The breakfast trap: absolutely avoid this bad habit

Do you wake up, wash your face, and drink a cup of coffee before starting your day? Be aware that you may be making a big mistake. A dose of caffeine in the morning is far from being a boost. It's actually a very bad habit! We'll explain everything, with insights from doctors and nutritionists.

Drinking coffee in the morning, a harmful habit

The smell of coffee, its color, and the sound of the coffee maker are an integral part of millions of French people's mornings. Yet, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not recommended by experts, notably by neuroscientist Steven Miller. He published a comprehensive study on the impact of coffee on the body, and the results are clear: coffee at breakfast unbalances the body on several levels.

Not only does it affect the gut microbiota and increase bloating, but it especially impacts the nervous system and contributes to increased stress, anxiety, and accelerated fatigue during the day.

Because while we may feel that caffeine gives us energy in the morning, that's without considering what comes next.

A drop in energy after drinking coffee

Coffee has an undeniable stimulating effect, but it's mostly temporary. The Hollis laboratory emphasizes that when caffeine is consumed in the morning, it promotes the release of adrenaline. This invigorates the entire body and gives it energy, as its primary function is to prepare the body for situations considered stressful.

The secretion of adrenaline, in turn, leads to the secretion of glucose into the blood to provide muscles with the energy they need. However, once all these stimuli have passed... the crash is difficult. In response to glucose, the body produces insulin. This causes a drop in blood sugar levels and leads to reactive hypoglycemia, which causes the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Inability to think
• Hunger
• Tremors

These are side effects we'd rather avoid at the start of the day. And many people's response is simply to have another coffee shortly after the first. However, overconsumption of coffee further exacerbates its harmful effects on the body. A vicious cycle is created, and it's best to break it quickly.

Morning coffee increases cortisol levels

Cortisol is the energy hormone. The body produces it in large quantities in the morning, primarily to meet basic human needs. In the past, this meant hunting, fishing, and gathering. Nowadays, it helps us with the energy-intensive tasks of the morning.

Cortisol acts on the body in various ways and helps, in particular, to respond to stress, similar to adrenaline. However, if cortisol levels rise too high, it can lead to a state of nervousness and anxiety that can sometimes be intense.

Morning coffee stimulates cortisol production, and its effects add to those of the hormone. The energy spike provided can quickly turn into anxiety disorders. And when cortisol levels drop in the blood in the following hours, the body then experiences a double hit of fatigue.

That's why some experts recommend that people who absolutely want to drink coffee in the morning should never consume it before 11 am or noon, allowing time for cortisol levels to naturally drop in the blood.

What drink can replace coffee in the morning?

Despite this awareness of the harmful effects of coffee on an empty stomach, it is important to note that this does not mean you should completely give up your morning cup of coffee!

However, it is advisable to consume it more thoughtfully and be aware of the potential consequences. Rather than simply eliminating coffee from your morning routine, you might consider complementing it with other beverages like tea, which offers an equally stimulating alternative but with fewer side effects.

Moreover, alternating between coffee and tea can help reduce overall caffeine consumption, which can be beneficial for your long-term health. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that suits your lifestyle and individual needs, while remaining conscious of the impacts on your body and well-being.

Flavored teas for a gentle start to the day

For those who wish to give up coffee in favor of a more beneficial morning drink, several solutions exist. One of them is to turn to one of the oldest drinks in the world: Tea.

Beyond classic black or green teas, gourmands can opt for flavored teas. The advantage is that there's something for everyone: green tea with mint, black tea with wild berries, or black tea with cocoa—all choices without the drawbacks of coffee.

Teas and herbal infusions without theine for a good start to the day

For a theine-free morning, infusions and herbal teas are essential. They hydrate the body, eliminate toxins, and reduce anxiety. A concentration of positive energy, ideal for a good day.

These drinks are also suitable for the whole family. While coffee is often reserved for adults, it’s possible to share the same beverage around the table, whether you’re a teenager or a parent. For those who appreciate freshness, some infusions based on apple, orange zest, and eucalyptus can be a great choice.

Other blends are specially designed to accompany mornings, such as certain infusions based on mate and hibiscus flowers.

As you can see, there's something for everyone. In our opinion, you just have to try it!