Tag Archives: elder-care

Stop drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Drink tea!

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can have several potential effects on the body:

1. Increased Acidity: Coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid. Consuming it on an empty stomach can lead to increased acidity. This may cause discomfort, heartburn, or indigestion in some people. Over time, it might even irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis.

2. Cortisol Levels: Coffee can elevate cortisol, a stress hormone, especially when consumed in the morning. Drinking coffee without food may cause cortisol levels to spike further. This can lead to jitteriness and anxiety. It may even increase stress over time.

3. Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Coffee can sometimes cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, particularly in sensitive individuals. Without food, this effect might be more pronounced, leading to energy crashes later in the day.

4. Impact on Digestion: Some studies suggest that coffee can speed up digestion, leading to bowel movements. On an empty stomach, this can happen more quickly, sometimes causing digestive discomfort or urgency.

5. Jitters and Anxiety: Without food to buffer its effects, caffeine can hit harder. It can lead to symptoms like shakiness, jitters, or increased heart rate. These effects occur especially in those sensitive to caffeine.

These effects may vary by individual. It’s often recommended to have a light meal or snack before drinking coffee. This can help reduce potential negative effects on the digestive system and overall well-being.

Whether it’s better to drink tea or coffee in the morning largely depends on individual preferences and health considerations, as both beverages offer unique benefits:

Benefits of Coffee:

1. Higher Caffeine Content: Coffee typically contains more caffeine than tea, which can lead to increased alertness and improved focus. This can be beneficial for those needing a more substantial energy boost in the morning .

2. Antioxidants: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation .

3. Metabolism Boost: Some studies suggest that coffee can enhance metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management .

Benefits of Tea:

1. Lower Caffeine Levels: Tea generally has less caffeine. This can be easier on the stomach. It may lead to fewer jitters for those sensitive to caffeine.

2. Calming Effects: L-theanine in tea promotes relaxation. It enhances mental clarity, making it a good option for a more balanced energy boost without the crash.

3. Hydration: Tea, especially herbal varieties, can be more hydrating than coffee, which is beneficial for overall hydration .

Considerations:

• Individual Tolerance: People respond differently to caffeine; those who are sensitive may prefer tea to avoid jitters.

• Health Conditions: Individuals with certain health conditions might prefer tea for its gentler impact on the stomach. This is particularly true for those with acid reflux compared to coffee.

• Personal Preferences: Taste, ritual, and social aspects can also influence the choice between tea and coffee.

Ultimately, both beverages can fit into a healthy diet. You might find it helpful to experiment with each one. See which beverage better aligns with your morning routine and personal health goals. For more detailed insights, you can explore the following sources: Healthline, Verywell Fit.

Three mistakes to avoid when caring for a parent who had surgery

Last week my mom had knee replacement surgery. This was the first time she had any major surgery. It was a learning process for all of us. First you must have a clear understanding of the medication that is required pre and post-surgery. It is important to review the medication list from the doctor. Make sure that all prescriptions are filled in advance. One mistake I made while caring for my mom was I did not review the medication in advance. Her surgery was approaching and she did a good job of organizing her medication in a basket. The surgery was successful. But when we got home we thought she would had everything filled and ready to use. As I was leaving to go home on the first night I sat in the car for a moment. My intuition kicked me in the butt and told me to go back in the house to review the medication. I don’t know about you, but I am not familiar with all the medications and their technical names. But we discussed Oxy with the doctor prior to surgery and it was not included. When I called the doctor and pharmacy I discovered that they were out of stock and that’s why it was not filled in advance. Fortunate for us we discovered this mistake 30 minutes before the pharmacy was closed. My dad rushed to the pharmacy and managed to get a replacement pain medicine. Can you imagine getting through the first night of knee replacement surgery without the necessary pain medication.

The second mistake I made was assuming food options were considered in advance of the surgery. I assumed that my parents went shopping and had ample food in the house that was easy to prepare. Quickly, I discovered that I had to get to Costco and stock up on some healthy food options. In our family we cook. But when surgery is involved and everyone is sleep deprived, it’s important to make things easy as possible.

Processed foods are not recommended when you have surgery because the body really needs good nutrition to heal. Therefore, I purchased a few prepared family meals that were easy to heat and serve. The patient has to eat, but my dad should also be eating healthy meals.

I made a third mistake. I did not consider the nausea tea that I blended for a friend a few months ago. I made a custom blend for nausea with ginger, peppermint, chamomile, fennel, lemon balm, cloves and basil. After administering the medication for a few days, it dawned on me. She was taking pills for nausea. However, they were no longer effective. Quite frankly I was so focused on a digestive solution I did not think about replacing the nausea pills. First, we solved the constipation problem that happens to everyone who takes a large amount of medication. Then, I was able to focus on the nausea. In the future I will have both tea blends prepared in advance. It’s unfortunate that all problems are solved with pills. The goal should be to also incorporate natural herbal options along with the medication.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember one thing, you are doing your best. If you are not aware of something just listen to your gut and ask questions. We attended all doctor appointments with mom. However, we still encountered a few post-surgery hurdles along the way. Hopefully this will help you to consider a few things to do in advance, during and after surgery. This preparation can guarantee that your journey with your loved ones is a little bit easier. #surgerystratgies #kneereplacementsurgery