Tuesday, December 26, 2017

The Coffee Debate

I have been drinking much more coffee daily since my doctor gifted us with his older Keurig system.   This doctor is a functional health specialist and put me on a strict anti-inflammatory diet for peripheral neuropathy but never restricted coffee or caffeine.  Previously, I had a half cup of coffee most mornings to get things moving for a bathroom visit and to energize my morning workout. 
I used to drink more when younger till I developed palpitations during menopause.

Being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I had lost a few pounds by cutting back on carbs before seeing him and then saw pounds literally melt away in the first 3 months of his diet.  Weightloss has slowed down since I added some foods back into my diet but still continues slowly.  As long as it goes in the right direction, I see no reason to be as restrictive because being more restrictive created stress.  Eating is a pleasure for me and when it is no longer a pleasure, I am not a happy camper.

Developing metabolic disease is no longer a serious threat.
All markers have gone down
(triglycerides, A1c, blood pressure, waist circumference, etc.).

However, I still was having problems with sleep and regularity.
After having several cups of coffee a day, I am sleeping better than ever???
Also no palpitations and a very low resting heart rate.

The benefits of coffee, both decaf and regular, are debated online and there are studies that support both sides of the debate. 
However, I have solidly landed on the side that coffee benefits me.

Ironically, it seems most studies for post-menopausal women seem to support both decaf and regular coffee.   My sister has Alzheimers in spite of being low carb and exercising her whole life to keep her weight stable.   She had also avoided caffeine most of her life because of breast cysts but now indulges all day.

I believe the coffee debate is much like the statin debate.
Studies will support either side and it is up to the individual to determine what is best.

No comments:

Post a Comment