Does Coffee Break an Intermittent Fast?
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"Does coffee break a fast?"
Let's answer.
To begin with, I'll make the case that you shouldn't worry too much about this stuff. That you're even willing and able to go without a meal or snack for 12-24 hours places you in rarefied company. That's 95th percentile stuff. You're ahead of the game simply by being open to the idea of not eating every hour. Take heart in that. Some coffee with cream midway through doesn't take away from what you're accomplishing.
But I know you guys, and I know you love the minutiae. I know it because I love it, too. It's fun, even if it gets us into trouble sometimes. So let's dig right in.
First, does black coffee break a fast?
Put another way.. Does coffee interfere with the benefits we're seeking from a fast? Depends on the benefits you're seeking (and what you put in the coffee).
Let's look at some of the most common benefits first and if/how coffee affects them.
Common Benefits of Fasting: Does Coffee Help/Hinder?
Ketosis
Fasting is a quick and easy (or simple) way to get into ketosis. You have little choice in the matter. Since you're not eating anything, and your body requires energy, you break down body fat for energy. And because you've only got fat "coming in," you'll quickly start generating ketone bodies. If coffee stops ketosis, it's probably breaking the fast.
A recent study found that taking caffeine acutely upregulates ketosis in humans.
