Article contentSeventy-one per cent of Canadians drink at least one cup per day, according to the Coffee Association of Canada, making it the most popular drink nationwide. That’s a greater number than the individuals who drink regular tap water each day (only 63 per cent, according to the association).Article contentWith so many Canadians drinking coffee for its benefits, it’s easy to disregard the beverage’s health risks, which can include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, muscle tremors, insomnia, headaches, and abnormal heart rhythms, according to Statistics Canada.Article contentHealth experts say it’s important for people to understand what overdoing it on coffee consumption can lead to.Article content“Thinking critically about a coffee habit instead of just going by all the noise out there is very important,” according to Andrea O’Callaghan, a registered holistic nutritionist based in St. John’s, N.L.Article contentArticle content“Coffee itself isn’t the bad guy — especially when it’s organic and toxin- and mould-free. In moderation, it actually has some solid health perks. It’s rich in antioxidants, can support brain function, and even help lower the risk of diabetes and protect your liver,” she explains.Article contentBut, O’Callaghan says, like anything, too much can backfire.Article content Tracy Hart says she had to give up drinking her beloved coffee after health concerns came to light. UnsplashArticle contentWhen to back away from the cupArticle contentWhat are a few signs someone might be overdoing it?Article contentO’Callaghan lists feeling jittery, crashing hard in the afternoon, having trouble falling or staying asleep, and digestive issues (think heartburn or loose stools) as some symptoms to watch for.Article contentA racing heart or just feeling “wired but tired” are obvious signs one is drinking too much coffee, she adds.Article content“Something most people don’t realize: when we rely on caffeine to function — to poop, to wake up, to focus — that’s often a sign our adrenals or nervous system may become overloaded, not that we just ‘need coffee’,” adds O’Callaghan.Article contentArticle contentStatistics cite that in Canada, 4.98 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee were consumed during the years 2023 and 2024.Article contentThe most popular chains supplying this demand for coffee drinkers are Tim Hortons (with around 6,000 stores across the country) and Starbucks, one of the leading coffee chains worldwide, which also has a firm presence in Canada.Article contentO’Callaghan stresses it’s important to keep in mind that a lot of commercial coffee (think non-organic) is high in pesticides and mould toxins, which can actually contribute to symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and inflammation — especially if someone is already dealing with gut issues or hormonal imbalances.Article contentHer advice: Try to limit your intake.Article content“If you ever decide to cut back — you totally can — just don’t go cold turkey,” she says.Article content“That’s a recipe for headaches and crankiness. A gentler approach would be to gradually cut back (half a cup less every few days), switching to half-caff or a clean green tea, and having coffee after food instead of the first thing on an empty stomach.”
Can there be too much coffee? Yes, it’s possible, and it can impact your health
