Drinking Coffee Can Actually Help Reduce Stress, Here's the Scientific Explanation

Illustration of scientific explanation about drinking coffee helps reduce stress (Freepik/zinkevych)

YOGYAKARTA - Drinking coffee has become part of the routine of many people, both to start the day and to accompany working hours. So far, coffee is better known for its caffeine content which helps increase alertness and concentration. However, the latest research, reported by Healthline, Friday, July 17, shows that the benefits of drinking coffee may be broader, including playing a role in maintaining gut health as well as helping the body respond better to stress. These findings open up a new perspective on how a cup of coffee can affect overall health.

A number of researchers have found that coffee not only works in the brain, but also affects the community of good bacteria that live in the digestive tract or known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome has a close relationship with the nervous system through a mechanism called the gut-brain axis or gut-brain axis. When the balance of gut bacteria is maintained, the body is considered more able to regulate mood, response to stress, to cognitive function.

In the study, scientists observed that coffee consumption is associated with an increased number of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus bacteria. This bacterium is suspected to play a role in producing compounds that support gut health and contribute to communication between the gut and the brain. Although the mechanisms are still being studied, these findings suggest that coffee can affect the body through a more complex pathway than just the effects of caffeine.

Illustration of scientific explanation about drinking coffee helps reduce stress (Freepik/magnific)

Researchers also explain that the relationship between the gut and the brain is bidirectional. This means that psychological conditions can affect gut health, and vice versa. When the microbiome is in a balanced state, the body tends to have a better response to emotional and daily stress.

However, this does not mean that drinking coffee automatically becomes a solution to overcome stress. Factors such as diet, sleep quality, physical activity, and mental health still play an important role. Coffee should be seen as one part of a healthy lifestyle, not the only way to maintain body balance.

It is also worth noting that everyone has a different tolerance for caffeine. Some people feel more focused after drinking coffee, while others experience palpitations, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping if they consume it excessively. Therefore, it is important to recognize each other's body responses and adjust the amount of coffee consumption to stay comfortable.

In order for the benefits of coffee to be optimal, choose coffee with the least possible added sugar and cream. A diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods also helps maintain the health of the gut microbiome. The combination of these habits is considered more effective in supporting digestive health as well as brain function.

To be noted, research on the relationship between coffee, gut microbiome, and stress is still evolving. Experts assess that further research is needed to ensure the causal relationship and understand the biological mechanisms that occur. Even so, the results of this study provide an interesting picture that a cup of coffee may have broader benefits than what has been understood so far.

In the end, drinking coffee is not only related to maintaining energy or warding off drowsiness, but also has the potential to support health through the gut-brain connection. If consumed in reasonable amounts and balanced with a healthy lifestyle, coffee can be part of a habit that supports overall body health. So, enjoying a cup of coffee every day is okay, as long as you still pay attention to your body's needs and conditions.