Is Your Morning Coffee Helping or Hurting Your Body?

So, here’s the scenario: You roll out of bed, stumble to the kitchen, and—boom! The first thing you do is reach for that cup of coffee. It’s like an old friend that instantly wakes you up and gets you ready to take on the day. But what if I told you that, as much as you love your morning brew, it might be throwing your body off balance?

Personally, I only started drinking coffee in my early thirties. I now know my blood sugars were low every morning, so the coffee helped to raise them but, only slightly.

The Morning Coffee Habit: A Little More Complicated Than You Think

We’ve all been there—coffee is like magic for our brains, right? It gives us that perk, helping us feel alert and awake. But here’s the thing, drinking coffee first thing might not be your best bet, especially if you’ve been waking up with wonky energy levels or hunger pangs that hit a little too soon.

When you drink coffee, caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, which is great for energy in the short term. But here’s what most people don’t realise—caffeine also triggers the release of adrenaline, which raises cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” has a sneaky way of raising your blood sugar levels. In other words, that initial jolt of energy you get from coffee can lead to a spike in blood sugar, especially if your stomach is empty.

Now, if you’re dealing with blood sugar imbalances or fluctuating energy levels, those spikes can feel like a rollercoaster. You might get a quick burst of energy, but then experience a crash—leaving you searching for more caffeine or sugary snacks to get back on track.

3 Simple (and Surprising) Ways to Keep Your Blood Sugar Steady First Thing in the Morning

So, what can you do to make sure your morning routine isn’t sending your body on a wild ride? It doesn’t mean giving up your coffee (I’m not asking you to go there!). It’s all about tweaking the way you approach the morning.

Start with Water, Not Coffee: Here’s a little secret—your body is a little dehydrated when you wake up, so it’s best to hydrate before reaching for coffee. Water helps balance blood sugar and jump-starts digestion. You can even go the extra mile and squeeze in some lemon juice for a little detox boost.
Have Breakfast—The Right One: Here’s the thing: not all breakfasts are created equal. Some people thrive on protein-rich meals, others feel better with a healthy dose of fats, and some need a bit of sugar to kick things off. The key is to figure out what works for you. If you’re not hungry right away, that’s fine too. You can wait until later to eat—maybe after your first coffee or around mid-morning.
Add Healthy Fats to Your Coffee: Okay, this one might sound a bit unusual, but bear with me. Adding a spoonful of coconut oil, ghee, or cream to your coffee can help prevent blood sugar spikes. The fats slow down caffeine absorption, giving you a more sustained, even energy throughout the morning, rather than that frantic rise and fall. I used to work with other health care professionals, and they would add butter to their coffee- Yuk! Not for me this one.

A New Way to Think About Your Morning Routine

We’ve all been conditioned to think that coffee is the key to waking up and feeling energized, but the truth is, it’s not the caffeine itself, it’s how you balance your body around it. By making small adjustments, you can keep your blood sugar steady, avoid energy crashes, and start your day on a much better note.

So, next time you reach for that cup of coffee, try a few of these tips to support your body. It’s all about creating a morning routine that works for you.

Here’s to mornings that support your body, not just your caffeine cravings!

Book: www.sallymorris-osteomuscularneuro.com