Ok, people. I'm sorry in advance! What I'm about to explain is pretty shocking.
I have recently cut waaaay back on my coffee. Reason being... Coffee contains mycotoxins that can be detrimental to your health and I am living proof. No lie. Cross my heart and hope to die.
Honestly, I'm still in denial.
The regular readers of my blog nicolakeane.com will know that I've been having some serious urinary issues... ( sorry, sorry! read more here if you want the full story ). I kept putting off my concern, thinking that I would get it checked by a doctor if it got really bad. Then, I had a moment of pure clarity!
Maybe, just maybe, it had something to do with my diet.
With a little willpower - I conducted a Whole 30 of sorts. I cut out coffee and sugar ( the usual suspects ) for 30 days. Low and behold. Before the 30 days were up, I was no longer peeing like a garden sprinkler on a golf course.

I couldn't believe it! But the evidence was just way too clear to deny.
Here's what you need to know:
> What are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxins produced as a result of the formation of fungus in food and unfortunately, they are contained within lots of different staples we eat on a daily basis. They are found more frequently in areas with a hot and humid climate ideal for the growth of moulds. As well as ingestion, they can affect your body by inhalation and by direct contact with your skin.
Ugh. And you know what, when you look for info on this subject, the articles are endless!
> Why are they bad for you?
They can have some pretty nasty side effects known as mycotoxicoses and can quite frequently be unrecognised by health professionals until it becomes a real problem. Usually, the symptoms they bring on will be attributed to other more common causes. Absolute worst case scenario - cancer, brain damage, hypertension and kidney disease. As with anything like this, the dangers come into play when the total environmental load ( aka - all the toxins that you come into contact with cumulatively ) reach a high enough level for your individual body to react. We are all very different.
> How can you avoid mycotoxins in coffee?
There is always an alternative. You just need to make sure you educate yourself on the products you are purchasing and consuming. Talk to your barista, do your research and find a coffee that is going to add to your health rather than retract. There are many toxin free products on the market; Caveman Coffee has been endorsed by many and I'm sure you've heard of Bulletproof Coffee by now.
Your kidneys are crucial in removing toxins from the body and maintaining fluid balance. They are also responsible for producing hormones that affect the function of other organs; red blood cell production for example. If you find yourself constantly glued to the toilet seat, don't ignore it. Conduct your own Whole 30 to see if you can narrow down the cause or seek medical advice.

How are you all feeling now? I told you it was going to be a hard one to swallow!
+ If you want to read more - I found this source really in depth and useful