Post by : Saif Rahman

Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide and plays a significant role in many morning routines. While it can enhance energy and promote liver health when consumed mindfully, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist with training from AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, warns that certain coffee habits can be detrimental to your gut and liver over time.

In a recent Instagram post on November 12, Dr. Sethi discussed how the timing and method of coffee consumption is essential for health. He outlined seven prevalent mistakes that people often make without realizing their harmful impact.

Firstly, he cautioned against drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Many grab their morning brew before breakfast, but this practice can escalate stomach acid levels. In the absence of food, this can lead to stomach lining irritation, potentially causing nausea, heartburn, or gastritis over time.

Another frequent issue is excessive coffee consumption. Dr. Sethi recommends limiting yourself to a maximum of four cups daily, as surpassing this amount can strain your liver and disrupt your digestive process, leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and increased heart rates.

Moreover, drinking coffee late at night is another concern. Caffeine can linger in the system for several hours, negatively influencing sleep quality. Inadequate sleep can, in turn, impair liver recovery and overall gut functionality.

Dr. Sethi points out that adding excessive sugar and cream is another common pitfall. Although it may enhance flavor, it also raises calorie counts and could contribute to fatty liver or gut inflammation. He advocates for using less sugar or healthier substitutes like cinnamon or a modest amount of milk.

Furthermore, replacing hydration with coffee is detrimental. Many individuals consume numerous cups but neglect to drink enough water. Given that coffee acts as a mild diuretic, inadequate water intake may lead to dehydration and adversely affect liver health.

A harmful pattern is consuming coffee immediately after meals, as this can hinder the absorption of vital minerals such as iron and zinc. Waiting at least 30 minutes post-meal before indulging in coffee is advised.

Finally, he warned against consuming coffee that is extremely hot. Research indicates that very hot liquids can harm the throat and stomach lining. It’s advisable to allow your coffee to cool slightly before taking a sip.

Dr. Sethi stressed that when consumed appropriately, coffee can indeed benefit the liver. Studies suggest that moderate coffee drinkers may experience a reduced risk of liver conditions like fatty liver and cirrhosis. Additionally, coffee possesses antioxidants that can shield cells and reduce inflammation.

However, these benefits are only realized through moderation and careful consumption practices. Drinking coffee incorrectly can lead to digestive and liver damage. He encourages coffee enthusiasts to combine their coffee with healthy meals, minimize sugar intake, and ensure proper hydration and rest. Simple adjustments to daily routines can significantly influence long-term health outcomes.

#Health #Wellness