{"id":25859,"date":"2025-11-11T09:33:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T08:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/?p=25859"},"modified":"2025-11-11T09:33:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T08:33:13","slug":"no-coffee-doesnt-kill-adrenal-glands-or-damage-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/no-coffee-doesnt-kill-adrenal-glands-or-damage-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"No, Coffee doesn\u2019t kill adrenal glands or damage brain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Claim: An Instagram user, @theobergmann<\/a>, posted a video claiming that coffee kills, it is a psychoactive drug, neurotoxic to brain cells, retains heat in the body, and kills the adrenal glands.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Verdict: DUBAWA\u2019s investigation found that two of the three claims lack scientific backing. While caffeine, which is found in coffee, is technically classified as a psychoactive substance, coffee is not neurotoxic, nor does it kill adrenals. Moderate consumption offers several health benefits, including reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full Text<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An Instagram user, @theobergmann<\/a>, claimed in a video that coffee is harmful to the brain and body. The video, which has garnered over 8,000 shares, 6,000 comments, and 400 reposts, described coffee as a \u201cpsychoactive drug\u201d that is \u201cneurotoxic to brain cells\u201d and \u201ckills adrenals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The video drew mixed reactions in the comments. One user, @ricoshetjawnseen, dismissed the claim, saying, \u201cCoffee is good for you. I\u2019m 98 years old, still drinking coffee 3X a day and am still alive.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another user, @officialsamirbannout, noted, \u201cThat\u2019s if you abuse it. My grandfather lived to 107 and drank coffee daily until he got hit by lightning\u2026 so coffee isn\u2019t bad if you drink plenty of water and don\u2019t exceed 400 mg per day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others disagreed with the post\u2019s extreme tone. @anbalkumis commented, \u201cIs there anything in this world healthy to consume? I don\u2019t agree with this guy! Everything in moderation is key.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, @davinci_medical, who identified as a health professional, countered the misinformation, saying, \u201cCoffee is NOT a neurotoxin and it doesn\u2019t \u2018heat up\u2019 your brain. Caffeine simply blocks adenosine receptors (the chemical that makes you feel tired), which boosts alertness and focus. Research even links coffee drinking to a lower risk of Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Claim 1<\/strong>: Coffee is a psychoactive drug<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Verdict: True<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee contains caffeine<\/a>, a natural stimulant that affects the brain’s functioning. It blocks a chemical that makes you feel sleepy, so you feel more awake and alert. Because it alters how the brain functions, caffeine is technically classified as a psychoactive substance.<\/a> The Alcohol and Drug Foundation <\/a>clarifies that caffeine\u2019s effects are mild and safe for most adults when consumed in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting this view, Emmanuel Oyebamiji, a dietician and researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, dismissed the claim as false and unscientific. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmanuel said, \u201cIn coffee, we have caffeine, and caffeine itself is a psychoactive stimulant. It acts on the brain by blocking adenosine receptors, reducing fatigue, and increasing alertness. That\u2019s how caffeine actually works in the body.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dietician Shoretire Michael noted that while caffeine, the active compound in coffee, can act as a stimulant and increase alertness, it does not mean coffee is harmful to the brain or adrenal glands. \u201cIf he wants to talk about caffeine as a stimulant that generates heat, well, one can agree to an extent, but it must be proven,\u201d Shoretire said. \u201cCoffee can be decaffeinated, which is good. It\u2019s actually a high-scoring antioxidant. It\u2019s not only coffee that contains caffeine; other teas do as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said <\/strong>only people with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, should be cautious about caffeine intake. \u201cIt is the caffeine-containing coffee that people with hypertension should avoid. If it is a genuine decaffeinated coffee, there\u2019s no problem, it\u2019s good, no cause for alarm,\u201d he explained. \u201cIndividuals should work on their psychological status and know their stressors. It is not coffee per se. Except someone is just sensitive to it, which is understandable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claim 2: Coffee is neurotoxic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Verdict: Insufficient Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The term neurotoxic <\/a>means something that harms brain cells. Research shows<\/a> that coffee may help protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s when taken in moderate amounts. A 2021 study from the University of South Australia<\/a> linked heavy coffee intake (over six cups daily) with smaller brain volumes and a higher dementia risk, but researchers emphasised that this shows correlation, not causation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, research from the University of Basel<\/a> found that caffeine can cause temporary, reversible changes in grey matter volume that do not imply brain damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmanuel said that moderate coffee intake does not cause neurotoxicity or harm brain cells. \u201cWhen coffee is used under normal circumstances, it does not cause neurotoxicity to brain cells,\u201d he explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cModerate coffee consumption between one and four cups per day is considered safe. Research also shows caffeine might have neuroprotective effects, lowering the risk of Parkinson\u2019s disease and cognitive decline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He, however, warned that excessive consumption could lead to temporary side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, or heart palpitations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHigh doses of coffee can cause insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety, or temporary overstimulation of the nervous system,\u201d he said.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claim 3:<\/strong> Caffeine in coffee kills the adrenals and retains heat in the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong>: Misleading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adrenal glands<\/a>, located above the kidneys, produce hormones<\/a> like cortisol and adrenaline that regulate stress and alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caffeine can temporarily stimulate the adrenal glands, increasing cortisol and ACTH levels, according to studies published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism<\/em>.<\/a> However, there is no evidence that caffeine harms or \u201ckills\u201d these glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A follow-up study<\/a> confirmed that caffeine increases cortisol secretion during waking hours, demonstrating its short-term stimulatory effect on the body\u2019s stress hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Endocrine Society<\/a> clarified that \u201cadrenal fatigue,\u201d a popular explanation for supposed caffeine-related exhaustion, is not a real medical condition and lacks scientific basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the claim that coffee \u201cretains heat\u201d in the brain, Emmanuel explained that caffeine only stimulates metabolism and blood flow, which can make a person feel warm and alert, not overheated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCaffeine only increases body metabolism and blood flow, which may make you feel warm and more alert,\u201d he said. \u201cIt does not necessarily retain heat in the brain. The heat feeling is more like stimulating the central nervous system, which increases heart rate, not body temperature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it is true that caffeine is a psychoactive compound, there is no scientific evidence that coffee is neurotoxic or damages the adrenal glands. On the contrary, moderate coffee consumption, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day<\/a> (about 4 cups), is considered safe. It has been linked to several health benefits, including improved cognitive performance and reduced risk of certain diseases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Claim: An Instagram user, @theobergmann, posted a video claiming that coffee kills, it is a psychoactive drug, neurotoxic to brain cells, retains heat in the body, and kills the adrenal glands. Verdict: DUBAWA\u2019s investigation found that two of the three claims lack scientific backing. While caffeine, which is found in coffee, is technically classified as a psychoactive substance, coffee is not neurotoxic, nor does it kill adrenals. Moderate consumption offers several health benefits, including reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Full Text An Instagram user, @theobergmann, claimed in a video that coffee is harmful to the brain and body. The video, which has garnered over 8,000 shares, 6,000 comments, and 400 reposts, described coffee as a \u201cpsychoactive drug\u201d that is \u201cneurotoxic to brain cells\u201d and \u201ckills adrenals.\u201d The video drew mixed reactions in the comments. One user, @ricoshetjawnseen, dismissed the claim, saying, \u201cCoffee is good for you. I\u2019m 98 years old, still drinking coffee 3X a day and am still alive.\u201d  Another user, @officialsamirbannout, noted, \u201cThat\u2019s if you abuse it. My grandfather lived to 107 and drank coffee daily until he got hit by lightning\u2026 so coffee isn\u2019t bad if you drink plenty of water and don\u2019t exceed 400 mg per day.\u201d Others disagreed with the post\u2019s extreme tone. @anbalkumis commented, \u201cIs there anything in this world healthy to consume? I don\u2019t agree with this guy! Everything in moderation is key.\u201d  Meanwhile, @davinci_medical, who identified as a health professional, countered the misinformation, saying, \u201cCoffee is NOT a neurotoxin and it doesn\u2019t \u2018heat up\u2019 your brain. Caffeine simply blocks adenosine receptors (the chemical that makes you feel tired), which boosts alertness and focus. Research even links coffee drinking to a lower risk of Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s.\u201d Verification Claim 1: Coffee is a psychoactive drug  Verdict: True Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the brain’s functioning. It blocks a chemical that makes you feel sleepy, so you feel more awake and alert. Because it alters how the brain functions, caffeine is technically classified as a psychoactive substance. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation clarifies that caffeine\u2019s effects are mild and safe for most adults when consumed in moderation. Supporting this view, Emmanuel Oyebamiji, a dietician and researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, dismissed the claim as false and unscientific.  Emmanuel said, \u201cIn coffee, we have caffeine, and caffeine itself is a psychoactive stimulant. It acts on the brain by blocking adenosine receptors, reducing fatigue, and increasing alertness. That\u2019s how caffeine actually works in the body.\u201d Dietician Shoretire Michael noted that while caffeine, the active compound in coffee, can act as a stimulant and increase alertness, it does not mean coffee is harmful to the brain or adrenal glands. \u201cIf he wants to talk about caffeine as a stimulant that generates heat, well, one can agree to an extent, but it must be proven,\u201d Shoretire said. \u201cCoffee can be decaffeinated, which is good. It\u2019s actually a high-scoring antioxidant. It\u2019s not only coffee that contains caffeine; other teas do as well.\u201d He said only people with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, should be cautious about caffeine intake. \u201cIt is the caffeine-containing coffee that people with hypertension should avoid. If it is a genuine decaffeinated coffee, there\u2019s no problem, it\u2019s good, no cause for alarm,\u201d he explained. \u201cIndividuals should work on their psychological status and know their stressors. It is not coffee per se. Except someone is just sensitive to it, which is understandable.\u201d Claim 2: Coffee is neurotoxic Verdict: Insufficient Evidence The term neurotoxic means something that harms brain cells. Research shows that coffee may help protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s when taken in moderate amounts. A 2021 study from the University of South Australia linked heavy coffee intake (over six cups daily) with smaller brain volumes and a higher dementia risk, but researchers emphasised that this shows correlation, not causation.  Similarly, research from the University of Basel found that caffeine can cause temporary, reversible changes in grey matter volume that do not imply brain damage. Emmanuel said that moderate coffee intake does not cause neurotoxicity or harm brain cells. \u201cWhen coffee is used under normal circumstances, it does not cause neurotoxicity to brain cells,\u201d he explained.  \u201cModerate coffee consumption between one and four cups per day is considered safe. Research also shows caffeine might have neuroprotective effects, lowering the risk of Parkinson\u2019s disease and cognitive decline.\u201d He, however, warned that excessive consumption could lead to temporary side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, or heart palpitations.  \u201cHigh doses of coffee can cause insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety, or temporary overstimulation of the nervous system,\u201d he said. Claim 3: Caffeine in coffee kills the adrenals and retains heat in the brain Verdict: Misleading The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that regulate stress and alertness. Caffeine can temporarily stimulate the adrenal glands, increasing cortisol and ACTH levels, according to studies published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. However, there is no evidence that caffeine harms or \u201ckills\u201d these glands. A follow-up study confirmed that caffeine increases cortisol secretion during waking hours, demonstrating its short-term stimulatory effect on the body\u2019s stress hormones. The Endocrine Society clarified that \u201cadrenal fatigue,\u201d a popular explanation for supposed caffeine-related exhaustion, is not a real medical condition and lacks scientific basis. Addressing the claim that coffee \u201cretains heat\u201d in the brain, Emmanuel explained that caffeine only stimulates metabolism and blood flow, which can make a person feel warm and alert, not overheated.  \u201cCaffeine only increases body metabolism and blood flow, which may make you feel warm and more alert,\u201d he said. \u201cIt does not necessarily retain heat in the brain. The heat feeling is more like stimulating the central nervous system, which increases heart rate, not body temperature.\u201d Conclusion While it is true that caffeine is a psychoactive compound, there is no scientific evidence that coffee is neurotoxic or damages the adrenal glands. On the contrary, moderate coffee consumption, up to 400 mg of caffeine per<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"hannibal_claim_source":"","hannibal_source_label":"","hannibal_card_color":"blue","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_bluesky_share_type":"","_mastodon_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[1571,3812,121,3815],"tags":[],"verdict":[],"ppma_author":[4087],"class_list":["post-25859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fact-check","category-headline","category-health","category-homepage"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8R6dE-6J5","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"authors":[{"term_id":4087,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"juliet-buna","display_name":"Juliet Buna","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&r=g","author_category":"","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"","job_title":"","description":""}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-52.jpeg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25859"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25861,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25859\/revisions\/25861"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25859"},{"taxonomy":"verdict","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/verdict?post=25859"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubawa.org\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=25859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}