Energy Increase
Intermittent fasting is an increasingly popular diet plan that is believed to be beneficial for weight loss, improved energy levels, and improved overall health. While many people still drink coffee while participating in intermittent fasting, there is some debate about whether doing this is actually beneficial or harmful.
In general, drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting can increase alertness and energy levels. This is because caffeine is a stimulant and can make a person feel more awake and alert. Due to the nature of intermittent fasting, it is likely that an individual will be eager to consume caffeine to help manage the hunger and cravings that ensue during the fasting periods.
Additionally, the caffeine in coffee can boost metabolism, helping individuals to burn more calories each day. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to shed some extra pounds while also participating in intermittent fasting.
Disturbance of Sleeping Patterns
However, drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting may also have some negative effects. One of the most significant issues is that it can potentially disturb an individual’s sleeping patterns.
Caffeine is a stimulant and it is possible for it to remain in a person’s system for hours after it is consumed. This can make it difficult for a person to get to sleep properly, leading to intermittent and poor quality sleep. Poor quality of sleep can then impact an individual’s performance during the day, making it more challenging for them to remain focussed and productive.
Furthermore, drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting can also lead to indigestion and Acid Reflux, as coffee is a diuretic and can cause dehydration and irritation to the stomach. If a person is fasting, it can make it more difficult for their body to digest food and deal with acids, which can ultimately make them feel unwell.
Finally, too much caffeine can also cause a person to experience jitteriness, palpitations, and headaches. This can make it very challenging for a person to go through the day as they may feel unwell.
Increased Stress Levels During Fasting
Intermittent fasting can already be a difficult and overwhelming experience for some people. The periods of fasting can cause individuals to feel stressed out and anxious. Drinking coffee with high levels of caffeine can further exacerbate these feelings.
Caffeine has been linked to an increase in cortisol production, which is a hormone responsible for increasing stress levels in the body. Furthermore, caffeine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, making it even more difficult for a person to manage their anxiety and stress levels naturally.
Coffee can also interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for controlling the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Disrupting these natural cycles and hormones can then further worsen stress and anxiety levels, which can make it even more challenging for individuals to manage the fasting process.
Drinking Tea during Intermittent Fasting
If a person is looking for ways to avoid coffee during an intermittent fasting procedure, then drinking herbal teas is always a great option. Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free and still offer the same level of alertness and energy that coffee does due to other plant-based compounds such as polyphenols.
Herbal teas are also much more effective at helping to hydrate the body, providing many nutrients and antioxidants that can help individuals to feel better overall. Furthermore, herbal teas contain much fewer acids than coffee which can reduce the risk of indigestion and acid reflux.
Ultimately, while coffee may be a tempting choice when it comes to intermittent fasting, it is important to ensure that it is consumed in moderation in order to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Energy Increases within Intermittent Fasting
Although drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting does come with potential risks, it can also be beneficial. It can help to increase alertness and energy levels, allowing individuals to get through the fasting periods.
Studies have also shown that drinking a moderate amount of coffee during intermittent fasting can also increase metabolism and reduce hunger, allowing people to feel fuller for longer. This can then reduce the need to snack and overeat whilst fasting.
Additionally, drinking coffee can also help to decrease tiredness, allowing people to get through their day more easily. Coffee can also reduce the risk of developing mental fatigue and muscle weakness due to its stimulant properties.
Coffee Intake During Intermittent Fasting
Although there are both benefits and risks with drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting, the decision ultimately lies with the individual.
It is recommended that individuals do not exceed two cups of black coffee per day during their fasting period. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that one does not overdo it on the dairy and sugar used in the coffee. This can dramatically increase the calorie content and make the fasting process more difficult.
Overall, as long as an individual is aware of the potential risks of drinking coffee and is mindful of the caffeine they take in, drinking coffee during intermittent fasting can be beneficial in many ways.
Effects on Mental Health while Fasting
Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of the potential effects that excessive drinking of coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting may have on an individual’s mental health. Studies have shown that drinking too much caffeine can lead to feelings of irritability, loneliness, depression and anxiety.
Caffeine consumption can also make it more difficult for an individual to feel relaxed and therefore manage their stress levels during the fasting periods. This can then lead to increased levels of anxiety and feelings of unease.
Therefore, if an individual does choose to drink coffee during intermittent fasting, it is important that they understand their limits and do not exceed them, in order to maintain an appropriate level of mental health and wellness.
Final Word of Advice
In conclusion, while drinking coffee with caffeine during intermittent fasting can offer some beneficial effects such as improved energy and metabolism, it is important to ensure that one drinks it in moderation. Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to indigestion and disrupted sleeping patterns, as well as other negative effects on an individual’s overall wellbeing.
