Is Caffeine Harming Your Hormones?

The scoop about caffeine and your hormones. Everything you need to know and why you should consider this painless caffeine detox. 

Coffee, the word everyone loves but never wants to talk about. And by “talk about,” I meant the relationship between coffee or better said, caffeine and hormones.

I apologize in advance for going there. In fact, while doing research for this show I learned this stat:

Caffeine is one of the most harmful things on our hormonal health and yet one of the few things people actually work to eliminate. That being said, it’s the topic everyone skirts around but nobody takes seriously. But when taken seriously, it could change your entire hormonal flow for the better.

How do you like those beans {eh, bad pun}?

The bottom line, caffeine is having a real and negative impact on your health and it’s an issue that we need to bring to light. For good or for bad.

In today’s podcast, I break down everything you need to know about caffeine and your hormones and why you should consider trying a caffeine detox! So make sure you check out the podcast and then follow-up with the rest of this blog post to get all the details on doing your own caffeine detox!

Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on Google Play | Review the Podcast

caffeine and hormones

Inside the podcast, you learned that caffeine directly impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis {HPA-axis} which influences the body’s ability to manage and deal with stress – both at rest and during activity. This leads to an increased release of epinephrine {the feel-good hormone that also makes it addictive} and cortisol our stress hormone.

The release of cortisol isn’t a new topic around here. This is the exact pathway that increases the burden of chronic stress on the body leading to inflammation, weight gain, brain fog, anxiety and other mental disorders.

Compounding the problem, we tend to consume caffeine in already stressful situations. You’re tired, having a rough day at work or can’t seem to clear your brain. So you pour it in making this exponentially worse.

The good news is, the fix is easy! Give up caffeine and help your body regulate your hormones naturally by simply cutting back on the response of our survival hormone, cortisol.

The bad news, giving up caffeine isn’t so easy, so I wanted to give you a few tips to help you out. I’ll also provide some healthy options to replace that urge to drink caffeine.

how to detox

The problem with doing a caffeine detox is that caffeine is very addictive. The withdrawal symptoms are real. So I say this detox will be mostly painless because once you get through the withdrawal period, which is most severe in longer increments between days 2-5 you’ll start to even out and feel better. But take note, it could get worse before it gets better {like anything worth having – I’m really working on motivation here}.

There are two ways to detox, one is ripping the band-aid off and go cold-turkey. Or two, take the gradual approach. It’s best to know what you feel will work better for you. Not what the statistics say but what you want. Of course, taking the gradual approach will prolong any withdrawal symptoms you have.

Outside of that, there are a few tips I’m going to give you to help you in this process:

1. know your motivation

You can’t give up caffeine {or coffee} because you simply feel like you ‘have to’ or you ‘should’. You really have to want it because, for most, this isn’t going to be an easy habit to break. So make sure you know your motivation, get that desire flowing and remember why you’re doing it. Write it down, take note of it and keep it handy for when you have a weak moment.

2. set a date and stick to it

One thing I know about life, there will never be the perfect moment to do anything. Sometimes you just have to go after it. But planning and being semi-strategic is always beneficial. Of course, knowing day two is probably going to be your worst day, I wouldn’t suggest starting when you have big meetings and projects lurking. Maybe try it out over a Friday giving you Saturday and Sunday to regroup before Monday hits.

Whatever you do, mark it on your calendar, plan for it and stick with it.

3. find a replacement

One thing that makes quitting so much more difficult is simply being left with nothing. To make this more realistic have a healthier alternative ready to go! Find something you like and take note, do you actually like the beverage you’re drinking {ahem, coffee} or do you just like the warmth? Maybe you drink a fruity caffeinated beverage and you just need something with flavor.

Having a similar alternative can definitely help ease the cravings. I’ve listed some at the bottom of this post for you to try.

4. boost energy naturally

If you’re drinking caffeine for energy then try adding in some natural energy boosters. Just simple tips to help you overcome your energy hurdles making sure you’re not lacking, at least not at the beginning of this detox. Here are some tips:

1. Eat a big breakfast – full of protein and fat to keep you feeling energized and full.
2. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier – getting adequate sleep is always a good idea.
3. Skip hard and intense workouts during the detox – stick with lighter movements.
4. Get sunlight
5. Move your body – take a break or get up and change your focus whenever cravings hit.

5. Add supplements and adaptogens

When our body is crying out for energy sometimes all it takes is some additional supplements and herbs to give yourself a boost. Especially knowing that caffeine depletes your body of nutrients like our B-vitamins, you could add a good methylated B to your vitamin mix. Other good ones include vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and other minerals.

Some adaptogens you could add to your mix include; ashwagandha, ginger, ginseng, and Rhodiola rosea.

6. stay hydrated

Stay hydrated, of course on non-caffeinated beverages, making sure you quench your thirst daily. Try adding a water tonic {squeeze of fresh citrus juice + a pinch of sea salt} to hydrate your body well. You can also switch to an herbal tea in the afternoon to up some natural energy and provide the warmth and comfort of flavor.

7. pamper yourself

Give yourself room and space just to be. To get reconnected, to slow down, to rest and relax! Even allowing yourself a nap if you’re really that tired!

the detox details

All we’re looking for is 10 days. Just over one week to get your body re-centered and free of the caffeine overflow. Then re-evaluate and see how you feel. Maybe give yourself another week if you’re unsure or try adding back in some natural caffeine free sources to test out. 

DON’T FORGET to grab the download below if you’re planning on doing a 10-day Caffeine detox. It will help you plan accordingly and allow you space to write out what you plan to do and what you plan not to do.

healthy alternatives

Like the popular saying goes, “eat this – not that,” it’s not about just giving it up but finding a healthy alternative you like. Here are some solutions you could try:

• How water + Lemon
• Teeccino
• Ayurvedic Roast French Vanilla
• Green Juice
• Golden Milk Latte
• Citrus Refresher
• Vanilla Almond Steamer
• Herbal Teas
• Rooibos Tea Blend
• Bone Broth
• Vanilla Chai Dandelion Latte

Try it out, what do you have to lose? Make sure you let me know how you come out at the end of the 10-day caffeine detox! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook! Can’t wait to hear!

subscribe to the show

Don’t forget to subscribe to Simple Roots Radio to make sure you are notified as soon as another podcast comes out. Sometimes I can be a little slow to notify you and this ensures that you get the show right on your phone to listen anytime you want!

If you have some feedback to share or an exciting shout out on your own personal journey, leave a note in the comments below. I would love to know your reactions to the show and how you’re taking steps in owning your own story.

Finally, if you enjoyed the show I’d love it if you’d take a minute to leave a rating and review. Through these reviews we can work to make the show better and align more closely with the information you need to live your best life. It only takes a minute and makes a world of difference in the life of this show.

Missed an episode? Click here to listen to all of the episodes of Simple Roots Wellness.