2. People With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
If you often experience acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, coffee can be one of your biggest triggers.
Coffee — even decaf — can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the small valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When this muscle relaxes too much, acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation.
Plus, coffee is acidic, which can further irritate your digestive tract and worsen inflammation over time.
What to do instead:
-
Try a low-acid alternative, such as chicory coffee or barley tea.
-
Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
-
Incorporate alkaline foods like bananas, oats, and leafy greens into your morning routine to reduce acid buildup.
🧠 3. People With Anxiety or Sleep Disorders
If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or panic attacks, coffee might be silently making things worse.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which can heighten alertness — but it also increases adrenaline levels, mimicking the body’s stress response. For people already prone to anxiety, this can lead to racing thoughts, jitteriness, restlessness, or panic attacks.
Additionally, caffeine can stay in your system for up to 8 hours, interfering with your ability to fall and stay asleep, especially if you drink it later in the day.
What to do instead:
-
Switch to herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, or rooibos — all caffeine-free and calming.
-
Try golden milk (turmeric with warm milk or a plant-based alternative) for a cozy, anti-inflammatory beverage.
-
Focus on morning hydration with lemon water to naturally boost alertness.
💬 Final Thoughts
While coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. For people with heart rhythm disorders, acid reflux, or anxiety and sleep issues, even moderate caffeine intake can worsen symptoms and reduce quality of life.
If you love the ritual of coffee, don’t worry — there are plenty of delicious, caffeine-free alternatives that can still give you that warm, comforting experience without the side effects.
Listen to your body, and when in doubt, talk with your healthcare provider about how caffeine might be affecting your health. Sometimes, the best boost for your energy and well-being is a little less coffee and a little more balance. 🌿
