“I can’t drink coffee—it gives me tachycardia. But let me tell you, I’ve gladly suffered through it just to sip on a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. The comforting warmth, the fall spices—it’s irresistible! But when I took a closer look at what’s in it and why my body reacts so strongly to coffee and sugar, I knew I had to create my own version. Here’s what I learned—and the recipes that now satisfy my PSL cravings while supporting my health.”

Why Coffee Feels Hard on Your Body

If you’ve ever felt jittery, nauseous, or had your heart race after coffee, you’re not alone. For many of us—especially those with dysautonomia or blood sugar imbalances—coffee can be hard to tolerate. But here’s the surprising part: the problem often starts with your liver.

• Your Liver & Coffee Tolerance:

The liver is responsible for processing coffee, clearing out toxins, and even balancing hormones. If your liver is sluggish or “stuck,” you may notice that coffee hits you harder than it should. This isn’t just about caffeine—it’s a sign your liver might need some support.

• Did you know? The liver also processes hormones like estrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. If it’s struggling, you might experience hormonal imbalances like PMS, menopause symptoms, or erratic energy levels.

This is why my Wellhistic hormone support formulas specifically target the liver to help optimize its function. By supporting liver health, these formulas can improve PMS, menopause, thyroid function, cortisol regulation, and blood sugar balance.

Why Starbucks Might Not Be Your Best Friend

While Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte may feel like a cozy fall indulgence, there are some hidden health hazards to consider. Here’s what’s really in that cup:

• Caramel Coloring (Level IV): This artificial coloring, made with ammonia, has been flagged for potential health concerns, including gut irritation.
• No Real Pumpkin: The iconic fall drink gets its flavor from artificial and natural flavors, but there’s no actual pumpkin in the mix.
• Conventional Milk: The dairy comes from cows fed GMO corn, soy, and cottonseed. Even the soy milk option includes carrageenan, which has been linked to intestinal inflammation.
• 50+ Grams of Sugar: That’s more than 12 teaspoons of sugar in a single Grande-sized drink, leading to energy crashes and added stress on your hormones and blood sugar.
• Natural & Artificial Flavors: These can be derived from anything on Earth and don’t always come from the wholesome sources we imagine.
• Pesticide Residue in Non-Organic Coffee Beans: Starbucks doesn’t use organic coffee, which means your cup may contain trace amounts of pesticides.

While the occasional treat is fine, these factors make the PSL a less-than-ideal choice, especially for those dealing with hormonal imbalances, dysautonomia, or blood sugar issues. That’s why I created my Wellhistic-approved Pumpkin Spice Latte: a cleaner, healthier alternative.

For My Starbucks-Addicted Clients

This one’s for you—my Starbucks-loving clients who rely on their Pumpkin Spice Lattes (or any coffee, really) to get through the day. I get it. You’re cortisol-depleted, running on fumes, and unbalanced. That daily PSL feels like a lifeline when energy is low, but here’s the thing—what you’re really craving isn’t caffeine or sugar. It’s balance.

The truth is, by supporting your adrenals with the right supplements and balancing your hormones, you can have sustained energy all day long—without relying on that coffee crutch. Once your body is in balance, you’ll feel a level of vitality and energy you didn’t know you were missing.

But for now, in your honor, I’ve created these Wellhistic-approved versions of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chai Latte. They’re healthier alternatives to enjoy while you work on building up your adrenals and rebalancing your hormones. Let’s make the transition smoother without sacrificing the cozy fall flavors you love.

Wellhistic-Approved Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

(Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup brewed organic coffee or 1-2 shots of organic espresso
• 2 tbsp organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp raw honey, pure maple syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia (to taste)
• Optional: A pinch of pink Himalayan salt
• Optional Topping: Sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon

Instructions

1. Heat almond milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener in a saucepan until steaming (but don’t let it boil).
2. Stir in coffee and vanilla extract.
3. Blend with a handheld frother or in a blender for a creamy texture.
4. Serve in your favorite mug, garnish with a sprinkle of spice, and enjoy!

Calories: Approximately 115-125 calories

Comparison to Starbucks Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte:

• Starbucks: 390 calories, 50g sugar
• Wellhistic Version: 125 calories, ~6-8g sugar

Wellhistic-Approved Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

(Caffeine-Free Option)

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup brewed chai tea (use a caffeine-free blend if needed)
• 2 tbsp organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp raw honey, pure maple syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Optional: A pinch of pink Himalayan salt

Instructions

1. Brew chai tea and set aside.
2. Heat almond milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, sweetener, and salt in a saucepan until steaming.
3. Stir in chai tea and vanilla extract.
4. Blend for frothiness, pour into a mug, and top with a sprinkle of spice.

Calories: Approximately 100-110 calories

Comparison to Starbucks Grande Chai Tea Latte:

• Starbucks: 240 calories, 42g sugar
• Wellhistic Version: 110 calories, ~6-8g sugar

Comparison Chart: Starbucks vs. Wellhistic Pumpkin Spice & Chai Lattes

Why These Recipes Work for You

These Wellhistic-approved recipes are more than just indulgent treats. They’re made to support your body, not stress it out:

• Coffee Alternative: The chai latte offers a caffeine-free option for those avoiding coffee.
• Gut-Friendly: Both recipes are dairy-free, which helps reduce inflammation.
• Balanced Sugar: Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup prevent sugar spikes and crashes.
• Liver-Friendly Ingredients: The real pumpkin and spices (like cinnamon and ginger) naturally support liver function and hormone balance.

With these recipes, you can still enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall while supporting your hormones, liver, and overall health.

Do you need more information? Here’s some additional details if you’d like a deeper insight.

1. Personal Consultations for POTS and Dysautonomia Patients

Struggling with symptoms like tachycardia, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances? I offer one-on-one consultations to help you uncover root causes and develop a personalized plan for balance and energy. Book Now.

2. Wellhistic Supplements

Support your adrenals, balance your hormones, and nourish your body with Wellhistic supplements. Shop the Store.

3. Free membership Wellness Resources click here to sign.

to your INVISIBLE BATTLES & UNSEEN STRENGTH,
Carola Le-Wriedt
Founder, Wellhistic & The Holistic Detox

Download my free 9 electrolyte DIY  to learn more about supporting your hormones, liver, and energy levels with simple lifestyle changes and recipes. Get the Guide.

Carola

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