Are you also? 'The 5 Worst Coffee Habits'

As you pass by the street, you see many people holding coffee in their hands. There is even a joke that one of the three main nutrients for modern people is 'caffeine.' Coffee is a stimulant that wakes you up and helps you start your day, and it is also an easy-to-enjoy beverage after meals that makes you feel good. However, if you develop a bad habit of drinking coffee, it can harm your health, so caution is necessary.

 

 

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach → Causes gastrointestinal disorders

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not good for the digestive system. Caffeine, fatty acids, and other irritating substances in coffee can attack the stomach lining, potentially causing gastritis, gastric ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. When fasting, the stomach secretes a large amount of gastric acid. The caffeine in coffee and calcium in milk used in lattes further stimulate acid secretion. Additionally, caffeine stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid and food reflux. If these symptoms worsen, they can lead to reflux esophagitis. Especially for people with digestive or gastrointestinal disorders, it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.

 

Chewing remaining ice → Tooth cracking

Some people chew on ice cubes out of regret after finishing their iced coffee, but this is harmful to dental health. Tiny, invisible cracks can form in the teeth. When cold touches the teeth, they temporarily contract. Chewing hard ice in this state causes significant impact on the contracted teeth. If the act of chewing ice continues, the impact accumulates and may eventually cause cracks. When cracks form in the teeth, they become sensitive and tingling. Initially, it may only be uncomfortable when chewing food, but over time, pain can be felt even when at rest. If left untreated, the teeth may break, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

 

◇ Drinking hot coffee → Esophageal irritation

Repeatedly drinking hot coffee increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated beverages over 65°C as carcinogenic. According to a study published in the international journal Clinical Nutrition, people who frequently drink hot coffee have a 2.7 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those who do not. Additionally, those who drink very hot or extremely hot coffee have a 5.5 times and 4.1 times higher risk, respectively. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus lacks a protective mucous membrane, making it more susceptible to damage from external stimuli. Therefore, repeated exposure to hot beverages can damage the esophageal mucosal cells, potentially leading to cancer. Caution is advised for those who habitually drink hot coffee.

 

Drinking coffee to cure a hangover →

Moisture release

Drinking coffee temporarily relieves thirst and gives a caffeine alertness effect, making you feel awake from alcohol. However, coffee does not actually help with hangover recovery. Hydration is the most important factor in breaking down alcohol, but drinking coffee can lead to dehydration due to caffeine's diuretic effect. When the body lacks fluids, hangover recovery is hindered. Instead of coffee, it is better to drink water to replenish the lost fluids. Sports drinks or honey water can also help restore the minerals and electrolytes depleted after drinking alcohol.

 

Smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee mix →

Induces respiratory diseases

Many people seek sweet coffee mixes whenever they smoke. In fact, sweetness eliminates the bitterness of cigarettes and enhances the stimulant effect of nicotine on brain cells, maximizing the feeling of well-being after smoking. However, enjoying cigarettes and coffee mixes together can lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a severe respiratory condition, so caution is advised. According to a research team from the Department of Preventive Medicine at Hanyang University College of Medicine, the higher the consumption of instant coffee mixes among heavy smokers, the greater the incidence of COPD. Coffee mixes increase the intake of sugar and cream, and high sugar intake can cause obesity, which may trigger inflammatory responses related to oxidative stress in various parts of the body, including the respiratory system. This can lead to pathological changes in the respiratory tract and impaired lung function. Toxic substances such as nicotine and tar released from smoking also induce oxidative stress, which can affect the respiratory system. As a result, the sugar and cream contained in coffee mixes, along with cigarette smoking, can adversely affect respiratory development.