications to over-consumption.
Indigestion Or Heartburn
Coffee triggers the stress reaction, sometimes referred to as our “fight-or-flight mode,” because it contains a lot of caffeine, a stimulant.
As the name implies, this aids in preparing the body for an emergency circumstance in which the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscles take precedence because they all offer very practical ways to handle any physical stress you may be experiencing.
Reducing the consumption of caffeine can allow the body to relax and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety throughout the day.
Constipation
Coffee also serves as a mild diuretic and increases urinary output, so while you might initially be going to the bathroom more frequently if you’ve recently had a cup, this could gradually lead to dehydration and further symptoms like constipation.
Leaky Gut
Coffee beans are legally classified as grains since, upon closer examination, they are seeds. Because of this, coffee isn’t completely absorbed before it enters the big intestine, where it can easily upset people who are more sensitive.
Additionally, some coffee constituents, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are thought to contribute to the inflammatory properties of coffee.
However, intriguingly, studies suggest that as coffee beans are roasted, these compounds may become less noticeable, making darker roasts potentially milder possibilities.
Diarrhea & IBS
While considered a stimulant, coffee sadly has the potential to overstimulate some parts of the brain.
This can include the smooth muscle rings that run the entire length of your digestive tract and aid in digestion. However, it rushes the digestive process which can then lead to diarrhea.
Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (C5HTs), two additional chemical components of coffee, have been theorized to contribute to the laxative effects of your daily drink.
For those suffering from IBS, coffee has the ability to stimulate and trigger the digestive system which can cause laxative effects.
Coffee During A Cleanse
As coffee can have numerous effects on our brain receptors and our digestive system, it comes as no shock that it can have serious effects during a cleanse. Including:
Elevate Stress Hormones
A rise in your cortisol (a steroid hormone) and epinephrine (adrenaline) levels that is comparable to acute stress occurs after the caffeine has successfully roused you from sleep.
We enjoy an energy boost just as much as the next person, but not one brought on by stress.
Block Sleep Receptors
We all know that coffee is best consumed when we are feeling groggy and sleepy. However, this is not because of the adrenaline.
Coffee actually blocks the signals that are sent to your brain to identify that you are tired. Keeping you awake.
Adenosine blockers like caffeine are known to exist. This means that caffeine enters your system and attaches to adenosine receptors, speeding up cell activity instead of shutting it down.
Your brain is tricked by caffeine, which gives you the impression of having more energy. Caffeine might also keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Change pH Levels
Coffee is acidic, which means that consuming too much of it can create pH imbalances, acid reflux, and stomach irritation, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
When you are attempting to balance and cleanse your system, it is not worth the risk.
Coffee After A Cleanse
As you have put your body through a rather intense cleansing process, immediately drinking coffee is not a good idea.
Your colon, liver, and intestines are all extremely sensitive after working to detoxify the body.
Essentially, your organs and body need a break from overworking and any toxins or man-made ingredients after completing a cleanse. Caffeine should not be consumed after a cleanse.
It is recommended to wait at least a week before you begin to introduce coffee to your diet once again. This should be done slowly and gradually increasing the intake.
Tips For Surviving A Cleanse Caffeine Free
Completely cutting out caffeine is going to be one of the most difficult parts of the cleanse. We have some tips to make it easier:
Gradually Decrease Intake
Going cold turkey could be one of the main reasons you can’t seem to get coffee out of your head. Slowly decreasing the intake will allow your body to adjust.
Over a period of a week before your cleanse, slowly decrease the amount of coffee you consume until there is no need to drink it.
Drink Water
Often we drink coffee and we don’t feel hungry. Once you cut it out your body will feel hungrier and fatigued.
Keeping up your water intake will help you remain full and energized throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
So, overall, not drinking coffee at all is one of the best things you can do for your body. However, no one can resist the sweetness of an iced latte on a summer’s day.
So, for around a week before and after coffee should be avoided or at least limited. And no coffee should be consumed during the cleanse.
Give your body a full reset and see what you can achieve. You may find you prefer life without it!
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