Black gold? Not for everyone
These people really shouldn’t be drinking coffee
Some people should avoid coffee altogether
© magdal3na / Adobe Stock
Coffee is considered a popular pick-me-up, but some people should refrain from the drink.
Coffee is a pretty healthy drink in moderation: it can lower the risk of certain types of cancer and is good for the heart. But, as I said: please only drink the popular “black gold” in moderation. Three to four cups a day are enough, it really doesn’t have to be one or even several pots. For some people, however, even a single cup is too much – the nutrition platform “Eat this not that” has this interviewed some nutritionists. We have collected the results in this article.
1. People who have glaucoma
Anyone suffering from glaucoma (glaucoma) should limit their coffee consumption to be on the safe side. “The eye pressure increases in people with glaucoma when they consume coffee, so it is recommended to limit or avoid consumption,” said nutritionist Angel Planells. She is referring to one current study, according to which a connection between coffee consumption and increased eye pressure could be established, at least in some people. However, further studies are required for this, according to the nutritionist.
2. If you suffer from heart problems (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia).
Nutritionist Kelli McGrane advises that if you have heart problems, you should definitely check with your family doctor whether and how much coffee is okay. The reason: the caffeine contained in coffee leads to a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
3. People who have a very active bladder
There are people who can drink liters of coffee or tea and only seem to urinate once a day. And then there are people who only have to look at such drinks and their bladders squeeze. The latter should not necessarily drink coffee. “We all know that it’s best to avoid a large cup of coffee before a long trip, especially when bathroom breaks are limited,” says nutrition expert Sue Heikkinen. “Caffeine consumption can increase both the frequency and urge to urinate.”
4. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid coffee
Pregnant women don’t necessarily have to do without coffee, at least that’s what they write EFSA (European Food Safety Authority): “A caffeine intake from all sources of up to 200 mg per day distributed throughout the day is safe for the fetus.” However, this is contradicted a study from 2020, after caffeine consumption is completely discouraged. “Pregnant women should discuss their caffeine consumption with doctors,” says Heikkinen.
Even after pregnancy, coffee is a taboo because the caffeine it contains has a draining effect. So if you’re breastfeeding, it’s better not to drink.
5. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome
In an interview, nutritionist Planells reveals why people with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid the caffeine-containing wonder drug: “Caffeine can affect the regularity of bowel movements and increase the risk of diarrhea.” Since diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, the expert advises limiting caffeinated drinks or avoiding them altogether.
6. Those suffering from epilepsy should not drink coffee
One limited study concluded that coffee consumption may be associated with increased seizure frequency in people with epilepsy. Planells advises such people to discuss with the neurologist whether caffeine consumption should be restricted.
7. Children under the age of twelve should stay away from the drink
Even if the little ones like to imitate us adults – drinking coffee is reserved for adults, says nutritionist McGrane. “While caffeine can make any of us a little jittery, even small doses in children can have noticeable and even more serious side effects,” she warns. “For example, too much caffeine in children can lead to an increased heart rate, increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating and stomach upset.” In toddlers, coffee can also suppress hunger pangs – “so the kids may not get the nutrition they need to grow.” Coffee also attacks the enamel due to the acid and increases the risk of tooth decay.
8. People suffering from panic disorders and anxiety
McGrane describes caffeine as a “stimulant,” an agent that stimulates the nervous system, circulatory system, and metabolism. “For some people, this can make anxiety worse,” warns the nutritionist. According to McGrane, anyone who regularly suffers from anxiety or even panic attacks should reduce their consumption of caffeinated coffee or avoid it altogether.
Sources used: eatthis.com, efsa.europa.eu, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, ebm.bmj.com