If I were paid a dollar for every time someone said they were afraid to hire a nutritionist for fear of being told to lay off their daily coffee habit … I’d be rich.

Not “I have a few extra dollars in the bank” kind of rich, but like “I just bought a private jet” kind of rich.

With the amount of people who consume it daily, even multiple times a day, I think it’s an important topic to address.

Is coffee a drug that you should avoid? Or a beneficial addition to your daily health protocol?

Check out today’s video to get all the juicy, err … caffeinated details.

Scroll down if you could care less for the video and would rather read the info!

Is Coffee Good for You?

| Let’s talk about the positives |

Coffee has some great qualities that give put it in good running for being a healthy addition to your diet.

1. It is rich in antioxidants – specifically chlorogenic acid which can aid in weight loss.

But let’s be honest, there are no magic pills for weight loss.

2. It may reduce your risk for Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, liver cirrhosis and gallstones.

Well that’s enough for me … I’m in! #nokidneystones

3. Organic is where it’s at! To get any of the health benefits it needs to be organic or else it is loaded with pesticides. Really, who wants that?

| Now let’s address the negatives |

Now that we’ve somewhat justified your consumption, maybe we should balance out the conversation by talking about its negative impact on your health.

1. It’s hard on your digestive tract.

Coffee stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid which is meant for digestion (especially of proteins) and it affects the lining of your stomach.

You have a certain daily reserve of hydrochloric acid, if you use it on coffee then digestion with low HCI could result in bloating, gas, diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

2. It can reduce nutrient absorption – like, a lot.

Coffee can stimulate peristalsis, creating a laxative effect in the body. The quick emptying of the stomach does not give enough time to allow you to absorb nutrients.

All of this can also cause irritation and inflammation within the GI tract.

3. Stressed? It won’t help!

Coffee encourages the release of your stress hormones, which in turn increases your heart rate, blood pressure and your fight-or-flight response.

When fight-or-flight kicks in, your metabolism slows down as your body works to conserve resources – causing weight gain.

It is also known to interfere with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and stress levels and calms the GI tract.

Woah.

| Now what?|

Okay, so we’ve got the facts out of the way … but what are we to do with that?

You’re alright to consume coffee in moderation. Adhering to one coffee a day as a maximum would be great. Definitely avoid all coffee if you struggle with any GI issues, adrenal fatigue or if you struggle with addiction to coffee (withdrawal headaches, etc).

Stay hydrated with water.

Pay attention to how you take your coffee! Throw out the creamers and sugar cubes and try one of these options instead:

Coconut oil, unsweetened almond milk, low-fat coconut milk (from a can)

Raw honey, pure maple syrup, stevia