Is Coffee Messing With My Cortisol Levels

“Dr. Janine, is coffee messing with my cortisol?”

This is a common question I have in office and the answer is maybe.

Coffee is a stimulant, so it can stimulate cortisol production. This is usually fine in moderation, but in excess can lead to more stress, anxiety, and irritability. Most people have a threshold they can tolerate, and a tipping point. This threshold may change at different times in the menstrual cycle, or in different seasons of life intensity. It’s always good to check in with your body and notice how it’s making you feel.

Is your heart racing? 

Are you able to take deep breaths? 

Are you feeling on edge?

Coffee As a Meal Replacement:

Another place coffee can negatively affect people is if it’s being used as a meal replacement.  Your body needs fuel to function well, and coffee can sometimes be enough to allow you to skip meals without noticing the signs of hunger or symptoms of low blood sugar.  This is not doing you any favours from a cortisol perspective as it’s stressful for your body to not have the fuel it needs.  

Coffee ≠ Water:

We don’t want coffee to replace your water intake, your cells will hydrate more effectively and work more efficiently if you're getting adequate water. It is stressful for your body to be dehydrated. 

Sugar With Your Coffee:

Coffee with sugar can also cause a blood sugar spike which can impact your cortisol as well. If you're having the sugar-y coffee with food, this is less likely to play a role.  Even without sugar in the coffee, coffee with food feels better for many peoples’ bodies from a cortisol perspective. 

In summary, coffee is probably fine for you, but best if you’re drinking lots of water, mindful of total consumption, and ideally having it with food. 

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