Decaf coffee offers the delicious taste of coffee without the caffeine, making it a great option if you’re sensitive to stimulants or looking to cut back. However, not all decaffeination methods are created equal. Some use chemical solvents, which raises some red flags.

The Swiss Water Process provides a cleaner alternative, using only water, time and temperature to remove caffeine while preserving coffee’s natural flavors and beneficial compounds. Unlike chemical solvent methods, Swiss Water decaf retains more antioxidants and polyphenols,^[1] which help fight oxidative stress, support heart health and promote brain function.^[2] It also avoids residual chemical exposure, making it a better choice for long-term wellness.

This article explores whether decaf coffee is bad for you, decaf coffee benefits, how different decaffeination methods compare and why the Swiss Water Process is the best choice for a healthier cup.

What is Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee is regular coffee with most of its caffeine removed. The decaffeination process typically eliminates at least 97% of the caffeine, allowing you to enjoy a cup of joe without the stimulating effects.^[3]

The great news is that decaf coffee retains antioxidants and beneficial compounds with the Swiss Water Process. In your cup of decaf, you’ll still enjoy the benefits of polyphenols and chlorogenic acids, two powerful antioxidants in coffee, that help with health and combating oxidative stress.^[4] These compounds may also support heart health.^[5] Plus, coffee’s natural bioactive compounds have been shown to support brain function and brain health.^[6] Talk about a great way to kick off your day.

Choosing a decaffeination method that preserves these beneficial compounds ensures you get the most from your coffee, both in taste and wellness. Next up, explore how decaf coffee is made.

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

There are several decaffeination methods, but they differ in how they extract caffeine and whether they use chemicals or natural processes.

The Swiss Water Process

The Swiss Water Process is a chemical-free decaffeination method that uses only water, temperature and time to remove caffeine while maintaining the coffee’s natural flavor and antioxidants.^[7] Green coffee beans are soaked in water to extract caffeine and coffee solids. The caffeine is then removed using a carbon filter and the flavor-rich water is reintroduced to the beans, ensuring the coffee retains its taste without chemical residues.

This method produces a cleaner, more natural decaf coffee without altering its original profile. It’s also certified organic and commonly used for high-quality decaf coffee. Rest assured that Bulletproof decaf coffee is made using the Swiss Water Process for a clean coffee option that is free from solvents.

What about other decaffeination methods you may be exposed to? Let’s dive in.

Solvent-Based Methods (Methylene Chloride and Ethyl Acetate)

Solvent-based methods use chemical agents to remove caffeine from coffee beans. These methods rely on compounds that selectively bind to caffeine, allowing it to be extracted while leaving other coffee components behind. Two of the most common solvents used in commercial decaffeination are methylene chloride and ethyl acetate, both of which effectively remove caffeine but come with potential drawbacks. These solvents are not only used in coffee processing but are also found in industrial products like paint strippers, nail polish removers and degreasers.^[8] Not exactly breakfast-worthy.

Methylene chloride decaffeination involves steaming green coffee beans to open their pores before rinsing them with methylene chloride, a chemical that dissolves caffeine. The beans are then dried to remove residual solvent. The FDA approves this method^[9] and considers it safe. But concerns remain about even trace amounts of chemical residue.10 Despite this, it remains widely used in the coffee industry because it preserves coffee’s natural flavor.

Ethyl acetate decaffeination is sometimes marketed as a “natural” process because ethyl acetate is found in certain fruits.11 However, the ethyl acetate used in coffee decaffeination is typically synthetically produced rather than naturally derived. The process involves soaking the beans in a solution containing ethyl acetate, which bonds to caffeine and removes it from the beans. While this method is effective, it can sometimes leave a residual fruity or altered taste, affecting the coffee’s overall profile.

Both of these solvent-based methods remove caffeine efficiently but may not be the cleanest or healthiest choice for your cup of coffee. Is there anything else you should be aware of when it comes to decaf coffee? Let’s talk about decaf coffee’s effect on your liver and kidneys next.

What Are the Negatives of Decaf Coffee?

The impact of decaf coffee depends on how it’s made and how your body responds to it.

Is Decaf Coffee Bad for Your Liver or Kidneys?

Research suggests that coffee—both regular and decaf—may actually support liver and kidney health rather than harm it.^[10] Antioxidants in coffee help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can benefit liver function.^[11] If you have specific liver or kidney conditions, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

Is it Ok to Drink Decaf Coffee Every Day?

Drinking decaf coffee daily is generally safe and can still provide many of the antioxidants and beneficial compounds found in regular coffee.^[12] Since decaf has only a small amount of caffeine, it’s ideal if you want to cut back on caffeine but still enjoy your coffee ritual. However, while decaf eliminates most caffeine, small amounts still remain. A typical cup of decaf contains 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine, which is a lot lower than regular coffee but may still be a factor if you are extremely sensitive to caffeine.^[13]

The main drawbacks or side effects of decaf coffee depend largely on how it is processed. Just stay away from those made with solvent-based methods, like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, to avoid possible trace amounts of chemical residues. And lastly, decaf coffee may still give you digestive discomfort from coffee acids, especially if you drink it on an empty stomach.^[14] Listen to your body and adjust your intake based on how it makes you feel.

Is Decaf Coffee Worse for You Than Caffeinated Coffee?

Decaf and regular coffee both contain antioxidants and polyphenols that support your health. However, decaf coffee doesn’t have some of benefits of caffeine, like improved alertness.^[15] On the other hand, decaf may be a better choice if you experience jitters, disrupted sleep or caffeine-related digestive issues.

Again, the bottom line is that when choosing decaf, how it’s processed matters. Choose clean coffee that’s been processed using methods like the Swiss Water Process to enjoy a better cup of coffee.

H2: Health Benefits of Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

Swiss Water decaf is a great choice if you want to enjoy coffee without the caffeine or chemicals (and who wants chemicals for breakfast?). This method removes caffeine using only water, time and temperature, keeping the process clean and natural while preserving the coffee’s rich flavor and health benefits.

Swiss Water decaf retains more of coffee’s polyphenols and antioxidants, which help support heart health, brain function and overall well-being.^[16] If you’re cutting back on caffeine but still want a smooth, flavorful cup that’s free from unwanted additives, this is one of the best options out there.

Now that you’ve found the cleanest decaf, it’s time to take your coffee-making skills to the next level. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Coffee Brewing to perfect your cup, whether you prefer espresso, French press or pour-over.

On a recent “ask me anything” episode of The Art of Being Well, one of the questions I had from a listener was: how bad is ibuprofen really?

This is a question I hear a lot in my telehealth functional medicine practice.

Often, someone has heard that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs might be bad for their gut health or overall health, but they want to know if it’s okay to take just one or two here and there for a headache, cramps, or occasional pain.

This is such a good question and there are a few key points to consider, so I decided to write you this guide that really breaks it all down.

I’ll also share a list of some of the most effective natural pain relievers, how to choose a cleaner NSAID if and when you need one, and quick questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about taking an ibuprofen.

An Overview of Ibuprofen and NSAIDs

Let’s start with a quick primer on what ibuprofen and NSAIDs are, and how they actually work in the body.

NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs— medications that are developed to work like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain, but without the side effects of steroids (though of course they come with their own possible side effects, which we’ll get to later).

Common drugs that fall into this category include:

• Ibuprofen (sold under the brand names Advil, Motrin, and others)
• Naproxen (sold under the brand name Aleve and others)
• Aspirin (sold under the brand names Excedrin, Bufferin, and others)

How Do NSAIDs Like Ibuprofen Work?

NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, work by blocking specific kinds of enzymes (cox-1 and cox-2) that produce hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.

Among other things, prostaglandins are known to produce inflammation, swelling, and pain. By blocking the enzymes that facilitate the production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs are able to reduce inflammation and pain.

Ibuprofen, Prostaglandins, and Your Gut Health

So how might ibuprofen negatively impact your gut and overall health? Let’s go back to prostaglandins for a minute.

As I mentioned above, prostaglandins produce inflammation and swelling. This might make them sound like bad guys, but keep in mind that inflammation is a natural, necessary, and protective function in many cases.

And prostaglandins do other things, too. Some of their functions include:

• Protecting the stomach lining from damage
• Reducing excess stomach acid
• Stimulating the production of gut-protective mucous
• Helping to regulate kidney function
• Improving blood flow to the liver

So by blocking the production of prostaglandins, we’re not just stopping the process of inflammation and pain, we’re blocking all of these other functions, including those that support and protect the gut.

This is how and why ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can negatively affect your gut health.

LISTEN: MAHA Controversy, Semaglutide Myths & Truths + Brain Optimization After Alcohol (Ask Me Anything!) 

Potential Side Effects of NSAIDs

In addition to overall disruption of gut health, NSAIDs have been linked to several different kinds of short term and long term side effects.

Acute or short term side effects may include: 

• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Tinnitus
• Fluid retention

Long term side effects may include: 

• Chronic stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea
• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Small bowel inflammation
• Increased risk of stomach ulcers
• Increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure
• Increased risk of kidney disease or kidney failure

Neither of these are complete lists, and some people may be at a higher risk of experiencing serious side effects.

This includes those with existing stomach, heart, or kidney problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, or those using certain other kinds of medications including blood thinners.

Seek medical care right away if you experience chest pain, blurred vision, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or a sudden or severe headache after taking ibuprofen.

Is It Okay To Take Ibuprofen Occasionally?

Now that we know a bit more about how ibuprofen works and how it can affect your body, we can get to the practical question— is it okay to take ibuprofen sometimes?

It depends— let me explain.

The more ibuprofen you take and the more frequently you take it, the more likely you are to experience gut issues and other side effects. But even occasional use of ibuprofen can, for some people, cause issues in the gut.

This is especially true if you already have a gut health imbalance, digestive issue, or inflammatory condition. In these cases, your baseline ability to tolerate the occasional gut-disruptive NSAID is likely to be lower.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you should absolutely never take an ibuprofen, but it’s a reason to be more conscious of your use and the effects it may have on your system.

On the flipside, there are times when the benefits of reducing pain with ibuprofen likely outweigh the risks. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons for your own situation.

When Ibuprofen Makes Sense

For example, if taking ibuprofen once a month for menstrual cramps is the only thing that helps you get through that day, I don’t want you to be afraid to take one.

Another example is the occasional headache or acute pain that’s interfering with your ability to sleep. Sleep is essential and incredibly restorative, and the benefits of getting a good night’s rest (for your gut health and in general) probably outweigh the risks in this case.

It’s all about balance. I’ll also add that stress is known to disrupt gut and hormonal health— and this includes things like worrying about taking an Advil. Being aware of the risks and aiming to limit your use is great, but don’t panic if once in a while you need to take one.

If you do take the occasional ibuprofen or another painkiller, aim to find the most infrequent use and the lowest dose that works for you. In many cases the minimal effective dose of ibuprofen is actually lower than what the label recommends, but it all depends on the individual.

Of course, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the safety of ibuprofen in your case.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Options For Pain Relief

Here’s some good news: there are a ton of great natural compounds and supplements that can help to reduce inflammation and pain without the gut irritation and side effects of ibuprofen.

Especially if you typically use ibuprofen more regularly, I would highly recommend testing out some of these other options to see if you can find a natural alternative that works for you. Again, make sure to speak with your doctor especially if they have recommended NSAIDs for you.

Here are a few of my favorite natural anti-inflammatories and pain relievers: 

• Curcumin: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory remedies and has been shown to help decrease pain and inflammation in several studies. My supplement The Curcumin is one of my top go-to options that I use with my patients.
• Boswellia (frankincense): Boswellia has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Among other benefits, it can help to reduce joint pain, improve joint function, and reduce inflammation.
• CBD: Early studies have shown that CBD can help to reduce chronic pain and inflammation.
• White willow bark: White willow bark contains salicin, which gets converted in the body to salicylic acid, the primary metabolite of aspirin. It’s been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation, without the side effects of over-the-counter medications.
• Magnesium: One of the most common causes of chronic headaches and other kinds of chronic pain that we see in our telehealth practice is magnesium deficiency. Supplementing with magnesium can help to address this underlying cause and reduce (and prevent) headaches, muscle cramps, and pain. You can check out my magnesium formulation here.