The Dangers of Overconsuming Coffee and Alcohol
In today’s world, stimulants like caffeine and alcohol are part of the daily routine for many.
The day starts with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, luring you out of bed. You clutch your favourite mug, taking that first sip before uttering a single word to your spouse or family.
If you’re on the go, you grab an espresso on your way to work, needing that jolt to power through the morning.
By evening, the cycle continues. You unwind at a bar with friends, promising yourself just one drink—but let’s be honest, it usually turns into two or more.
Then, when it’s time to sleep, your mind won’t shut off. Thoughts race, and no matter how exhausted you are, you find yourself tossing and turning.
You might drift off, only to jolt awake in the middle of the night, staring at the ceiling, frustration mounting. Desperate for rest, you reach for melatonin or a sleep aid, but it’s losing its magic—you’ve built a tolerance.
Morning comes, and you wake up groggy, drained before the day has even begun. And so, the cycle repeats.
Impact of coffee
A few cups of coffee daily can lead to too much caffeine consumption. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, alerting you and generating motivation.
However, if you have become dependent on it, you will require a caffeine fix because it is highly addictive.
A cup of coffee a day keeps your cortisol hormone at a high level — also known as the “death hormone.”
The adrenal glands release cortisol, the stress hormone; when they release too much cortisol, they tend to burn out, causing health issues and even becoming underactive.
Since our adrenal glands are involved in our response to stress, it's essential to ensure they are working correctly; some noticeable signs of underactive adrenals are insomnia, fatigue, and depression.
Coffee consumption every day could cause dehydration since one cup requires two cups of water. If you drink three cups daily, you must consume six cups of water to keep your cells balanced and hydrated.
Regular coffee drinking depletes nutrients such as B and C vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron, and more.
Since coffee can suppress your appetite, if you skip breakfast or meals throughout the day, you will lack nutrients, affecting your overall sleep.
Impact of alcohol
It is common for people to consume alcohol in the evenings to unwind after a long day at work because alcohol acts as a natural sedative, so you feel relaxed.
Depending on your consumption, sex and size, excessive daily drinking can cause sleep deprivation.
Although alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it ultimately leads to destructive sleeping patterns such as fragmented sleep and frequent waking because it's a slow process for the liver to metabolize the alcohol.
According to a study, after three consecutive days of drinking two to three drinks a night, you can develop a tolerance to the sedative, which is why moderation is essential.
Alcohol can interfere with the REM sleep phase, the period when you are deep asleep. It's crucial to experience REM so that the body can heal properly. If you don't receive adequate sleep, disease can manifest, adding to the stress in your life.
How to cut down on coffee and alcohol
Believe it or not, most people drink over two cups of coffee daily. Try measuring your coffee cup to see how much liquid it holds. You will be surprised.
During the first week, slowly remove coffee and alcohol. If you are highly dependent on it, you don't want to completely remove it because of withdrawal symptoms such as headaches or irritability. Each week, remove a little more.
Use coffee substitutes such as chicory root. They provide the body with prebiotics, minerals, and vitamins to help heal your gut from years of coffee and alcohol. Chicory root has the same bitterness and nutty aromas as coffee, making it an excellent substitute.
To break up the drinking cycle, switch to non-alcoholic wines or beers throughout the week and pour them into your favourite glass.
Sometimes, it's the emotional attachment to coffee and alcohol that keeps us reliant on these stimulants—needing that cup in the morning to kickstart the day or reaching for a drink at night to unwind and help fall asleep.
Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol are quick fixes but ultimately will destroy your organs, such as your adrenal glands if you are over-consuming.
When the body isn't living in a state of homeostasis, sleep deprivation can occur, and disease will manifest.
If you want to redefine and break free from your relationship with alcohol through nutrition and holistic lifestyle changes, I’d love to support you on that journey. Feel free to reach out and book your free wellness call today.
—jp
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor if you're struggling with addiction. Please seek professional help if you’re dealing with AUD (alcohol use disorder).
Latest from the blog—3 Foods That Heal and Rebalance the Gut After Alcohol
