At our last Q&A we mentioned coffee and you put in the chat:
“Please don’t take away my coffee!” 😀😅
And I get it. Truly.
Because for me, coffee is a real love and hate relationship 😅
I love the taste, the smell, the ritual of it…
It feels comforting, grounding, even joyful. And I genuinely enjoy sharing a cup with friends.
🥲 But… I don’t love what comes after.
The jitters. The anxious feeling.
Sometimes even a headache.
Have you been there too?
So I’ve been trying to limit it. But the truth is, coffee also comes with real health benefits.
And that’s where things get interesting.
The “Pros” – why coffee can be great
🧠 Sharper focus and alertness
Caffeine is a natural stimulant. It can boost concentration, productivity, and mental clarity, which is especially welcome when you’re tackling a deadline or a demanding task.
☕ Rich in antioxidants
Coffee is full of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic illness, heart disease, and even certain cancers.
💪 Better physical performance
Caffeine boosts adrenaline, increasing endurance and stamina. It’s no accident that many people use it as a pre-workout pick-me-up.
So far so good, right?
But like everything in midlife… there’s nuance.
The “Cons” – when coffee stops being your friend
😌 Sleep disruption
Caffeine can have a half-life of 5 to 12 hours.
So that harmless lunchtime cappuccino ☕?
Half of that caffeine may still be in your system at midnight, exactly when your brain should be winding down.
🫀 Heart palpitations and higher blood pressure
Some women experience a racing heart or spikes in blood pressure after coffee, especially during perimenopause when our nervous system is already more sensitive.
😞 Digestive issues
Coffee increases stomach acid, which can trigger reflux, heartburn, and indigestion.
🤱 Breast tenderness
Caffeine can contribute to premenstrual breast swelling and soreness and in midlife this can feel even more pronounced.
So… what’s the verdict?
As always: It depends on your body.
But if you’re going to enjoy your daily cup, here are three smart tweaks:
☕️ Choose “clean” coffee
Opt for organic when you can. Many high-street coffees can contain pesticides or mycotoxins (drop me a line for brads recommendations)
☕️ Switch to decaf (the right kind)
Decaf still contains 20–30 percent of the caffeine, but choosing the Swiss or Mountain Water® Process gives you a cleaner cup without harsh chemicals, and you still get those lovely antioxidants.
☕️ Delay your first cup
Have your coffee 1–2 hours after waking to avoid clashing with naturally high morning cortisol.
Start your day with water first 💧
What’s your relationship with coffee?
I’d genuinely love to hear.