I love coffee, and I know you do too.
But, it’s important to consider that this is a powerful drug. It’s one of the most potent one’s out there, and it’s available wherever you look.
There is a right and wrong way to consume coffee. If you ignore these guidelines and continue to abuse your body by continuously red-lining, then eventually something will give and you will be forced to pay the consequences.
There is no free lunch.
Coffee is only as healthy as your ability to understand how to use it properly.
Below, we’ll cover six of the most powerful rules for coffee lovers.
First, some context. Oftentimes, people who have a coffee addiction have fungal and parasite problems. They often need coffee to compensate for the adrenal stress and chronic inflammation. It gives temporary relief, but contributes to long term adrenal stress which will suppress immune function. Most people with fungal/parasite infections must get off of coffee for quite some time or they won’t heal.
Onto the framework.
1. Hydrate with spring water upon waking before your first cup of coffee
Do this while exposing most of your bare skin to early AM sunlight for POMC peptide activation and circadian alignment.
The process of sleep dehydrates the body, so drinking some spring water is a perfect way to hydrate well.
Stimulants also dehydrate the body.
Caffeine, in particular, is a diuretic that increases urine production, leading to fluid loss and dehydration if not accompanied by sufficient water intake.
All of us have had experience with consuming a stimulant (caffeine) on an empty stomach while dehydrated. We can all agree that it’s not the move.
2. Add a healthy fat to your coffee
Ghee, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, egg yolks, whatever works for you that falls into the category of a stable and healthy fat.
Think Bulletproof Coffee, but without half a stick of butter.
All you need is a moderate amount of fat added to the coffee because the fat slows the absorption of the caffeine into your system. It also adds more calories for breakfast which improves metabolic rate rather than consuming it on an empty stomach.
Downing black coffee on an empty stomach leaves the door open for potential digestive issues such as acid reflux and/or an upset stomach. These are symptoms I’ve seen in people who do this often.
3. Mineralize with Shilajit
I don’t need to tell you what shilajit is at this point since most of you know about it.
What you don’t know is that it’s the perfect addition to coffee due to its stunning mineral profile. Mineralizing your coffee is more important than ever.
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Add L-theanine to the mix
Now, I admittedly don’t do this, but I have done it and the effects are great if you’re looking to get a more balanced and grounded caffeine buzz.
L-theanine, an amino acid that’s found in tea leaves has a calming effect on the body.
This combo is naturally found in ceremonial grade Matcha and Yerba Mate, a traditional South American drink.
When paired with the stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, it creates a balanced and focused state of alertness If you experience jitteriness or anxiety from coffee, this is worth exploring.
It’s big in the football scene because players like Messi and Suarez routinely drink it pre-game.
4. Drink Paraxanthine coffee instead
Paraxanthine is a natural metabolite of caffeine as it’s broken down.
Up to 80% of caffeine is transformed into Paraxanthine within the body.
Here’s where it gets crazy.
Paraxanthine:
Has no toxicity
Has no side effects
Doesn’t create anxiety
Doesn’t disrupt sleep
50% better at adenosine inhibition
Creates more euphoria
Reduces oxidative stress
Increases nitric oxide to the brain
It is the holy grail for people, especially those of us who are slow genetic caffeine metabolizers. If coffee gives you insomnia, jitters, anxiety, brain fog - Paraxanthine is a true solution.
I can have a cup at 7 PM and it doesn’t impact my sleep negatively at all.
In fact, I believe it improves my sleep quality.
5. Stop drinking coffee past noon
It sounds outrageous, I know.
But, there are 43 different variants for caffeine metabolism. Some people can clear it out in a few hours. Others, multiple days.
Even if you’re a fast metabolizer, it will impact your sleep quality if you consume it in the evening. As a rule of thumb, do not drink coffee past noon.
The way around this altogether is to just go with Paraxanthine coffee because it has no impact on sleep whatsoever.
These are powerful principles.
I use 5 of the 6 religiously.
I wake up, hydrate with spring water and sunbathe, make Paraxanthine, stir in heavy cream, add shilajit, add some raw honey, and rarely consume Px coffee past noon (even though I have the option available).
Nothing like it.
If you have questions about caffeine consumption, let me know in the comments and I’ll answer them shortly.
Much love,
Zaid
thank you so much! Zi was thinking about coffee today.
It seems to me it affects me very much especiallyvthe one my wife makes inthe old school aluminum pot.
Maybe the Italians do not get this effect because their waters are so rich in Silica, that counters aluminum exposure
Thanks for insights on coffee
I have wondered about how to use it with discretion.
We have been keeping to coffee in the am , after some time in sun before uva rise, +water and +something to eat. ( as per a Huberman suggestion, I think)
In the afternoon we often have one decaffeinated coffee (from ground beans). It seems to be benign enough/doesn’t seem to adversely effect our sleep. Is decaf ok? Apparently decaf has a lot of the antioxidant effect as caffeinated coffee (?)
I had not known of Paraxanthine coffee(in Australia ), until I heard you interviewed on a podcast. Is decaf a similar choice.
Thanks
D