Phil Mickelson, the renowned professional golfer, has captivated the world not only with his remarkable achievements on the course but also with his dedication to health and wellness. A key component of his transformation is his unique approach to diet, which includes intermittent fasting and a special coffee blend. This article delves into the details of the "Phil Mickelson coffee diet," exploring its origins, components, potential benefits, and associated risks.
The Genesis of Mickelson's Health Journey
Mickelson's path to prioritizing his health began when he started experiencing unusual pain in his tendons and joints. At the 2010 Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, he initially dismissed it as normal physical wear and tear. But the pain steadily worsened, and a couple of days before the major tournament, he awoke with such terrible joint pain, he couldn’t move. By doing some stretching and using anti-inflammatory medications, he got the pain under control and was able to compete, ultimately tying for fourth place. But the pain worsened in the days that followed. Soon after, doctors at Mayo Clinic determined the cause of Mickelson’s symptoms: psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness resulting from inflammation due to an overactive immune system. He wasn’t a stranger to psoriatic disease: He’d begun treatment for psoriasis years earlier.
Following his diagnosis in 2010, Mickelson started undergoing treatment. A biologic called Enbrel (a formulation of etanercept) proved effective in controlling his condition. Enbrel, which is taken as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, blocks a chemical called tumor necrosis factor-alpha that’s involved in autoimmune attacks.
Through treatment and lifestyle changes, Mickelson continues to succeed on the links. At the age of 52, he now has 45 PGA Tour victories under his belt, including three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Most recently, he participated in the LIV Golf Tour.
Beyond Medication: Dietary Changes
Today, Mickelson says he’s kept his PsA under control for years without using any medications. Mickelson - who reports losing 30 pounds in 2021 - worked with performance coach Dave Phillips to develop a fitness regimen, including some changes to his diet. Mickelson said in 2020 that being more mindful of what he puts in his body has been key to maintaining good health: “I wasn’t educated. I either wasn’t aware or didn’t want to know the things I was putting in my body, whether it was diet soda and how toxic that is, or whether it was the amount of sugar and how much inflammation it causes, or whether it was the quantity; all of those things, I just kind of shut my eyes to.”
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Key Components of Mickelson's Dietary Approach
Mickelson's dietary regimen involves several key components:
Healthy Diet
Health experts agree that maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis. It can also help with weight loss, if that is a goal. There are many diet types to choose from, including an anti-inflammatory diet (e.g., a Mediterranean diet), paleo, plant-based, and gluten-free diets. However, every person is different, and a diet that works best for one person may not work well for another. Maintaining a food journal to determine food triggers can help - and working with a doctor or nutritionist is especially important. Some diets can be unsafe for people with psoriatic disease. The truest effect of the Mickelson fast is sustained energy on the back end. Where he once came home and got comfy on the couch, he now detours to the gym.
Intermittent Fasting
In addition to healthy eating, Mickelson practices intermittent fasting, which - as the name implies - entails going without food for extended periods of time. He told Golf magazine that he sometimes does three-day fasts every few months. More often, he does shorter 36-hour fasts: He’ll fast 1.5 days in a week and eat a healthy diet during the other 5.5 days.
He says intermittent fasting has aided in reducing PsA-related inflammation, boosting his immune system, and clearing toxins from his body. “I believe fasting has been a big part of my ability to recover, to get in better shape, to recover, to eat less, and to not be held hostage by food,” Mickelson told GolfTV. “I love food. I’ve always craved food, and now I don’t.”
Studies have shown that intermittent fasting may have potential benefits - and risks - for people living with PsA. Researchers have found through human and animal studies that intermittent fasting may: Promote weight loss, which can lessen pressure on your joints and reduce your chances of developing other health conditions Increase metabolism Optimize autophagy - the body’s process of “recycling” old and damaged cell parts - which may prevent mental decline and slow cellular aging Help flush out precancerous or cancerous cells.
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The potential risks of intermittent fasting, according to Harvard Health Publishing, include: Developing symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, irritability, or constipation Overeating following periods of fasting Losing too much weight, particularly among older adults Developing health problems if you have other conditions, such as diabetes, or take certain medications for heart disease or blood pressure.
Coffee and Supplements
Mickelson has garnered a reputation in the golfing world for continually sipping coffee as he plays. In a 2021 interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Mickelson said he approached a health practitioner and asked what he could do to help improve his health. One piece of advice he received was to “drink coffee all day.”
Researchers have found that coffee has positive effects on the immune system, thanks particularly to the caffeine and polyphenols it contains. Among the benefits: Caffeine can help reduce inflammation by reducing immune system activity, including the proliferation of T cells (a type of white blood cell) associated with psoriatic disease. Drinking coffee can yield other health benefits, including decreasing your chances of developing certain conditions, such as heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. It may also help protect your liver.
Excessive coffee consumption can also pose health risks, including headaches, sleeping difficulties, anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and muscle tremors. Caffeine can also interfere with some medications and supplements. Mayo Clinic recommends that most healthy adults limit caffeine to 400 milligrams a day - the equivalent of 4 cups of brewed coffee.
Mickelson brews his magic elixir in a Presse, made by Bobble. From Phillips: ‘Fill to the top with coarse ground Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee, then add water heated to 200 degrees. Stir five or six times, wait three minutes and then plunge it. (If you wait too long the beans get bitter.) Phil then pours it into a Bodum pot and adds Califia Farms almond milk, a dash of cinnamon, a few Yiragacheffe Cacao nibs (80%) and a little medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which is extracted from coconuts.
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Mickelson has talked about the various supplements he adds to his coffee. These include:
C-8 medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) powder - MCT powder is composed of MCT oil (which comes from coconut oil) along with dairy proteins, carbohydrates, fillers, and sweeteners, according to Cleveland Clinic. Studies of the benefits of MCT powder are inconclusive, but some suggest it may help with weight loss, provide quick energy, and improve athletic performance.
L-theanine - This amino acid comes from tea leaves and some types of mushrooms. Some research suggests it may help improve sleep, lower anxiety and stress, maintain a healthy weight, and boost cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration.
Collagen - A key building block for skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, collagen accounts for around 30 percent of the body’s total protein. Research on the effectiveness of collagen supplementation is limited, but some studies indicate it could help with skin hydration and elasticity and may relieve pain and joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Cinnamon - Some research suggests cinnamon has anti-inflammatory benefits, may help lower blood sugar levels, and may aid in improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Himalayan pink salt - Although Himalayan pink salt has garnered a reputation for offering significant health benefits because of its relatively higher mineral content, researchers have found that it provides essentially the same benefits and risks as any other salt. The Himalayan Pink Salt downplays coffee’s natural acidity and helps the body to stay hydrated.
For Wellness Products
Mickelson and trainer Phillips founded a company in 2020 called For Wellness that sells what they call “antioxidant coffee,” as well as a mixture containing most of the supplements listed above.
The For Wellness range includes:
- Coffee pods
- Ground coffee
- Whole bean coffee
- Superfood energy bites
- The Good Stuff (coffee supplement)
The Good Stuff, which is a performance coffee powder that Mickelson and Phillips claim will supercharge the natural benefits of your normal brew, promote focus, and reduce caffeine jitters, has five key ingredients: L-Theanine, cinnamon, collagen, Himalayan Salt, and MCT Oil.
The 90-calorie energy bites, with almonds, honey, cacao butter and lion’s mane mushroom, taste like a chocolate brownie with a coffee hint. Phillips feels they could be a game-changer for health-conscious golfers.
Potential Benefits of Mickelson's Diet
Mickelson credits his dietary changes, including his coffee consumption and intermittent fasting, with several benefits:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved recovery
- Weight loss
- Increased energy
- Better focus
- Enhanced immune system
- Reduced cravings
Risks and Considerations
While Mickelson's diet has garnered attention, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes:
- Caffeine Overload: Excessive coffee consumption can lead to headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Intermittent Fasting Risks: Intermittent fasting can be risky for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
- Supplement Interactions: Supplements can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone.
- Lack of Regulation: Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications.
- Individual Variability: What works for Mickelson may not work for everyone.
A Warning About Supplements
Some research supports the potential health benefits of supplements for people living with PsA. However, only prescription medications have been proven to slow joint damage. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way drugs are. The FDA doesn’t have the authority to approve supplements for safety or effectiveness.
Moreover, mixing some supplements with certain medications can cause health problems. Taking too much of some types of supplements can also be dangerous.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following for people considering adding supplements to their diet: Do not use them as a replacement for any arthritis drugs you’re taking. Only medications are proven to slow joint damage. Speak with your doctor before trying a new supplement and learn what the right dose is. Make sure any supplements you take don’t interfere with any medications you use. You can review the labels yourself or speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist before making dramatic changes to your diet. Maintaining a food journal to determine food triggers can help - and working with a doctor or nutritionist is especially important. Some diets can be unsafe for people with psoriatic disease.