I drink homemade Dandelion Root Coffee many times per week. Every time I happen to mention this, or post a photo of my morning joe on Instagram I get the same questions, “Why give up coffee? What’s wrong with coffee? Why do you use a coffee substitute?”
Of course, giving up coffee is not for everyone. It’s what works best for me and my nervous system. If coffee agrees with you I see no reason to give it up. But take a minute and ask yourself. Do I use coffee as a crutch to keep going, or to get started when I have no energy? Is it keeping me from listening to and understanding my natural rhythms, and more importantly, does it enable me to be incongruent about the fatigue I feel? This was the case for me.
I gave up coffee back in 1993. I remember the weekend well. I lived in New York City and there was a huge snowstorm. The city was shut down. My boyfriend (now husband) and I spent the weekend lying on the couch in his apartment on 34th Street. I think I had a headache for three days straight from caffeine withdrawal.
It’s been over two decades now since I gave up my coffee habit. Why? For me, caffeine acts as a stimulant. I naturally have a very active nervous system that doesn’t need any extra energy. I do best with inputs that are relaxing –think slow walking, gentle stretching, reading, and sleep. Those activities calm me down and keep me more even-keeled. Not that I’ve ever been even-keeled, but with coffee, I behave like a hamster and just can’t get off that crazy hamster wheel of “doing.” I’m best when I focus on “being.”
In case you’re contemplating it, here are 5 Reasons to Give Up Coffee
5 Reasons to Give Up Coffee
1. Sleep Better
Even when consumed in the morning, caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns.
2. Decrease Anxiety
Many people respond to stimulants such as caffeine with an increase in anxiety.
3. Lose Weight
Caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity, leading to weight gain.
4. Save Caffeine for Medicinal Purposes
When not used on a daily basis, caffeine can restrict blood vessels and relieve a headache.
5. Avoid Heartburn and Acid Reflux or GERD
Caffeine aggravates heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
There is one exception when I do use caffeine (not coffee though). When I have a headache I use it medicinally in the form of green tea. Green tea is a fantastic “medication” for me as it contains both small amounts of caffeine (a vaso-constrictor which can be instrumental in the relief of headaches) as well as an amino acid called L-Theanine, which I find makes me quite relaxed. Together this minute amount of caffeine combined with L-Theanine provides optimal headache relief. According to Wikipedia, l-Theanine, “has been studied for its potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition, and boost mood and cognitive performance.” Sounds good to me. And my doctors love this amino acid!
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I have replaced my coffee habit with Dandelion Root Coffee which has many amazing attributes. Although it doesn’t taste as good as the real thing, it is fabulous in other ways. First, it has no caffeine, a huge win. Additionally, like coffee, it’s a hot beverage, making it easier to assimilate than cold drinks. Next, like regular coffee, Dandelion Root Coffee’s primary flavor is bitter, which is highly underrated. In Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine the bitter flavor is incredibly important for constitutional balance. We don’t get enough of it in our culture, one that is obsessed with the sweet and salty flavors. Finally, dandelion root is a liver cleanser. For me, giving up caffeine and getting healthy, liver cleansing dandelion root into my body every day is a win-win!
Finally, I’m often asked about Dandy Blend
and other such coffee substitutes. Because most of them contain barley in their ingredients, I do not consume them. Instead I make my own Dandelion Root Coffee out of dandelion root and chicory.
James W says
Unfortunately I’ve had to give it up completely since finding out I have gastritis because it only makes things worse and gives me terrible acid reflux as well. However I wouldn’t even consider giving up coffee if I had a healthy stomach because of the obvious pick-me-up effect. Plus it does have a few health benefits as well.
Good Day Chocolate™ (@GoodDayChoc) says
Elana, we love that you bring up L-Theanine, we’ve had a long time love affair with it! Andy, our in-house doctor and founder especially endorses this amino acid. We currently use it in our Calm chocolate to provide a natural way to release tension. Delighted this gem is getting some much deserved press!
Linda says
I have hemochromatosis and coffee consumption after a meal is a great way for me to block some iron absorption. One size does not fit all!
Carla says
FYI – decaf coffee is not caffeine free. It still contains minute amounts.
Paula G says
You mentioned the Dandy Blend tea in your article. I’m gluten free and drink it once in a while, but it says on the package that it’s “gluten free” (even though I now see that you’re right…it does list barley in the ingredient list). How is that possible? Can it still be gluten free still some how?
Danielle says
Barely only has gluten if they allow it to grow into grass…they pick it in the early stages of its growth cycle. it also matters where it is grown…like not next to wheat..lol..amazing grass who makes greens powders has entire organic farms of gluten free barley…
Elana says
Danielle, thanks for your comment! Just a quick note to other readers, barley is not safe for those with celiac disease to consume :-)
Krystal Smith says
I usually drink matcha but lately have really enjoyed iced coffee.
Krystal Smith says
Yeah I was going to ask that too… Why not just decaf?
roxburymuseum says
what do you think about decaf?
Ruth Cannon says
I love coffee. I even created a wonderful coffee bar in my home filled with various machines, but my ulcers and gastritis, which I am taking sucarafate (prescription medication) and prescription dosage of pump prohibitory, is just so painful and made me so I’ll until getting on meds. It is not just the caffeine that causes problems for those of us that have bad guts, it is the acid in coffee including decafe . This is why acid foods like tomato based foods are a killer right now. Hope this helps answer the caffeine question. I am trying to find a like sub that does not contain the acid?
Elana says
Ruth, here’s a link to my Dandelion Coffee recipe:
https://elanaspantry.com/dandelion-root-coffee/
Enjoy!
Elana
Mel says
I gave up coffee and tea in August, ahead of starting a Whole30 clean eating programme in September. I knew that the no-dairy would be a challenge so made sure I had got over my caffeine habit before starting. I haven’t missed it a bit, and realised that my addiction was as much about the security of holding a warm cup / drinking warm liquid as it was about the actual effects of the caffeine. I have 7kg since then, feel much more focused and have more energy. No more coffee for me!
Susie says
I like your way of showing us that coffee interferes with our natural rhythms. It is a good thing to cut out now and then to make sure it isn’t interfering what your body. Where do you buy the ingredients for the dandelion coffee? what does it taste like?