Is your daily coffee affecting your health? An Ayurvedic View on Caffeine

In recent conversations with some yogis I've met while doing Ayurveda coursework at Yogaville in Virginia, we've discussed coffee.  While coffee is not encouraged here, it is also available for purchase in the little cafe on property, and Swami Satchidananda, the Ashram guru, was known to be a lover of coffee.  Black tea is also available.

My teachings from the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas and from Ayurveda are that coffee is generally not a desirable substance to put into the body.  Yet, Swami Satchinananda was a disciple of Swami Sivananda and a beloved, enlightened sage to many around the world.  

So, what is the answer?  Is it good for us or not?

​I recalled a well written and interesting article I had saved, written by Danielle on May 15, 2015.  Her research shed light on the benefits and harm of caffeine, and in particular coffee as it is so widely consumed.  

Danielle's Article:
As a societal norm and American obsession, the topic on caffeine in regards to our health can be a loaded subject.  The US has been reported as the highest consumer of coffee beverages, with incredible 83% average of adults that are reported coffee drinkers (according to the National Coffee Associations 2013 survey).   Although there has been some recent optimistic health benefits reported on the consumption of caffeine (and coffee), it seems to be a dwindling hope when compared with the long list of negative effects this stimulating substance provides.  In this article I hope to speak on these effects (both good and bad), while diving into the subject from a more traditional Eastern point of view.

Caffeine comes in many different forms.  Of course there’s coffee at the top of the list, black tea, green tea, white tea, mate (sometimes called matiene), chocolate/cacao, soda pop, kombucha, energy drinks, certain medications and any food or beverage that contains these substances.  No matter the form, caffeine’s side effects can come into play, especially for those that metabolize caffeine at slower rates, making them more sensitive to even small amounts.  Although coffee is typically considered the main caffeine source; consuming too much tea, chocolate or any other caffeinated food or beverage, may increase imbalance in the system just the same. 
 
Researching this subject on the “good and bad” of caffeine, made me a bit dizzy.  One source is telling me that caffeine is good for headaches, while another states that it is the cause.  One source states that it boosts the memory and another states it depletes it.  One article says that caffeine will prevent stroke and another claims it causes them.  With so many conflicting “facts” on caffeine and its side effects, we really need to take a step back and see how our own bodies react to the caffeine, and if it is serving us in our health and our daily life.

After reading numerous articles on the effects of caffeine, it seems to me like most of the “positive” effects are short-term and therefore short lived (i.e. improved memory, headache relief, improved alertness), while the negative effects are longer term and longer lasting (i.e. vasoconstriction, hyperacidity, decreased digestion, malapsorption of nutrients, etc).  For example, I find it hard to believe that caffeine will help conditions such as erectile dysfunction and headaches, when it is a well-known vasoconstrictor which is the exact cause of both of these disorders. 

Hmmmm….       
Although the negative effects of caffeine seem to unquestionably outweigh the positive, in the end it still comes down to several factors including the individual as a whole (prakrtti), the current state of imbalance (vikrtti), the amount caffeine being consumed, the form of the caffeine (white tea compared to a sugary energy drink) and how it is being consumed (i.e. time of day, empty stomach, etc).  So as with all things in Ayurveda, it is best to look at the entire picture before we can really discover the effects of the situation. 

An Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda clearly states that caffeine is tri-doshically disruptive; meaning it will increase Vata, Pitta and Kapha; meaning it is indeed harmful for every-body.  I do have to agree with this concept, however, in my personal experience it seems to be a relative notion.  For example, if a person of a Vata nature, is hypersensitive and experiencing anxiety, restless mind and restless sleep; yes I will ween them off of caffeine as quick as can be.  If another individual comes to me with hyperacidity, inflammatory arthritis and hypertension, once again I will immediately put them on a gentle caffeine detox program.  But, if an individual comes to me with unrelated conditions and is only drinking 1-2 cups daily before noon, this is not the first issue to address (although eventually it may come into the healthcare plan after dealing with the main concerns).

Negative Effects of Caffeine on Vata Dosha:
    •    Increases anxiety, fear and nervousness
    •    May cause jitteriness, shakiness, dizziness and muscle tremors
    •    Sets off the fight or flight mode
    •    Causes restless sleep and insomnia
    •    Decreases digestion
    •    May cause gas and bloating
    •    Causes vasoconstriction in the body (poor circulation)
    •    Causes vasoconstriction to the brain (one study shows by 27%), reducing long-          term cognition, memory and focus 
    •    May cause accelerated or irregular heartbeat
    •    Causes excessive calcium to be flushed out of the system (via the urine),                      potentially leading to brittle bones and osteoporosis
    •    Negatively effects the absorption of zinc, magnesium, iron and other minerals
    •    Overuse may promote dehydration and dryness in the body
    •    Taxes the adrenals

Negative Effects of Caffeine on Pitta Dosha:
    •    Increases blood pressure for up to 2-3 hours after consumption
    •    Increases irritability, frustration, anger and short temper
    •    Taxes the liver
    •    Increases heat in the body
    •    Increases inflammation in the body
    •    Causes gout flare-ups
    •    Irritates the GI tract and worsens conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and            Ulcerative Colitis
    •    May create excessive heat in the bladder and can worsen UTI symptoms
    •    Overuse may lead to headaches or migraines
    •    Interferes with neurotransmitters that govern mood and stress
    •    Causes loose stools or diarrhea (mrdu koshta) by increasing peristalsis and                leading to malabsorption of vital nutrients 
    •    May cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some individuals
    •    Causes hyperacidity, heartburn and gastric ulcers
    •    Overuse may cause sour stomach, nausea and vomiting

Negative Effects of Caffeine on Kapha Dosha:
    •    Taxes the  kidneys and bladder
    •    Overuse may lead to fibrocystic changes in the breast tissue
    •    Increases appetite
    •    Decreases digestion
    •  Releases the stress hormone cortisol, a leading cause of midsection weight gain
    •   Impairs glucose metabolism and is not recommended for anyone with Type 2             diabetes
    •    Causes polyuria (increased urination)

General Negative Effects of Caffeine:
    •    Causes hormonal imbalance
    •    Increases PMS symptoms
    •    May cause urinary incontinence or worsen a preexisting condition
    •    May reduce fertility in females by as much as 27%
    •    Worsens menopausal symptoms
    •    Increases the release of the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and                          norepinephrine
    •    Coffee contains high levels of Acrylamide, a known carcinogenic; the darker the          roast, the higher the Acrylamide levels
    •    Addictive, creates physical dependency
    •    May cause mania in Bipolar Disorder
   •  May negatively interact with medications such as antibiotics, thyroid medication, psyche meds and depression drugs

The positive effects of caffeine to me seems mostly unreliable, counterintuitive (i.e. caffeine is good for tinnitus, really??), and unsupportive by data or even logic.  The positive effects that do hold up will most definitely have a healthier alternative with the same effect.  For example, although it is claimed that caffeine wards off Alzheimer’s disease, it has been clinically proven that turmeric will have the same effect; all while cleansing the blood, strengthening the liver, reducing inflammation and increasing digestion.

My Conclusion:
Although I am not a huge fan of caffeine in general, I will say if a client has been drinking four cups of coffee for 20 years and has been able to tone it down to one cup of tea in the morning, I can handle this.  If someone is drinking caffeinated beverages of any kind all day long and is able to cut down to one cup a day ideally before noon, once again this is an immense improvement.
 
In the end, it may be best to keep caffeine as a weekly or better yet, monthly treat; but this will take some time to get used to.  It is best to ween off of caffeine diligently and willfully, but also with gentleness and compassion.  If you have acquired a lifelong habit, this takes time to come off of.  In fact, quitting cold turkey may lead to intense withdrawal symptoms that may be harmful to the body (i.e. fatigue, nausea, headaches).  It is best to ease into it with a weening process by slowly reducing the amount of caffeine being taken in. 
​
You can replace the coffee with tea; make your average 4 daily cups turn into 1-2; or cut down a cup of coffee each week until you are able to hit zero.  You can also help to neutralize the negative caffeine effects by adding spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to your tea or coffee while you are in the weening process.  I also suggest replacing caffeinated beverages with herbal teas such as brahmi, tulsi, or blends such as my invigorating OM Shanti tea or delicious Ayurvedic Spiced Chai.  These will help to balance the withdrawal symptoms you may experience during the detaching phase.

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

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