How bad is drinking coffee on an elimination diet?

[Aaron275]

Hi,

I am considering doing an elimination-style diet such as the AIP diet or something similar. There is one thing I'm a bit worried about though.

I am going to find it extremely difficult to give up coffee. I tried to go cold turkey with caffeine a couple of times recently, and I felt absolutely awful. I only lasted about 7 or 8 hours before giving in.

I also find it very difficult to lower my dose gradually. I know that would help to lessen the withdrawal symptoms, but I just don't have the discipline to do it.

I am hoping that I might be able to keep drinking it while I do the elimination diet, and then when my gut heals and my overall health improves, I might find it easier to get off the caffeine.

There was a member on this forum who told me that they drank coffee while on the Fasano diet. I know that's different to AIP, but it makes me think it might be possible.

Your thoughts?

[knitty kitty]

Hey, Aaron,

Every one is different and has different tolerance levels.  You can try keeping coffee on the menu.  Keep in mind a few things.  Coffee is a histamine releaser.  Caffeine is a stimulant, it stimulates your brain, but also stimulates your intestines to move food through faster.  Coffee is a diuretic.  

I switched to oolong tea.  

[Scott Adams]

I never eliminated coffee, but only drink black pure coffee so there are no additives to worry about. I know some people claim that it is a "cross reactor," but there is no gluten in coffee, so it is safe for those with celiac disease.

[ViolaRose]

For elimination that involves going 4-8 hours on water and adding one thing back at a time, you could just start over night and make morning coffee your first thing