WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT MY BODY AFTER QUITTING COFFEE
By Nicole Fuge
For years, coffee was my daily ritual—a hug in a mug that kickstarted my mornings and fuelled my afternoons. But when I decided to take a break, I discovered an entirely new perspective on my body’s health. Spoiler alert: it was eye-opening, especially in how it affected my adrenal health, cortisol levels, liver function, and even my skin.
Here’s what I learned after giving up my daily coffee habit, and why you might want to consider cutting back too.
Adrenal Health and Energy Levels
Coffee is notorious for stimulating the adrenal glands, the small but mighty organs responsible for producing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Initially, coffee gives you a burst of energy, but over time, regular consumption can lead to adrenal fatigue. This occurs when your adrenals are overstimulated, leaving you feeling perpetually tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
When I quit my habit of two to three coffees a day, I noticed a gradual but significant change. My energy levels stabilised throughout the day. No longer was I riding the rollercoaster of caffeine highs followed by crushing crashes. Instead, my body found a more natural rhythm, fuelled by consistent hydration and more balanced meals.
Balanced Cortisol Levels Mean Less Stress
Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, spikes when you drink coffee. This can be helpful in small doses, but chronic overproduction can leave your body in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and even difficulty sleeping can be traced back to caffeine’s impact on cortisol.
After three months of only having a half-strength coffee on weekends, I felt calmer and more emotionally balanced. That 3pm coffee buzz I once relied on was replaced with herbal teas, which helped me avoid the jittery side effects of caffeine. It was a revelation to see how much of my stress was linked to my coffee habit.
Liver Detoxification
Your liver works overtime to process everything you consume, including caffeine. While coffee has some health benefits, excessive intake can burden the liver, especially if your diet or lifestyle already includes other toxins like alcohol, processed foods, or environmental pollutants.
Within weeks, I noticed improvements in my digestion and overall energy—both signs of a liver functioning at its best. Giving my liver a break allowed it to focus on more critical tasks, like metabolising nutrients and detoxifying my body.
Skin Clarity and Hydration
One of the most surprising benefits of quitting coffee was the transformation in my skin. Coffee can be dehydrating, which often leaves skin looking dull and exacerbates issues like fine lines and acne. Additionally, excess cortisol from caffeine can contribute to breakouts and inflammation.
Switching to water and herbal teas helped hydrate my body from the inside out. My complexion became clearer and I experienced fewer breakouts. It was a simple but powerful reminder that what we drink impacts our skin just as much as what we eat.
Tips for Quitting Coffee
If you’re inspired to take a break from coffee, here are some strategies that helped me:
Go gradual: Reduce your intake slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Initially, I replaced my daily coffee with a black tea or green tea, which still contains caffeine, but it was a more gentle approach than going cold turkey.
Hydrate often: Drink plenty of water and consider electrolyte-rich options like coconut water.
Replace the ritual: Swap your morning coffee for herbal teas, dandelion lattes, or golden milk.
Focus on sleep: Prioritise a consistent sleep schedule to maintain natural energy.
Support your adrenals: Add adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to your routine.
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