Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that causes a person’s immune system to attack its own thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in healthy thyroid functioning. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and disrupted digestion. Often, people with Hashimoto’s have to drastically change their diet to get a handle on their condition. This brings the question: can you drink coffee if you have Hashimoto’s?
There is no simple answer to this question but it can depend on the individual and their unique situation. Together, coffee’s potentially inflammatory traits and Hashimoto’s effects on the body can make drinking coffee a tricky situation. However, it is also important to note that coffee is one of the most widely consumed products worldwide and is great source of both antioxidants and certain minerals, such as magnesium and chromium.
Dr. Michael Davidson, MD, and the head of preventative cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, believes that the healthiest way to consume coffee while living with Hashimoto’s is through cold-brew coffee. According to his research, cold-brew coffee can be less acidic and contain up to 70% less acid than hot coffee, normally reducing any potential inflammation from adding stress to the body of those with Hashimoto’s.
Dr. John West, MD, a functional medicine doctor and the president of West Health Solutions, also recommends cold-brew coffee for those with Hashimoto’s. He believes that cold-brew coffee can reduce stress to the body and can boost energy levels but he also emphasizes the importance for people to focus on nutrient-dense foods that are known to have anti-inflammatory qualities. This includes whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and plenty of greens.
In addition to reducing the acidity of traditional hot coffee, those with Hashimoto’s also need to consider the amount of caffeine they consume when drinking coffee. While it is recommended to steer clear of energy drinks, an occasional cup of black cold-brew coffee with a splash of almond milk can give you an energy boost. However, it is crucial to pay attention to how your body responds and to remember that too much caffeine can trigger an inflammatory response.
When it comes to Hashimoto’s, infusing your cup of cold-brew coffee with adaptogenic herbs is also an option. These herbs can help to regulate your immune system, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and cordyceps are known to help increase energy and mental clarity without any negative side-effects.
Finally, for those with Hashimoto’s who still prefer their hot cup of coffee, look for brands of coffee that contain less acidic beans. Ideally, these beans should be organic, shade grown, and single origin. Additionally, adding a pinch of sea salt to your cup of coffee can also reduce the acidity of any coffee bean.
Adding Superfoods To Your Coffee
Another way of taking advantage of coffee’s potential health benefits while having Hashimoto’s is by adding certain superfoods. Popular ingredients like maca, mct oil, and lucuma can add an extra layer of health benefits to your cup of coffee. Maca, for example, can aid in the improvement of energy levels, boost your immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, and can balance hormones while MCT oil can help to improve mental clarity and help with digestion.
Lucuma is a sweet and nutritious superfruit that has a unique flavor and nutritional profile. This powder is naturally sweet, has a low glycemic index, and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that Lucuma has numerous health benefits including a significant amount of beta-carotene, vitamin B3, iron, potassium, and manganese.
Adding other healthy ingredients to coffee can be a great way to enjoy coffee while living with Hashimoto’s. However, it is important to note that while balanced properly, these ingredients can be beneficial, it is still essential that you pay attention to how your body is affected and if you notice something off, it is recommended to stop consuming coffee for a few days.
The Impact of Stress On The Body
For many people with Hashimoto’s, it can be difficult to regulate stress levels, so managing stress is also a key factor in managing the symptoms of Hashimoto’s. Increased stress can drain your bodies energy, leading to an array of symptoms, including but not limited to fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and disrupted digestion.
Therefore, it is recommended that to reduce stress, people with Hashimoto’s try to include stress-relieving exercises and relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and qigong. Although coffee has been known to increase alertness and can provide more energy, when drinking coffee it should be combined with other forms of stress-relieving exercises to create a balanced lifestyle.
Also, studies have shown that when certain foods are paired together, compounds found in them can interact with each other and enhance their health-enhancing properties. This phenomenon is known as “synergy” and it can be beneficial for everyone but it is especially beneficial for people with conditions such as Hashimoto’s.
Some food pairings that are recommended are walnuts and yogurt, tomatoes and olive oil, garlic and salmon, and hummus and bell peppers. All of these food combinations can be easily made into a nutritious and delicious meal that can provide your body with much needed nutrition to combat Hashimoto’s.
Herbal Remedies for Hashimoto’s
Herbal remedies are a popular natural treatment option when dealing with Hashimoto’s. For instance, Crohn’s Disease, which is the result of an autoimmune condition, can be aided by taking specific herbs such as dandelion, burdock, and licorice root, while selenium, ashwagandha, and schizandra can provide more energy and regulate the immune system.
When considering herbal remedies, it is important to speak to a certified healthcare practitioner to get advice regarding which herbs are right for you and make sure you are taking them properly. For example, some herbs are taken as teas, tinctures, capsules, or syrups and it is important to understand the best way to consume them.
Additionally, when taking herbal remedies it is important to pay attention to its effect on your body and make changes if the result doesn’t match what you’re seeking. Also, make sure to never combine multiple herbal remedies without prior consultation from a healthcare professional. To get the most benefit from these herbs, it’s best to start with small doses or have them tailored to match an individual’s specific needs.
Healthy Swaps To Make When Enjoying Coffee
Coffee is enjoyed by millions of people every day and it is important to explore alternative ways to enjoy coffee while living with Hashimoto’s. It is possible to enjoy coffee while avoiding some of the potential adverse reactions associated with coffee and other ingredients that can be added to it.
One way to do this is by replacing sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar, or pure maple syrup. These all-natural sweeteners contain less sugar and more nutrients than white sugar, reducing the chances of developing a sugar intolerance.
In addition, swapping out regular milk for almond milk is also a great way to reduce the strain on your digestive system. Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk and it contains fewer calories, making it a great low-calorie option.
Coconut milk or coconut cream can also be used as an alternative to milk or cream, as it is a great source of healthy fats. Coconut milk can be enjoyed either hot or cold, is naturally sweet and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Be Mindful When Enjoying Coffee
When consuming coffee while having Hashimoto’s, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients that are added and how much coffee is consumed. Although there are certain foods, herbs, and superfoods that you can add to your coffee for added benefit, it is important to remember to keep track of how your body feels during and after each cup.
It is best to start by having a small cup of black cold-brew coffee and slowly add ingredients to it. Listen to your body and note how it responds to each ingredient added. Lastly, drink coffee slowly and enjoy every sip!
