Q: Is coffee really bad for you?

First, caffeine in any form is a drug and is, therefore, potentially habit-forming. So the first thing to look at is how much coffee you actually consume. A cup or two a day isn’t necessarily a terrible thing. In fact, studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk for Type 2 diabetes and reduce chances of developing gall stones, colon cancer, liver damage, and Parkinson’s disease. The moderate coffee drinker may also enjoy heightened cognitive function as well as improved endurance in long-duration physical activities.

All this sounds great, right? And it is. But unfortunately, coffee is not without its downfalls. Because caffeine is an addictive stimulant, the main issue with the beverage is over-consumption. We live in a world where “get-up-and-go” is highly prized. Many of us consume in excess of what would be considered a moderate amount of coffee in order to keep ourselves going. Excess amounts of caffeine can over-stimulate your body, raising levels of anxiety and stress by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Consuming beverages like cappuccinos, lattes and frozen coffee drinks present an additional set of problems: there can be a lot of calories, sugar and other additives in these drinks, which can interfere with our ability to function well, canceling out any positive benefits coffee might have to offer.

A good rule of thumb is this: if you find it difficult to function without coffee, you should reconsider the amount that you drink every day as well as the lifestyle that contributes to fatigue and lack of focus. If possible, re-work your schedule so you’re getting a solid eight hours of sleep at night, or shoot for a ten minute power nap in the middle of the day. You should also take a second look at your diet; don’t forget how important fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed foods are to mental alertness, energy and happiness.

Remember: moderation is key, as is treating your body with compassion and love.

Here’s to your good health!

Nikki Ostrower is the founder of NAO Nutrition, a private practice in New York City specializing in weight loss, eating disorders, autism, fatigue and heart disease. She has a degree in Business Management from SUNY Binghamton and a certificate from The Academy of Healing Nutrition.

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