Coffee Alternatives for National Coffee Day

On National Coffee Day, we take a look at coffee alternatives.

Those of who wake up and yearn for that first cup of Joe may have good reason. Coffee makes many of us feel good, as it increases dopamine in the brain. And coffee-lovers enjoying National Coffee Day, today on September 29, may even be experiencing some of the health benefits linked to coffee. As studies have shown, it can improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of depression. It may even protect against Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease.
However, coffee is not everyone’s cup of tea, so to speak. As functional medicine expert Dr. Mark Hyman points out coffee can be linked to insulin resistance and inflammation – two factors at the core of many chronic diseases. Certain populations may tolerate and enjoy some benefits of coffee but the truth is that it’s not for everyone and can even be a culprit in why you are feeling sick, inflamed, hormonally imbalanced, stressed and fatigued.
Coffee can increase your stress hormones while adversely impacting both cortisol and insulin levels. It may also make it difficult for your cells to respond appropriately to blood sugar. Among other impacts, coffee can have a negative effect on your gut flora. (To learn more about health impacts associated with coffee consumption, visit Dr. Hyman’s complete list of reasons to quit coffee).
If you’re interested in understanding more closely how your body’s relationship to coffee may be impacting your health, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition team. Our services are focused on discovering the root causes of your symptoms to treat current conditions, prevent chronic illness, and create a foundation for optimal health. We begin by conducting a thorough history of your current lifestyle combined with specialized diagnostic tests that we perform or prescribe. Treatment is individualized as we work with you to create a sustainable lifestyle and implement behavioral changes that treat your symptoms and change the way you live.
Call (773) 598-4387 or visit us at one of our 6 convenient Chicago locations and in the meantime, consider these 20 healthy alternatives to coffee:

1. Green Tea
2. Nutty Smoothies
3. Licorice Tea
4. Chai with Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
5. Lemon Water
6. Pomegranate Juice
7. Green Smoothies
8. Peppermint Tea
9. Schizandra Tea
10. Prune Juice
11. Carrot Juice
12. Siberian Ginseng Tea
13. Carob Powder
14. Flax Seed Shakes
15. Hot Maca
16. Reishi Mushroom Tea
17. Yerba Mate
18. Rooibos Tea
19. Wheatgrass Juice
20. Ginger Tea

 
Before starting any new diet, always consult with a healthcare professional. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or replace your healthcare.