Coffee is part of everyday life. Most of us begin our day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. However, there are a few medications that do not go well with coffee. Medical experts say that there is a range of medicines that cannot be taken with coffee. Here is the list:

1. Antidepressants

If your doctor has prescribed an antidepressant, you'll want to make sure you aren’t drinking coffee too soon after taking one of these medications because it can make them not work as well as they’re supposed to. For example, the caffeine in coffee can form a complex with the antidepressant drug escitalopram (Lexapro), making it harder for your body to absorb the medication. Since less of the drug is absorbed, it may be less effective.

Other antidepressants like clomipramine and imipramine are broken down by the same enzyme (called CYP1A2) as caffeine. So if you’re taking these medications with coffee, they may not be metabolised as quickly, which can lead to higher levels of the drug in your blood for a longer period. On the other hand, this interaction could increase the effects of caffeine, leaving you feeling jittery and restless.

2. Thyroid Medication

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid (a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck) doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Without adequate hormone levels, you may start to experience excessive tiredness, joint and muscle pain, depression or weight gain.

Bourgeois explains that the absorption of levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism, can be significantly reduced by coffee. In fact, some studies found that it reduces your absorption of the medication by as much as 50%. “This may lead to inconsistent thyroid levels and persistent symptoms like fatigue or brain fog,” says Bourgeois. “That’s why patients are advised to wait 30 to 60 minutes before drinking coffee after taking thyroid medications."

3. Osteoporosis Medication

Medications used to treat osteoporosis, like risedronate and alendronate, shouldn’t be taken with coffee. “Whether it’s caffeinated, decaf or even just milk or juice, these can all reduce absorption due to how the medication binds and dissolves. The safest practice is always to take this medication with plain water only,” says Bourgeois.

4. Cold & Allergy Medications

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a nasal decongestant that can be purchased over the counter to help treat a stuffy nose from the common cold or allergies. Like caffeine, pseudoephedrine is also a stimulant. So when taken together with coffee, it may compound the side effects, making you feel more jittery and restless.5 Those with diabetes should be extra cautious when consuming caffeine on this medication—some studies found that combining the two can raise blood sugar and increase body temperature.6

5. Antipsychotic Medication

People who take antipsychotic medications like phenothiazine, clozapine, haloperidol or olanzapine may need to adjust the timing of their morning coffee. Coffee can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolise these medications.

For example, clozapine competes with coffee to be broken down by liver enzymes. If the medication can’t be metabolised, it becomes less efficient. A study found that the plasma concentration of clozapine was increased by 97% after taking it with 2 to 3 cups of coffee (about 400 milligrams of caffeine).

6. Asthma Medication

If you have asthma, a condition that can make your airways inflamed and irritated, your health care provider may prescribe a bronchodilator like aminophylline or theophylline. These medications relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier to breathe. Common side effects of this medication include nausea, headache, restlessness and irritability. Consuming too much caffeine (from coffee, tea or energy drinks) can increase the side effects you may experience while taking this medication.

7. Blood Thinners

Blood-thinning medications are often recommended for those who may be at risk for blood clots after surgery or have certain heart or blood conditions. Since these medications prevent blood from clotting, the most common side effect is the risk of bleeding. Taking these medications with coffee is risky since the caffeine in coffee can also slow blood clotting, which further increases your risk of bleeding or bruising.

For decades, food has not only been an important source of nutrition but also of emotion and culture. It's the way we share ourselves, celebrate, and find solace. But what occurs when food starts to lose its appeal? For a lot of people on mainstream weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, this has become a very personal and physiological challenge. One of the most fascinating and sometimes disturbing—side effects noted is a stark dislike of once-loved foods, especially meat and fried foods. Why?

As weight-loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and its alternative Wegovy become more popular, so too are first-person accounts of changed taste and appetite. Though these drugs are praised for their ability to control weight, users are now reporting an unexpected change in how they feel about food—one that science is just starting to completely grasp.

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that was first developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Its cousin, Wegovy, has the same active ingredient—semaglutide—but with the specific approval from the FDA for weight reduction. Both of these medications copy a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which the body naturally secretes from the gut in reaction to food. When the drug binds to the GLP-1 receptors of the brain and body, the medication assists with maintaining blood sugar levels, slowing down gastric emptying, and curbing appetite.

But scientists now believe its impacts extend well past the ability to make individuals full. GLP-1 receptors also occur within regions of the brain used to process rewards as well as human taste buds. This dual influence—upon taste and appetite—may account for the reason so many users can find themselves in disgust at eating foods that before they enjoyed highly.

Former Minnesota food reporter Alyssa Fraser gives a powerful illustration. A once enthusiastic home cook who loved to prepare her go-to chicken and vegetable recipes, she found herself no longer liking those same dishes after beginning Wegovy. Finding meat to taste like the "barnyard" it originated from and wine strangely "vegetal," Fraser didn't just lose her appetite but underwent a shift in sense perception.

This experience is not singular. Countless individuals online on forums as well as medical research have noted the same issues—meat too pungent, foods fried too weighty, even desserts losing desire after a mouthful or two. In several instances, meals are no longer an enjoyment, but rather become more of an instrumental necessity.

Is the Brain Rewiring Its Cravings?

Psychobiologists have proposed that GLP-1 medications induce a decoupling between "liking" and "wanting" food. In daily life, individuals tend to keep consuming calorie-rich foods even if they don't like them, motivated by habit or emotional reward. GLP-1 agonists seem to break this cycle by suppressing the brain's dopamine-mediated "wanting" response, allowing for easier resistance to indulgent foods.

In a way, your brain is being re-conditioned not to pursue the sensory high of food—especially from sugar, salt, and fat. This may be one of the reasons why greasy, fried, and heavy foods now feel too much or even disgusting.

While much of the existing data is reliant on self-reporting, increasingly studies are starting to investigate these effects in more systematic ways. One source, published in Food Quality and Preference, discovered that individuals taking GLP-1 drugs ate less refined grains, red meat, and sweets compared to controls. They also ate more fruit, more leafy greens, and drank more water—gravitating toward a naturally healthier diet, even with no deliberate intention.

But much of this evidence is based on small groups or animal studies. University of Arkansas professor of food policy economics Brandon McFadden cautions that self-reporting can be sketchy. But the trend is unmistakable: individuals taking these drugs take in fewer calories—sometimes as many as 700 fewer a day—primarily because food is less appealing.

Another study presented at the Endocrine Society's 2024 conference provided some neurological insight. Brain scans of women on semaglutide showed increased activity in areas related to taste processing, particularly in response to sweet stimuli. This suggests that taste sensitivity may increase, making intense flavors—like the umami richness of meat or the oiliness of fried foods—overwhelming or off-putting.

Food as a Necessity, Not a Joy

For others, such changes are a blessing. Lower cravings make weight loss easier and more sustainable. But others experience a deeper emotional price tag. As Fraser has said, "Not only am I not cooking or really taking an interest in food—if I want it, it's sweets. And even then, if it's super sweet, I'll take a bite or two, and I'm like, I gotta put it down."

There's a quiet mourning that accompanies losing the enjoyment of food—a ritual greater than sustenance. Preparing, sharing, and relishing meals are a part of many individuals' identities and social existence. When that pleasure disappears, some users feel severed from a component of themselves.

How Uncomplicate Your Relationship with Food?

Rebalancing your relationship with food isn't about rules, though—regaining joy, balance, and awareness. Food shouldn't ever become the enemy or another item on the "stress about that" list; if it's begun to take on that shape, these six shifts in attitude will remind you what nourishment is all about.

1. Bye-bye, restrictive diets

Let's get this straight—dieting isn't the hero of your health story. Skipping meals or eliminating entire food groups can have the opposite effect, leaving you mentally drained and physically starved. Rather than running after food rules, begin listening to what your body truly needs.

2. Make Eating an Experience, Not a Task

When did you last really taste your food? If you're typically eating on the move, in front of screens, or while multi-tasking, you're not alone. Slow down. Sit down to eat. Savor each bite. Mindful eating not only amplifies pleasure, but naturally supports wiser food choices.

3. Ask Why Are You Eating Right Now

Hunger doesn't have to be physical. Other times, we eat out of boredom, stress, or celebration. The next time you grab a snack, take a moment and ask yourself: What am I really feeling? That pause could help you spot patterns you weren't aware of.

4. Find Your Satisfaction Sweet Spot

Picture yourself eating just enough to be energized, satisfied, but not full—that's your sweet spot. It's not about calorie counting, but more about learning to listen to your fullness cues and trusting them again. The more you pay attention, the more sensitive you'll become.

5. Change from 'Skinny' to 'Strong & Healthy'

Trapped in the social media cycle of ideal bodies and fitness trends? It's time to break free. Actual health isn't about losing weight—it's about feeling strong, full of energy, and connected to your body. Get rid of the filters and redefine wellness for you.

6. Consult a Dietitian

You don't have to sort it out all by yourself. A registered dietitian can be your good friend co-pilot—giving you evidence-based guidance, debunking misconceptions, and steering you in the direction of a healthier, guilt-free partnership with food that really works with your life.

As semaglutide-based drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy continue to redefine weight loss and diabetes treatment, their influence on food desires brings an additional layer of sophistication. The alteration in taste, hunger, and desire are very real, but intensely personal. While some embrace the disconnection from food as a kind of liberation, others lament the erasure of the pleasure of cooking.

Until more definitive studies are available, patients and clinicians should be informed about these sensory and psychological side effects. And most importantly, anyone with marked changes in appetite or taste should talk to their healthcare provider—not just to control side effects but also to have a healthy, balanced relationship with food.

TikTok is no stranger to viral food and drink trends, and the latest buzz is all about “cloud coffee” — a breezy, summery twist on your typical iced espresso. Swapping out plain water for coconut water, this tropical take on your morning brew is frothing up feeds and taste buds alike.

The trend first gained momentum when TV host and cookbook author Daphne Oz shared her version back in 2022. In a TikTok that garnered over 39,000 views, Oz poured a shot of espresso over ice, added coconut water, and finished it with creamy non-dairy milk, calling it a “hydrating elixir.” “Coffee without the jitters, trust me,” she promised.

Since then, the #cloudcoffee movement has grown, with users like Caroline Hadley amping up the visual appeal by frothing the drink to a light, airy texture — hence the name. Whether served still or foamy, the drink has become a go-to for coffee lovers looking to sip something both energizing and refreshing.

A Nutritional Boost in Every Sip

It turns out this breezy beverage isn’t just about looks — it may actually offer some health benefits, too.

“This trend is basically an Americano but with coconut water swapped in for regular water, giving it a tropical, nutrient-boosted twist,” said Mackenzie Burgess, a registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer for the Cheerful Choices blog, in an interview with The New York Post.

Burgess explained that coconut water contains naturally occurring electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which may make the drink more hydrating than traditional coffee. “Each brand may vary,” she noted, “but one cup of coconut water contains 470 mg of potassium — 10% of the daily recommended intake — and 19 mg of magnesium, about 5% of the daily value for adults.”

Why It Might Be Worth a Try

“Overall, if you’re into the flavor, it’s a fun way to sneak a few extra nutrients into your morning drink,” Burgess told The New York Post. She added that since many people fall short on daily electrolyte intake, “cloud” coffee can offer a refreshing way to fill in some gaps — particularly in hot weather or after a workout.

Beyond hydration, coconut water offers antioxidants that support immune health and combat oxidative stress. Topping it with a splash of unsweetened non-dairy milk — such as almond-coconut blends — adds creaminess without excess sugar, making it a lighter alternative to traditional sugary creamers.

A Word of Caution on Sugar and Taste

That said, it’s not for everyone. “This flavor combo might not be everyone’s cup of coffee — some people find the mix of coconut water and espresso a bit unusual,” Burgess admitted. And not all coconut waters are created equal. Some contain added sugars, which can dull the drink’s health halo.

Her advice? “Choose coconut water with 2 grams or less of added sugar — or ideally zero added sugars.”

Whether you're in it for the nutrients, the novelty, or the Instagram-worthy aesthetic, “cloud coffee” is one way to keep your mornings cool, creamy, and island-inspired.

The thought of eating insects could even make non-vegetarians squirm, let alone vegetarians. But there a plenty of everyday food items that secretly contain insects. Discussion on the issue began after a report recently revealed that cockroaches were being added to chocolate bars. However, the claim was very quickly debunked.

However, a similar report published in Scientific American claimed that a person consumes an average of one to two pounds of flies, maggots, and other bugs each year without even knowing it. Every day, food items like peanut butter, frozen vegetables and spices like cinnamon can contain a certain amount of bugs.

What Should You Know About Insects In Your Food

Peanut Butter

The peanut butter jar in your pantry can legally contain up to 136 insect parts, according to the FDA’s Food Defect Action Levels guide. From the field to your grocery store, insect fragments often make their way into food production.

Chocolate

The FDA permits up to 74 insect fragments in a 4.4-ounce chocolate bar. Cockroach parts are among the most common contaminants, adding nearly 6,000 bug pieces annually to a chocolate lover’s diet.

Pasta

One gram of pasta can contain a bug fragment, with up to 225 insect parts allowed in a 225-gram portion. These fragments usually come from wheat, which itself may hold up to 75 parts per 50 grams.

Coffee Beans

Your coffee may contain around 120 insect parts per cup. The FDA approves coffee with less than 10 per cent insect infestation, translating to nearly 140,000 bug fragments consumed annually.

Raisins

A single cup of raisins might have up to 35 fruit fly eggs and ten insects. The FDA ensures such small amounts are safe to consume, as eliminating all defects would make food production costly.

Mushrooms

Canned mushrooms with up to 19 maggots and 74 mites are considered FDA-approved. While unappealing, these fragments are often too small to notice and provide protein comparable to chicken or salmon.

Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli can include up to 60 aphids per 100 grams. Regular consumption might lead to unintentionally eating over 1,600 aphids a year, as these tiny bugs commonly infest crop fields.

Canned Tomatoes

A 14.5-ounce can of tomatoes can legally contain eight fly eggs or one maggot. Interestingly, insect eggs are a delicacy in some cultures, like Mexican caviar, made from aquatic insect eggs.

Fruit Juice

The FDA allows canned fruit juices to have one maggot per 250 millilitres. Despite this, insects are a natural part of food processing, so your morning OJ likely contains a harmless amount.

Ground Pepper

Ground pepper can legally hold up to 475 bug fragments per 50 grams. Those insect heads and legs may be adding more spice to your meals than you realise.

Cinnamon

Up to 400 insect fragments are allowed per 50 grams of cinnamon. While this may not deter you from using the spice, it’s worth noting that your favourite desserts might not be entirely vegetarian.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut can contain up to 50 thrips, small stick-like insects. Knowing this might make you reconsider your next serving of this condiment.

Berries

Raspberries and blueberries can legally include up to four larvae or ten insects per 500 grams. These critters often end up unnoticed in canned or frozen berries.