For some, a polyphenol-rich ritual. For others, a “crutch” beverage. People use coffee for comfort, for energy, as part of an ingrained habit (daily Starbucks run, anyone?), to perk up, and – yes – as a daily laxative. Some studies have shown benefits from moderate coffee intake, especially for those who are fast caffeine metabolizers. But for many, the daily multi-cup coffee habit is disturbing sleep, dysregulating cortisol, and promoting a hypervigilant nervous system. Explore why you drink coffee, and where merited, consider one of the modifications below.
Healthier Coffee Replacements
“But first, lemon water”
(Instead of the all popular “but first, coffee”). Start your day with 20oz (or whatever amount suits you) of warm or room temperature lemon water before anything else. We are most dehydrated first thing in the morning! You can set it out the night before on the kitchen counter – or even keep it on your nightstand. This habit provides much-needed hydration after an overnight fast and helps flush the system from metabolic waste. A simple, easy-to-remember addition to the daily routine. Without taking anything away.
Organic Matcha or green tea
Still caffeinated (although less so) but full of phytonutrient antioxidants and cancer-fighting phenols. You will love a matcha latte with non-dairy milk (find recipes online; some favorite add-ins include flavored stevia, date syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt). A green tea with honey can be a great afternoon pick-me-up – a small amount of caffeine along with l-theanine (which increases GABA) in tea can increase focus while calming the nervous system.
Dandyblend
An organic herbal concoction featuring dandelion root – great for the hepatic biliary system. Resembles coffee in look and still has a rich, bitter taste. Great for those who drink coffee all day long – start with replacing all but the first 1-2 cups of coffee with Dandyblend and go from there. Dandelion root tea is a less expensive version with a lighter flavor.
Elixirs
Tasty, convenient beverages featuring mushrooms, medicinal herbs and superfoods. Come in many flavors and provide a variety of therapeutic benefits. Click here to find a great example of what’s available.
Better Coffee
If you just need to upgrade your coffee, three better options are Bulletproof, Lifeboost and Purity. Coffee is a high-pesticide crop and is often moldy. FourSigmatic or MudWater are a good option for a healthy coffee infused with medicinal mushroom extracts.
Creamer replacement
If you still want to have cream in your coffee or tea, but are eliminating dairy, choose from a variety of non-dairy options including coconut, oat or macadamia-based varieties which are (to many!) surprisingly creamy and rich. MCT oil or full-fat coconut milk can be used for quick-absorbing and filling fats that add richness and creaminess.
