Be a Gamer in Life... Level Up your Health, Skills, Lifestyle and Save the Earth
Be a Gamer in Life...
Vitality For Gamers (VforG)
Vitality For Gamers
Healthy Gamer (VforG)      Parents with Gamers
> Gamers Parents
Healthy Gamer (VforG)      Parents with Gamers
> Gamers Parents
 

How Coffee & Tea Affect Your Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

Last updated: May 24, 2024

Audio:

Did you know that your beloved morning beverages might be more than just an energy boost? Yes, we’re talking about coffee and tea, and their surprising effects on nutrient absorption! ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿ’ก



Why It Happens

Both coffee and tea contain caffeine and other compounds like tannins. These can:
๐Ÿ”— Bind to certain minerals (like iron and calcium), preventing your body from using them.
๐Ÿ’ง Act as diuretics, leading to increased excretion of water-soluble vitamins (like B-vitamins and vitamin C).

Issues with Coffee

โ˜•๏ธ Increased calcium excretion with each cup.
๐Ÿšซ Potential depletion of B-vitamins due to diuretic effect.
๐Ÿงฒ Magnesium absorption may be hindered.

Issues with Tea

๐Ÿต Iron absorption is notably affected, especially with green tea.
๐Ÿ”’ May impact calcium utilization.
๐ŸŒ€ Some teas can lower the concentration of certain vitamins.

How to Avoid This

โฐ Enjoy your coffee or tea a few hours before or after your meals to prevent interference with nutrient absorption.
๐ŸŠ Consider adding a vitamin C source to your meals to enhance iron absorption.
๐Ÿฅค Stay hydrated to counteract the diuretic effects.
๐Ÿต Moderation is key, and in some cases, reducing or even stopping the consumption of coffee or tea may be beneficial.

Remember, balance is key! Adjusting when you indulge just slightly can lead to health rewards. ๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒฟ


Optimal Timing for Coffee and Tea Consumption

๐Ÿ•’ Why Wait 60 to 90 Minutes After Waking Up?

Did you know that the timing of your first sip of coffee or tea can be just as crucial as what you drink? It’s recommended to enjoy your coffee or tea about 60 to 90 minutes after waking up.

Here’s why…

1๏ธโƒฃ Cortisol Peak in the Morning:

  • Upon waking, your body experiences a natural surge in cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps you feel awake and alert.
  • This cortisol peak typically occurs within 30 to 60 minutes of waking up.

2๏ธโƒฃ Interaction with Caffeine:

  • Caffeine, a key component in both coffee and tea, can stimulate further cortisol production.
  • Drinking coffee or tea during the cortisol peak might lead to excessive cortisol levels, which can heighten feelings of anxiety or stress.

3๏ธโƒฃ Maximizing the Effects of Caffeine:

  • By waiting until the natural cortisol peak subsides, you allow the caffeine in your coffee or tea to be more effective.
  • This timing can lead to a more pronounced boost in energy and alertness, as the body is moving past its natural wake-up phase.

4๏ธโƒฃ Reducing Potential Health Risks:

  • Consistently high cortisol levels can have adverse health effects, such as impaired immune function and increased risk of chronic diseases.
  • Timing your coffee or tea intake helps in maintaining a healthier cortisol balance.

๐ŸŒž Starting Your Day on the Right Note:
So, next time you wake up reaching for that cup of coffee or tea, consider waiting a bit. By aligning your coffee or tea time with your bodyโ€™s natural rhythms, youโ€™re not just enjoying a morning ritual.

ย 

FAQs for Tea and Coffee Drinkers

ย 

Coffee AddictionCan drinking coffee or tea on an empty stomach cause problems?

Yes, both can increase stomach acid, which might lead to discomfort or digestive issues for some people.

Are there any risks associated with excessive coffee or tea consumption?

Yes, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and other health issues.

Does adding milk to tea or coffee affect their health benefits?

Milk can bind with some antioxidants in tea and coffee, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Are there benefits to drinking coffee or tea without sugar?

Yes, avoiding added sugars reduces calorie intake and the risk of tooth decay.

Can switching from coffee to tea reduce anxiety symptoms?

It might help, as tea generally has less caffeine than coffee, and high caffeine intake can exacerbate anxiety.

Author:

Lionel Thomas Lionel Thomas
Father, Gamer and Founder with a Passion for Health, AI, Environment and Gamification of Life.

Author Tools:

  • Grammarly (Spelling and Grammar)
  • ChatGPT (Content Enhancements & Research)
  • Fliki (Audio by AI)
  • Other Tools (AI)...

Artists:


References:

  • Effect of tea and other dietary factors on iron absorption

    National Library of Medicine (NIH)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11029010...
    Summary:
    Iron deficiency is a significant global health issue largely due to inadequate absorption of dietary iron. This absorption is influenced by various dietary factors: ascorbic acid and animal proteins like meat, fish, and poultry enhance it, while plant components in vegetables, tea, coffee (such as polyphenols and phytates), and calcium inhibit it. The study proposes a model for predicting iron absorption from meals, highlighting that adequate intake of absorption enhancers can counteract the inhibitory effects of substances like tea. Recommendations for those at risk of iron deficiency include increasing heme-iron and ascorbic acid intake, fortifying foods with iron, and adjusting tea consumption habits, like drinking tea between meals and pairing it with ascorbic acid or animal protein sourcesโ€‹

  • Donโ€™t drink coffee with these vitamins

    MDLinx
    https://www.mdlinx.com/article/don-t-dri...

 
Share via
Copy link