
Too much coffee? Doctor explains what you're doing wrong and how to fix it
1. Is there a right time for coffee?Coffee timing can directly affect your sleep.'If you're drinking coffee post 4 or 5 PM, chances are high it'll interfere with your sleep,' Dr. Chandra explains.Caffeine has a half-life of about 5–6 hours, which means it stays in your system long after your last sip. So, yes—those late-evening brews might be the real culprits behind your restless nights.2. That first cup is a need or habit?Many of us swear we can't function without our morning dose. But is it truly essential?'A cup or two is okay. In fact, adding healthy fats like ghee or coconut milk to your coffee can be beneficial,' she says. 'The real issue arises when you add sugar and dairy—it leads to sugar rushes and unhealthy cravings.'This makes bulletproof-style coffee (with ghee or coconut oil) a smarter choice than the frothy sugar-loaded lattes common today.3. Are four cups a day too many?Moderation is key.'Too much caffeine is never a good idea. More importantly, how you take it matters. Coffee with sugar and milk gives you quick energy, but it also causes crashes and cravings for junk,' Dr Chandra warns.Stick to two cups a day, ideally spaced out and always consider what you're mixing into your mug.4. Is black coffee really better?The verdict is clear:'Sugar and milk shouldn't be part of your daily coffee habit. Black coffee, especially good quality one, is rich in antioxidants and a much better choice,' she says.While black coffee may feel bitter initially, it's a taste you can develop—just like dark chocolate or green tea.5. Is coffee on an empty stomach causing my acidity?This is a common issue, especially for those with digestive problems.'If you have acid reflux or poor digestion, avoid drinking coffee first thing in the morning,' Dr. Chandra advises. 'It can irritate your gut and worsen acidity.'Instead, begin your day with lukewarm water or herbal tea and save coffee for after breakfast.advertisement6. Coffee vs. energy drinks: What's better before a workout?'Black coffee or coffee with ghee is definitely better,' she affirms. 'Energy drinks are a complete no, they're loaded with sugar, artificial stimulants, and additives.'Natural caffeine, in moderation, can offer a cleaner, more sustained energy boost than commercial energy drinks.7. Do coffee crashes come from sugar, not caffeine?Yes. And here's why:'The sugar in your coffee causes blood sugar spikes, which lead to crashes and fatigue. That's not the coffee's fault—it's the sweetener,' Dr. Chandra clarifies.Want steady energy? Drop the sugar.8. Is black coffee just bitter hype?Dr Chandra believes it's a matter of training your taste buds.'Once you get used to the taste of black coffee, you'll start enjoying it. High-quality beans taste smooth and are loaded with health benefits.'So ditch the sugar syrup and give your palate time to adjust—you might be surprised.9. Should I switch to green tea or matcha in the afternoons?Absolutely.'Green tea and matcha are excellent options for late afternoons or evenings. They offer a gentle caffeine boost without messing with your sleep cycle,' she explains.Both are rich in antioxidants and hydrating too.advertisement10. Love or low-key addiction?'Coffee isn't technically addictive like narcotics, but people do develop a dependency on the stimulation it gives,' she says.If skipping your cup makes you irritable or lethargic, it may be time to reassess your relationship with caffeine.11. Can coffee affect gut health and hydration?Overconsumption may backfire.'Too much coffee can dehydrate you and irritate the gut in multiple ways,' says Dr Chandra. 'Stick to a limited amount and ensure you're hydrating well alongside.'Always pair your cup with a glass of water, especially during hot summer months.12. How to cut back without turning into a zombie?Gradual swaps help.'Start replacing coffee with hydrating drinks like infused water, mint tea, green tea or chamomile. These provide clarity and calm without the caffeine crash,' she recommends.This helps you recalibrate your energy levels without withdrawal symptoms.Coffee can be your friend, or your foe. The key lies in conscious consumption. As Dr. Chandra summarises:'Use coffee as a support tool, not a crutch. How and when you drink it—and what you add—matters far more than the caffeine itself.'So the next time you reach for that third cup, pause and ask yourself: Am I drinking this out of habit, or because I really need it?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Avoid coffee post 4 PM to protect your sleep.Choose black coffee over milk-and-sugar blends.Coffee on an empty stomach? Only if your gut can handle it.Don't exceed 2–3 cups per day.Switch to herbal or green teas in the evening.- Ends

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
2 out of 5 Indians have health insurance, gap worse in rural India: Report
Only one in two Indians has life insurance and two in five are covered for health, according to a report by a group representing industry brokers. Millions of people not having insurance leaves them financially exposed in times of need, according to the report called 'Leading the Path to Insurance for All' and published by the Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI). The numbers on insurance coverage must be read in the context that over 90 per cent of Indians have bank accounts, according to the report. Urban and wealthy Indians have some form of insurance cover but it's often not enough. Those living in rural India or belonging to low-income groups are more likely to be without insurance. What's holding people back? The IBAI report listed reasons why Indians don't buy enough insurance: Awareness: Many see insurance as an optional cost, not a necessary safety net. Complexity: Insurance jargon, paperwork, and fine print discourage people from signing up. Affordability: Lower-income households struggle with premium costs, especially when coverage doesn't seem worth the price. Access: Only 2 per cent of life insurance branches are in rural areas, despite rural India contributing nearly half the country's GDP. What Does This Mean for You? Being underinsured means your family might face serious financial hardship in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or sudden death. According to the IBAI survey: Most people want life cover that is 8-10 times their annual income Yet, less than 10 per cent actually have that level of protection How to fix the gap: Simple steps Here's how Indian families can protect themselves better:


NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Is Beetroot Carrot Juice Good For Weight Loss? Here's What Nutritionists Say
You know that moment when you stare at the weighing scale and promise yourself a fresh start. From early morning walks to cutting down on calories, you try every trick in the book to shed those stubborn love handles. But weight loss is not just about calories. It also depends on how well your metabolism and gut behave. And finding foods that actually help without upsetting your taste buds is where the real challenge lies. What if we told you there is a drink that ticks all the boxes? It is earthy-sweet, refreshingly hydrating and naturally nourishing, while supporting your weight loss journey. Yes, we are talking about beetroot-carrot juice. Loaded with antioxidants, fibre and nutrients that promote digestion, detox and satiety, this humble blend is steadily winning hearts in nutrition circles. Let's take a deeper look into what makes it so popular among wellness experts. Also Read: 8 Monsoon Diet Tips You Must Follow For Good Health Beetroot Benefits: Why Nutritionists Swear By This Crimson Superfood Beetroot is more than just a vegetable to add to your salads and sabzis. It is rich in nitrates, which have been shown to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and increase stamina - three key benefits for those trying to stay active during their weight loss journey. Its vibrant colour comes from betalains, powerful antioxidants that support liver function and reduce inflammation. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, beetroot juice may enhance exercise performance and oxygen uptake, making workouts more effective. It is also loaded with iron, folate and potassium, crucial for maintaining energy levels and muscle function while cutting calories. Dr Ritika Samaddar, Chief Dietitian at Max Healthcare, Delhi, notes that beetroot's high fibre and low-calorie content "make it ideal for those looking to feel full without overeating". She adds that its mildly sweet flavour reduces cravings for sugary snacks. Carrots Are Not Just For Salads: What Makes Them A Crunchy Staple In Modern Nutrition Carrots are packed with beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), biotin, vitamin K1 and antioxidants that support skin, eyesight, and metabolism. According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, regular carrot intake has been associated with reduced waist circumference and improved glycaemic control in overweight individuals. Mumbai-based nutritionist, Dr Eileen Canday explains that carrots have a low glycaemic index, meaning "they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, helping prevent cravings and energy crashes." Plus, their fibre supports gut health, which is increasingly linked to weight management. Also Read: 5 Amazing Things That Happen When You Drink Buttermilk Daily Photo Credit: iStock Why Beetroot-Carrot Juice Works For Weight Loss: Individually, beetroot and carrot are nutrition powerhouses. And together, they complement each other perfectly. The blend creates a juice that is: Low in calories but high in satiety Rich in fibre, supporting digestion and metabolism Full of antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting liver detox Naturally sweet, reducing reliance on refined sugar or artificial additives A study published in the journal Food And Function found that participants who consumed beet-carrot juice daily for eight weeks experienced improvements in body composition and lipid profile, especially when paired with moderate physical activity. It is also hydrating, which helps curb unnecessary snacking often mistaken for hunger. How To Make It: A Simple 5-Minute Recipe You don't need fancy gadgets or imported ingredients to enjoy this juice. Here's a basic recipe for you to try at home. Ingredients: 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced 1 large beetroot, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup chilled water Juice of 1 lemon A pinch of kala namak A few mint leaves (optional) Method: Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Strain if you prefer a lighter texture. Garnish with mint. Serve chilled, ideally on an empty stomach in the morning. Pro tip: For extra zing, add a slice of ginger or a dash of cinnamon - both known to support digestion and metabolism. Also Read: 6 Drinks That Can Help You Get Rid Of Belly Fat Note Of Caution: Enjoy, But Wisely Beetroot carrot juice is a wonderful addition to your diet, but balance is key. It contains natural sugars, so excess consumption might spike blood sugar in sensitive individuals. Here are some things to keep in mind: Limit to one glass a day, especially if you have diabetes Watch for beeturia (reddish urine) - harmless but surprising Always pair dietary changes with movement and hydration Pregnant individuals or those on medication should consult a doctor before making it a daily habit. Conclusion: A Small Change With Big Payoff Losing weight does not mean saying goodbye to flavour. Beetroot carrot juice offers a delicious, affordable and friendly way to boost wellness. It supports digestion, keeps you full for long, and gives your metabolism a gentle nudge in the right direction. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Beetroot Carrot Juice Weight Loos Drink Beetroot Carrot Juice Drink In Morning Show full article Comments


News18
5 hours ago
- News18
'One Donor Can Save Eight Lives': Centre Urges Ministries To Promote Organ Donation
Last Updated: August 3 marks Indian Organ Donation Day, where the government is set to launch a yearlong 'Angdaan – Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan' In a strong push to address India's widening gap between organ demand and availability, the Health Ministry has written to all central government ministries and departments, urging them to actively participate in promoting organ and tissue donation. A letter written by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said, 'Strengthening of the healthcare systems to facilitate organ donation and transplantation is one of the top priorities of the government." The move comes ahead of Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) on August 3, and coincides with the launch of a yearlong public awareness campaign titled 'Angdaan – Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan". The campaign will be led by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Srivastava has called for the ministries to lead the change and urged ministries to organise pledge drives among citizens and staff. '…central government ministries and departments are requested that a drive may be carried out to encourage citizens to register their pledge for organ and tissue donation… and join the pious movement of saving others' lives through organ donation." She added, 'I seek your cooperation in this National endeavour to further the noble cause of organ donation for the sake of humanity." The letter reiterates the transformative power of organ donation. 'One deceased donor after brain stem death can donate 2 kidneys, 2 lungs, liver, heart, intestine and pancreas, thus potentially saving up to 8 lives," it stated. Tissues such as corneas, skin, bones, and heart valves can also be donated—often even after natural or cardiac death, typically within six hours. The momentum around organ donation has been growing, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted its importance during his Mann Ki Baat programme. 'Hon'ble Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of organ donation in his Mann Ki Baat programme, which has given impetus to organ donation in the country," she wrote. Now, through 'Angdaan – Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan," the government hopes to turn loss into legacy—encouraging more Indians to give the gift of life, even in death. Why This Matters: India's Organ Gap According to NOTTO's latest annual data, India conducted 18,378 organ transplants in 2023, but the deceased donor rate remains just 0.52 per million population (PMP)—far below global standards. Sample this: The country faces an annual requirement of over 175,000 kidney transplants, 50,000 liver transplants, and 2,000 heart transplants, but less than 10 per cent of this demand is currently met through deceased donations. According to the Health Ministry's data, the total number of donors, including deceased donors, saw an increase from 6,916 in 2014 to approximately 16,000 by 2022. In 2022, out of 16,000 donations, nearly 80% were from living donors, which is not ideal. The majority of transplants should come from deceased donors. In 2023, only 1,056 deceased donors were recorded nationwide, though this was the first time India crossed the 1,000 mark. By contrast, countries like Spain and the United States record 30–40 deceased donors per million population, highlighting the urgent need to expand awareness, infrastructure, and participation in India. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.