Why Some of Us Can’t Drink Coffee

A close-up of a cup of coffee

If you’re someone like me who feels jittery, struggles with sleep, experiences increased anxiety, or finds that coffee doesn’t even boost your energy, you might be wondering why this beloved beverage doesn’t work for you. A tweet by John Constas (@JohnConstas) from April 16, 2020, sheds light on this issue:

“If coffee:
- makes you jittery
- messes with your sleep
- increases your anxiety
- doesn’t improve your energy
Then you probably shouldn’t be drinking it
Many of you have a CYP1A2 gene mutation which lowers your liver’s ability to breakdown caffeine
Thats why you feel terrible”

The Science Behind It

The key to understanding this lies in the CYP1A2 gene, which plays a crucial role in how your liver metabolizes caffeine. This gene produces an enzyme that breaks down caffeine in your body. However, some people have a genetic mutation in CYP1A2 that slows this process down. As a result, caffeine lingers in your system longer than it should, leading to those unpleasant side effects:

  • Jitteriness: The prolonged presence of caffeine overstimulates your nervous system.
  • Sleep Disruption: Caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that promotes sleep, keeping you awake even when you want to rest.
  • Increased Anxiety: Higher caffeine levels can heighten your stress response, making you feel more anxious.
  • Lack of Energy Boost: If your body struggles to process caffeine, it might not provide the expected energy lift and could even drain you further.

This genetic variation means that while coffee might be a morning savior for some, it can feel like a curse for others like us!

Why Green Tea Might Not Work Either

Seeking alternatives, some might turn to green tea, which was suggested in the thread for its L-theanine content that can provide focus without jitters. However, I’ve noticed green tea makes my stomach nauseous! This isn’t uncommon. According to web sources and discussions in the X thread, green tea can cause nausea due to:

  • Tannins: These compounds can irritate the stomach lining, especially on an empty stomach.
  • Caffeine Sensitivity: Even the lower caffeine levels in green tea might affect sensitive individuals.
  • Acidity: Drinking it hot or strong can increase stomach acid, leading to discomfort.

Note: If green tea nausea persists, try consuming it with food, using cooler water (160-180°F), or avoiding it on an empty stomach. Some find adding milk or opting for cold green tea helps.

Alternatives Tailored for Sensitive Stomachs

Since both coffee and green tea pose challenges, here are some gentler options based on the thread and web insights:

  • Herbal Teas (e.g., Chamomile, Rooibos): Caffeine-free and soothing for the stomach.
  • Rooibos Tea: An African caffeine-free option with a rich flavor.
  • Decaf Herbal Blends: Avoids caffeine entirely while offering variety.
  • Roasted Mate Tea: Suggested in the thread as a milder stimulant without intense GERD triggers.

Consulting with a healthcare provider or doing a genetic test could help confirm if the CYP1A2 mutation is the culprit. Until then, listen to your body—it might be telling you to skip that next cup!