Coffee is a widely consumed beverage often paired with a bad reputation. The caffeine in coffee is the culprit for much of the hype. But when it comes to your adrenal glands, excessive consumption of caffeinated coffee may contribute to disruptions in your adrenal function. Moderate consumption can allow you to keep coffee in your life while also supporting healthy adrenal gland function.
Adrenal Gland Function
The adrenal glands are located on top of your kidneys, and they produce the hormones cortisol and epinephrine, or adrenaline. These hormones are important modulators for your metabolism, appetite, sleep patterns and your response to stress. Your brain signals the release of these hormones from your adrenal glands on a daily basis. Different factors, like stimulating drugs, can interfere with the brain signals that tell the adrenals to secrete hormones properly. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that can alter adrenal function.
Cortisol and Coffee
Your adrenal glands release cortisol regularly in a cyclical fashion. One cup of coffee increases the amount of cortisol made and released. This is a temporary elevation that generally causes minimal adrenal harm. However, if you are a heavy coffee drinker, your cortisol levels remain higher than they should for a prolonged period of time. This can cause stress to the rest of your body, including a temporary rise in blood pressure and heart palpitations.
Moderate Consumption
Two or three cups of coffee per day at 12 oz. or less per serving may not disrupt your natural biological rhythm beyond immediate stimulation. But drink coffee early so you do not have the unwanted effects of sleep disturbance before bedtime. According to MayoClinic.com, limit your total daily consumption to 200 mg, and be wary of the caffeine content in other beverages like soda, teas or even foods. If you add sugar or sweeteners to your coffee, they can increase your blood sugar rapidly and cause a sugar crash.
Precautions
Daily consumption of coffee is not advised if you have high blood pressure or serious adrenal gland disorders, including Addison's disease or Cushing syndrome. If you drink coffee in high doses on a regular basis, consult your physician for recommendations on gradually decreasing intake without experiencing serious side effects of withdrawal. Caffeine withdrawal can include headaches, jitters, restlessness, sleep disturbance and heart palpitations.
References
- Coffee Science Information Centre: Questions and Answers
- MayoClinic.com; How Does Caffeine Affect Blood Pressure?; Sheldon G. Sheps M.D.; Nov. 14, 2009
- Today's Dietitian; Cortisol; Its Role in Stress, Inflammation and Indications for Diet Therapy; Dina Aronson MS, RD; 2009
- Women to Women; Caffeine and Your Adrenals; Could They Be Paying Dearly; Marcelle Pick OB/GYN NP; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The Adrenal Glands
