Life can get extremely busy – and often coffee seems like the only thing that can get us through the day.

But could this be having a greater negative effect on our bodies than we realise?

Adrenal fatigue is real, and it is affecting more people than we realise – maybe even you and too much coffee can be the culprit.

But what is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue, or hypoadrenia (to get scientific), is the condition in which the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce enough of certain hormones, such as glucocorticoid cortisol.

How can coffee affect adrenal fatigue?

Caffeine stimulates neuron activity in the brain in which these neurons send messages to the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal glands, which then produces adrenaline and cortisol. 

This triggers the well-known “fight or flight” mode, which normally happens when you are faced with danger.

But is it good to activate those “fight or flight” hormones on a daily basis?

They are stress hormones – for us to use in emergencies – not a deadline to submit a business plan or a quarterly report… or for a cup of hot, steamy blackness.

But caffeine is a crutch, which we use to get us through our hectic days.

If your adrenal glands are fatigued, then caffeine causes them to overwork to make more cortisol, and burns out these glands.

This leads to your adrenals being weakened and less able to respond as they should. This is why coffee is less and less effective over time for people with adrenal fatigue.

Furthermore, caffeine is mildly addictive – yep, like a drug. This is down to its effects on the nervous system, which increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centres.

But… is coffee really that bad?

Well, firstly, there is caffeine and the resulting adrenal fatigue.  Secondly, coffee is acidic and can cause gut problems like indigestion, heartburn, and an imbalance in the gut flora.  

Too much caffeine can interact with medications, increase blood sugar levels, raise blood pressure, and can lead to bone loss.

In short, respect caffeine. Use it wisely and carefully if you do use it.

But I LOVE my coffee, what should I do?

It’s quite simple – start drinking MannaBrew!

It has zero caffeine, none of the acidity of coffee, and does not cause any of the gut problems associated with drinking coffee!