You may not know that there’s a pretty nasty side effect to that morning cup of joe you can’t live without. I mean, besides the jitters, rapid heartbeat and bowel movements. And I’m not talking about the stains it leaves on your teeth when you drink it plain, black and hot…
Actually, caffeinated coffee has just landed another blow to your health. Research is now saying it’s bad for your brain.
And I mean B.A.D.
Now, don’t get me wrong. If you are a coffee lover, like most people you could care less about the stains on your teeth. You may even like the laxative effects… one less thing to worry about, right?
But I think you’d care very much about the increased risk of a brain bleed, especially since it means a stroke. And not just any stroke… a hemorrhagic stroke.
The Worst Type of Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures and starts to bleed. It’s usually caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure. And it’s less common than an ischemic stroke, the kind caused by a blocked artery due to a clot.
But you definitely do not want a hemorrhagic stroke… because it involves blood literally pouring into your brain, instead of being blocked from it. And this is very, very bad because the human brain was not designed to deal with a flood of blood where it shouldn’t be. The result? Death or disability.
So why the impact on coffee drinkers?
Here’s the deal: if you drink a lot of coffee, say, four or more cups a day, you’re significantly more likely to have a brain bleed due to a hemorrhagic stroke. This is according to the latest research out of Korea. And they found this to be especially true if you have a specific genetic factor, which many people do. Here’s more on that study.
And why is that? Caffeine!
The Dark Side of Caffeine
You probably know that caffeine is a stimulant. That’s why you drink coffee, right? It jumpstarts your day.
But caffeine isn’t the pick-me-up that it seems to be. Actually, it causes a whole lot of damage.
First, let’s talk about how it affects your blood vessels…
Caffeine increases the constriction of blood vessels, which makes it harder for your blood to flow through them. That can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn puts pressure on the blood vessel walls. This is the main cause of a brain bleed and, ultimately, a hemorrhagic stroke.
Now, there’s something else caffeine does: it revs up your brain. It excites it. And we’re not just talking about better focus or a sharper mind. No, caffeine makes your brain work overtime.
In fact, that’s why you crave caffeine in the first place – to get that jolt of adrenaline that will shake you up and get your brain racing. But overtaxing your brain with caffeine can actually lead to a higher risk of a stroke. Here’s more on how caffeine affects your brain.
Moreover, medical research has shown that heavy coffee consumption (over 3 cups per day) may also increase the risk of other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s more information on that. This is precisely why you need to reevaluate your coffee drinking habits.
Alternative Ways to Boost Your Energy
If you’re thinking of giving up that morning cup of coffee after reading this, I’ve got some good news for you: there are other ways to boost your energy in the morning. You do not need to rely on caffeine to get your day started. Some natural alternatives can be just as effective if not more so.
Try getting some sun exposure first thing in the morning if possible. The natural sunlight helps to reset your body’s internal clock and regulate your sleep and wake cycles. Here’s more information on how sunlight can affect your energy levels.
Another great option is to start your day with some light physical activity. Exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk around the block, can help increase the production of feel-good, energy-boosting brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, as well as get your blood pumping. More on the benefits of exercise.
Lastly, if you’re feeling tired during the day, consider taking short breaks to practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. This can help reduce mental fatigue and stress, helping you to feel refreshed and recharged. More on the benefits of mindfulness.
So, while that morning cup of coffee may seem like the perfect way to jumpstart your day, the potential risks to your health may cause you to reconsider. Don’t worry, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to help you stay energized throughout the day.
