It’s a hot topic in the world of Intermittent Fasting: will coffee break your fast? We invited Dr. Stephen Cabral to share his insights with us on our FIRST EPISODE of the brand-new FASTer Way Podcast! We are beyond excited to bring you this incredible resource for upper-level information about all things health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and so much more!
Dr. Cabral is a naturopathic doctor, Ayurvedic doctor, functional medicine and integrative health practitioner, and Intermittent Fasting expert; naturally, we wanted to gain his insights about coffee and fasting!
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we get from our FASTer Way clients, Will Coffee Break My Fast?
And the answer to that is, it depends.
We get it, this isn’t a very helpful answer for understanding right now if you can drink coffee without breaking your fast, but luckily there IS a way to find out without going to a doctor for testing.
But first, let’s find out why coffee may or may not break your fast.
It all starts with hormones. When the body is stressed, it releases cortisol (also known as the “stress hormone”), and the only way to cut cortisol is with carbohydrates, so the body will release glucose (sugar!) into the bloodstream. If there’s glucose available, the body will use it for energy rather than tapping into fat stores—even if you are still fasting.
So, what does that have to do with coffee?
Well, a lot, actually. When you drink a cup of coffee, even if it’s black and has zero calories, it can spike your cortisol and adrenaline, which we now know will prompt the body to release glucose, the body’s go-to fuel source (if it’s available, it will get used first!).
How do you know if coffee is breaking your fast?
Luckily, it's super simple. With an inexpensive glucometer (which you can find for about $20 on Amazon or at your local drug store), test your blood about 30 minutes after drinking your coffee. If your number is above one hundred, you’ve spiked your blood sugar from the coffee. This may only last for an hour or so, maybe less, but it’s important to know that you’ll be pulled out of your fat-burning state.
Another (less scientific) sign that coffee may be breaking your fast if you need coffee to start your day. This is a sign of adrenal fatigue, a condition in which the adrenals can’t produce enough of the hormones you need, especially norepinephrine and cortisol. The adrenals need a boost, and caffeine is the kick that makes them produce more of those hormones you need.
What can I do if coffee spikes my blood sugar?
If black coffee spikes your blood sugar and you suspect you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue, then please get tested by your naturopath or functional medicine doctor and pursue treatment under their guidance.
Connect with Dr. Cabral by visitng stephencabral.com or equilibriumnutrition.com, listen to his podcast here, or follow him on Instagram.
To learn more about
Micronutrients (can we actually get them all from our diet?)
Carbs (are they really that important?)
Intermittent Fasting (is the 16/8 protocol best for everyone?)
The law of diminishing returns (when it comes to IF and HIIT)
Then be sure to listen to the full episode it is packed FULL of helpful information that will give you clarity and direction for living your healthiest life!
Does coffee break YOUR fast? Tell us in the comments below!
Show Notes
Will coffee break your fast? If this question is holding you back from trying Intermittent Fasting, then don’t miss today’s episode so you can feel confident that you’re getting the most out of your fasting window!
Dr. Stephen Cabral is a naturopathic doctor and an expert in Intermittent Fasting. In this episode, he and Amanda discuss IF, micronutrients, the importance of carbohydrates, and modifications to the Intermittent Fasting protocol.
[06:49] intro to Dr. Cabral
[12:08] Intermittent Fasting
[20:21] why carbs are important for hormone health
[30:27] will coffee break your fast?
[35:15] all about micronutrients
[41:49] Dr. Cabral’s best advice
[44:05] where to find Dr. Cabral
Links mentioned in this episode:
