Tea, Coffee and Gut Health: How They Affect Your Digestion.

The debate around tea and coffee is never ending, right? One minute, you’re told that coffee is the key to staying sharp and productive, and the next, it’s the villain behind all your digestive and anxiety woes. So, which is it? When it comes to tea, coffee and gut health, are they your gut’s best friends or worst enemies? 

The Good News: How Tea and Coffee Can Actually Help Your Health

Before you go tossing your coffee mug out the window, let’s start with the bright side. There’s a lot of good that comes with sipping that cup of coffee (or your favorite tea). Here’s why you might want to keep that morning ritual alive:

1. Longevity Boost: Yep, you read that right. Drinking coffee is linked to a lower risk of death. Studies have found that coffee drinkers may live longer. So, go ahead, grab that cup—it could be adding years to your life!

2. Packed with Nutrients: Coffee isn’t just a caffeine fix. It’s loaded with essential micronutrients like potassium, magnesium, and niacin. Not bad for a drink that most people see as a morning habit!

3. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Coffee and tea are often the main source of antioxidants in people’s diets. These little warriors help protect your cells from damage. Sure, you can get them from fruits and veggies, but if coffee’s giving you a boost, you’re on the right track.

4. Boosts Mental Health and Performance: Coffee can help fend off depression and even lower your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Not only that, it also boosts concentration and improves physical performance. So yes, that mid-morning coffee break might just be fueling your productivity!

5. Liver Protection: Coffee helps protect against liver cirrhosis. It’s like giving your liver a little defense shield.

6. Weight Loss (Maybe): Some studies say coffee can help you lose weight by revving up your metabolism. Though… (spoiler alert!) I’m not totally convinced. More on that in a minute.

If you’re worried about the link between tea, coffee and gut health, I’d highly recommend downloading my online course The Ultimate Gut Health Programme to help support your digestive system, whilst avoiding triggering symptoms.

It’d be impossible to include all you need to know in one blog, but the programme will have all you need to know to ensure you’re soothing your digestive system, whilst eating delicious and filling foods.

Tea, Coffee and Gut Health: Adrenal Overload:

• Coffee can flood your system with glucose, putting you into “fight or flight” mode. It’s great if you’re fleeing from a lion, but not so much if you’re trying to meet a deadline at your desk. If you’re dealing with candida or trying to lose weight, this excess glucose could be causing more harm than good.

• Stomach Trouble: Coffee and tea can be harsh on your gut. If you struggle with IBS or digestive issues, caffeine acts as a laxative, which may not be what you need. Plus, for candida sufferers, the added sugar and caffeine mix can aggravate your symptoms.

Caffeine Sensitivity

• Here’s a surprise—up to 50% of the population doesn’t tolerate caffeine well. That’s half the people around you! Most of us don’t even realize it until we cut back and notice just how “wired” we feel without it.

• Insomnia Nightmare: One of the sneakiest culprits of insomnia is coffee, even if you’re only drinking one cup in the morning. I learned this the hard way—after a couple of days without coffee, I slept like a baby. If you struggle with sleep, consider testing whether coffee could be the reason.

The Final Verdict on Tea, Coffee and Gut Health

So, what’s the bottom line? Is coffee a gut health villain or a hero? The answer isn’t clear-cut. It really depends on your body’s response.

If you’re struggling with digestive issues, sleep problems, or anxiety, consider cutting back on tea and coffee for a week or so. Take note of any changes in your health—it could make all the difference.