Guest guest Posted January 15, 2005 Report Share Posted January 15, 2005 Cuppa Caffeine Instead of Water? JoAnn Guest Jan 14, 2005 22:03 PST A Cuppa Caffeine Instead of Water? Can you get enough water from just drinking tea and coffee? -- Anonymous Answer (Published 04/25/2002) The short answer to your question is “no.” Thanks to their caffeine content, both tea and coffee are " diuretics " – that is, they cause the body to lose water. And you do need the water – when you don’t get enough, your cells start to draw water from the bloodstream. Blood gets sludgy, your heart must work harder, and your body starts to redirect blood away from less vital areas. You don’t necessarily have to follow the standard recommendation to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but you do need to drink as much of that amount as you comfortably can and usually more than you think you need. This is especially important during and after exercise or during hot weather when you’ve been sweating. Try to drink extra water whenever you think of it – you’ll know you’re getting enough when you notice that you’re urinating more often than usual. If you really don’t like drinking plain water, you can get the fluids you need from highly diluted fresh squeezed fruit juice or a herbal tea. Avoid caffeine-containing colas – they have the same " diuretic " effect as coffee. To get two cups of water from coffee or tea, you would have to drink three cups. Considering that you should be getting eight cups of water per day, you would have to drink 12 cups of coffee or tea to get that much. You would be consuming far too much much caffeine, more than enough to make you jumpy, anxious and fearful, interfere with your relaxation, rest and sleep. If you are drinking anywhere near that much coffee, I strongly suggest that you cut back. (The amount you get from a single cup of coffee depends on brewing method -- drip gives you between 88 and 280 mg while percolated contains between 27 and 64 mg; a cup of black tea gives you 45 to 75 mg of caffeine while green tea gives you 24 to 48 mg). Caffeine is a strong stimulant and an 'addictive drug' that can negatively impact your health by causing or worsening headaches, anxiety, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmia (palpitations), high blood pressure, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, prostate trouble and PMS. In addition, studies have revealed unhealthy tendencies among people who consume large amounts of caffeine. For example, researchers have found that those who drink a lot of coffee often smoke cigarettes, get too little exercise and eat meals too high in fat. If you decide to give up caffeine (which I highly recommend), set aside three days to go “cold turkey”. You’ll probably experience headaches and lack energy for the duration so don’t make plans for 48 to 72 hours. To cut back, gradually eliminate a cup per day until you are down to no more than 300 mg of caffeine. Dr. Andrew Weil www.drweil.com ==================================================================== Shaking a Caffeine Addiction? --- Today's Question Shaking a Caffeine Addiction? I'm worried about my caffeine intake. I can't give up my morning cup of coffee, but I'm willing to cut other caffeine sources from my diet. Can you give me some advice? -- Anonymous Today's Answer (Published 09/19/2000) I applaud your decision to cut back on caffeine. Few people realize it is a stimulant that can activate the sympathetic nervous system and trigger the " fight or flight " reactions which prepare the body to respond to emergencies. Caffeine can make you jumpy, anxious, and fearful. It can interfere with relaxation, rest, and sleep. What's more, it is an addictive drug. If you recognize yourself in the statements below, you're addicted to coffee and should try to break the habit: You drink coffee daily, usually in the morning. Without your morning coffee you feel irritable, can't concentrate, and your mind and body seem to drag. You depend on coffee for regular bowel movements. Your energy cycle is controlled by coffee -- you're energetic in the morning, but you slow down by late afternoon. If you don't drink coffee for 24 to 36 hours, you become lethargic, irritable, and develop a throbbing headache. I suggest you substitute green tea for coffee whenever you can. You'll still get some caffeine and stimulation but not the 'jangled' sort that comes with coffee. Green tea also offers strong " antioxidant " protection and is less irritating on the stomach. Here is a quick rundown of the caffeine content in various beverages, sweets, and drugs: Coffee: Caffeine content depends on preparation -- eight ounces of coffee provides up to 280 milligrams of caffeine; drip coffee contains between 88 and 280 mg; percolated contains between 27 and 64 mg. Tea (made with a tea bag): You get 45 to 75 mg of caffeine in a cup of black tea; green tea contains 24 to 48 mg; herb tea has no detectable caffeine. Soda: A 12-ounce can of soda can vary from 55 mg (Mountain Dew) to 30 to 45 mg for Coke or Dr. Pepper. Sweets: An eight-ounce cup of cocoa may contain up to 56 mg of caffeine; a chocolate bar has about four mg. Drugs: Check your drug labels -- caffeine is an ingredient in a wide variety of medications, from cold and flu tablets to over-the-counter diet drugs. Compared to alcohol and tobacco addictions, caffeine is a much easier habit to break. Still, you need to plan ahead if you want to be successful. Give yourself three days to do it. Arrange to keep yourself distracted and comfortable, and resign yourself to being without energy -- and possibly, having a headache. Good luck! ===================================================================== CAFFEINE-CHOLESTEROL CONNECTION -- Study Conclusions: Coffee drinkers who quit drinking coffee subsequently also decreased their blood levels of " cholesterol " and " homocysteine " , according to a study published in the " American Journal of Clinical Nutrition " . --Filtered coffee drinkers who abstained from drinking coffee showed a 10% decrease in homocysteine levels after 6 weeks. --Cholesterol levels in this group dropped by 0.28 millimoles per liter, less than in previous studies that looked at levels in drinkers of unfiltered coffee. --Terpenoids - are naturally occurring organic compounds found in coffee grounds which are known to increase 'cholesterol' levels. Researchers report that the findings indicate that these terpenoids are only partly removed by coffee filters. Dangerous chemicals are used in the production of coffee: poisonous herbicide and pesticide sprays in its cultivation, petroleum-based solvents in its decaffeination and many other chemicals in making it instant; in addition, the oils in coffee easily go rancid once it is ground. Coffee drinkers are at risk of developing many specific diseases. Women who consume coffee on top of a high-fat diet have a much higher risk of mammary and bladder cancer. Coffee consumption during pregnancy increases the rate of miscarriages and birth defects. Coffee intake has been shown to be directly related to " pancreatic cancer " and " heart attack " - --the more coffee consumed, the greater the likelihood of these conditions. Even moderate coffee drinking of two daily cups or more raises 'cholesterol' levels. The acid in coffee eats away the 'villi' of the small intestine, reducing it's " effectiveness " in supporting " nutrient assimilation " . Most heavy coffee drinkers are " deficient " in calcium and numerous other minerals. Thus, the acids in coffee may cause as many problems as the caffeine content. To aid in restoring a coffee-ravaged small intestine " Nettle leaf " tea may be beneficial. At least two or more cups daily over a six weeks time span helps with most digestive complaints. Reporting in the July/August issue of " Psychosomatic Medicine " , studies found that people who had higher blood pressure levels produced 32% more of the stress hormone " epinephrine " . Tests indicated that " stress levels " soared much higher immediately after use of either OTC drugs with caffeine or drinking coffee (this was true of both decaf and caffeinated varieties). In an interview with Reuters Health, Lane said that the effects of caffeine likely persist in the body because the substance takes a long time to 'deteriorate'. More specifically, caffeine has a " half-life " of an average of 4 hours, meaning that no matter how much caffeine you consume, it will take your body 4 hours to rid itself of half that amount and 4 hours later, your body retains only one-quarter of the original amount you took in. 12 hours after consuming caffeine your body still contains close to one-eighth of what you initially drank. This may be why insomnia usually plagues even those with moderate coffee consumption. ===================================================================== Top 10 Caffeine-Related Health Problems --- The information below is taken from the book " Caffeine Blues " . Cardiovascular Problems Caffeine increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and contributes to the development of heart disease. Both decaf and regular coffee increase your 'cholesterol' and 'homocysteine', the " biochemical " that science has linked to increased risk for heart attack. Caffeine is also linked to " coronary vasospasms " , the cause for 20% of all fatal heart attacks which kill otherwise perfectly healthy people. Stress Caffeine stimulates the excretion of " stress hormones " which can produce increased levels of anxiety, irritability, muscular tension and pain, indigestion, insomnia, and decreased immunity. Increased levels of stress from caffeine can keep you from being able to make healthy responses to the normal daily stress everyone is subjected to in their lives. Emotional Disturbances Anxiety and irritability are hallmark mood disturbances associated with caffeine consumption, but equally important is depression and attention disorders. Depression may occur as part of the let down after the stimulant effects of caffeine wears off. It may also appear during the recovery period after quitting caffeine while the brain's chemistry is readjusted. Caffeine, rather than increasing mental activity, actually " decreases " 'blood flow to the brain' by as much as 30% and " negatively effects " memory and mental performance. Blood Sugar Swings Diabetics and hypoglycemics should avoid caffeine because it stimulates a temporary surge in blood sugar which is then followed by an overproduction of insulin that causes a blood sugar crash within hours. If you're trying to lose weight, this rollercoaster will actually cause 'weight gain' since " insulin's message " to the body is to " store excess sugar " as fat. Gastrointestinal Problems Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of " hydrochloric acid " leading to an increased risk for ulcers. Coffee, including decaf, reduces the pressure on the valve between the esophagus and the stomach so that the " highly acidic " contents of the stomach pass up to the esophagus leading to heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. With America's high consumption of coffee, its no wonder the best selling over-the-counter drugs are the so-called " antacids " . Nutritional Deficiencies Caffeine 'inhibits' the " absorption " of some 'nutrients' and causes the " urinary excretion " of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health. Male Health Problems Dr. Milton Krisiloff, M.D. has found that in the majority of cases, men can significantly reduce their risk for urinary and prostate problems by making dietary changes which include 'eliminating' coffee and caffeine. Female Health Problems Fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight infants, and menopausal problems such as hot flashes are all " exacerbated " by caffeine consumption. Women on birth control pills are particularly at risk since they have a decreased ability to " detoxify " caffeine. Adrenal Exhaustion Caffeine consumption leads to eventual " adrenal exhaustion " which can leave you 'vulnerable' to a variety of health disorders related to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fatigue. Aging Many people find in their forties that they can no longer tolerate the same level of caffeine consumption as they could in their twenties and thirties. The production of DHEA, melatonin, and other vital hormones start to decline and caffeine " speeds up " that downhill drop. Caffeine " dehydrates " the body and contributes to the aging of the skin and kidneys. It has been shown to " inhibit DNA repair " and slow the ability of the liver to " detoxify " foreign toxins. http://www.teeccino.com/Top10Reasons.aspx ===================================================================== Coffee Consumption: Stimulants Stimulants are energy's greatest enemy. Even though stimulants can create energy in the short term, the long-term effect is always bad. Remember that decaffeinated coffee still contains stimulants. You'll need to assess, for yourself, your current relationship to stimulants. Coffee drinkers who opt for decaffeinated in the belief that it will not be harmful, could be kidding themselves, scientists say. A recent study in Zurich Switzerland, suggests that caffeine is not responsible for coffee's stimulant effects and that even decaf can increase *blood pressure* and interrupt sleep patterns even for occasional drinkers. The study into the effects of coffee found that blood pressure and nervous system activity increased even with the occasional cup coffee, regardless of whether or not it contained considerable amounts of caffeine. Dr Roberto Corti, a cardiologist from the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, said: 'We had expected to see that caffeinated coffee increased blood pressure. But we were exceptionally surprised to find that " decaffeinated " coffee did the same. 'If you avoid ordinary coffee and take decaf instead, you will have exactly the same effect. Researchers measured the blood pressure, heart rate and nervous system activity of 15 healthy volunteers aged between 27 and 38. Six of the group were habitual coffee drinkers. The others either did not drink coffee or had it only occasionally. Measurements were recorded before, during and after the volunteers drank decaffeinated and regular coffee. The occasional drinkers showed a rise in 'blood pressure' after an hour for *both* regular and decaffeinated. Both also increased nervous system activity - by 29 per cent after half-an-hour and 53 per cent after 60 minutes. " Over- activation " of the 'nervous system' has been linked to high blood pressure. Dr Corti said the research, published today in the medical journal " Circulation " , suggested an 'unknown ingredient' was responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure. 'Until now, we have attributed the " cardiovascular effects " of coffee to caffeine but we found non-coffee drinkers given decaffeinated coffee also display these effects,' he said. He suggested that people who had been advised to avoid coffee - such as those with hypertension - might do best also to steer clear of decaf as well. Dangerous chemicals are used in the production of coffee: poisonous herbicide and pesticide sprays in its cultivation, " petroleum-based " 'solvents' in its " decaffeination " , and other 'chemicals' in making it instant. Bristol University researchers have shown that consumption of coffee, even small amounts of decaf - has been linked to ill-health. The very " acidic " nature of coffee leads to stomach ulcers and numerous other digestive complaints. When the " excessive acid " from even a few cups of coffee enter the bloodstream, it greatly increases 'calcium' 'loss'. As far as caffeine is concerned, it causes 'dehydration', and the massive *depletion* of minerals. The more caffeine added, total calcium excretion in the urine increased by 25%. When sugar was added, urinary calcium loss almost doubled. Both caffeine and sugar cause *dehydration*. -- Coffee drinkers are often deficient in calcium, magnesium, potassium and other important minerals. Coffee has no 'nutritional' value. The caffeine is able to penetrate deep into vital tissue. Even “minute” amounts of caffeine 'slow down' the 'elimination' of mucus and " destroy " vitamin C. It has been proven that even 'minimal' amounts of Caffeine have a powerful effect on the " coronary arteries " and the pulmonary and systemic vessels, to the heart muscle, while also " decreasing " the 'flow of blood' to the brain, all the while 'constricting' the " cerebral " blood vessels. Caffeine may cause abnormally fast, abnormally slow and irregular heart beats. It wreaks havoc on blood pressure, producing hypertension. Coffee is very closely linked to angina and numerous other forms of heart disease, pancreas and bladder cancer,diabetes and hypoglycemia. There are some naturally occurring organic compounds found in coffee called " Terpenoids " which are known to increase *cholesterol* levels. Researchers report that these terpenoids are only partially removed by coffee filters. Coffee is strongly addictive. It takes, on average, close to four days to break the habit. During these days you may experience headaches and grogginess. This is a strong reminder of how bad coffee really is for you. Tea is not as detrimental as coffee, unless you like your tea well 'stewed'. Caffeine works like a mild drug, acting directly upon the central nervous system. It does this by releasing " stored sugar " (glycogen) in the liver, which accounts for the " lift " coffee, cola, and chocolate give. Release of stored sugar places heavy 'stress' on the *endocrine* system, very often called " adrenal-rush " . Caffeine is a central nervous system " stimulant " , providing that familiar kick on which we have come to depend. But as with all stimulants, there is a price to be paid. If we run the body on overdrive by 'artificially' stimulating the " adrenals " , we can expect an eventual breakdown to occur. In a survey, the four top reasons for eliminating coffee were: central nervous system disorders, 39%; gastrointestinal problems, 37%; to break addiction, 19%; and fibrocystic breast tumors, 15%. Each cup of coffee, cola, tea, every piece of chocolate, and any other ingested caffeine products, intensifies " toxic psychosis " . Half-life increases. Subsequent doses, including minute amounts, act as a 'bolus'. Cells are poisoned, including " neurons " . It is medical knowledge that the longer a person is exposed to a drug, the higher the chances are for developing a 'tolerance', and an allergy to the substance. Once this happens with caffeine, it cannot be " metabolized " , but is rapidly absorbed by all the organs, and distributed into " intracellular " compartments and extracellular water(edema). Circulating adrenaline (epinephrine) increases in caffeine- consuming persons. With caffeine, a person's inability to 'eliminate' (edema, dehydration) while continually ingesting caffeine, neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine and adrenaline, quickly increase. As a result, our cells rapidly absorb the " drug " . The higher the adrenaline level, the greater the increase in dopamine. Serotonin also increases. Dopamine and serotonin decrease during partial, toxic withdrawal states. But as long as caffeine remains in the toxic body, 'neurotransmitters' never adjust to the victim's natural state. The body views coffee as a poison. This is most readily seen in the use of coffee enemas, which act by forcing the liver to quickly dump excess 'waste' build up from the body. I am very aware that the press is " extolling " the virtues of coffee consumption. Obviously, big PHARMA is controlling the media. When we hear these things in the media, we must stop to consider the source! Caffeine in any form is a " stimulant " and essentially a very toxic drug linked to many harmful illnesses. In that respect it is similar to many of the harmful pharmaceuticals. " There are more coffee addicts in the US than drug addicts of any other kind " .- Charles F. Withal ==================================================================== Why People Quit Coffee --- Are you a coffee drinker who depends on that dearly familiar brew to help you get out of bed in the morning and face your life's tasks? Yet maybe you have nagging feelings that your body doesn't quite metabolize coffee the way it did when you were younger. Or perhaps you've been to your health practitioner who has advised you to quit caffeine. It could be that your family members or co- workers have suggested that you seem to get too tense and irritable when you drink coffee. The reasons for giving up coffee are diverse but there is a common theme. Coffee, including even decaf varieties, contain caffeine, a drug that produces a burst of " biochemical " reactions that create 'stress' in the body. The 'adrenal glands' pump out a host of " hormones " that elevate stress for up to 18 hours after consumption. The liver releases higher amounts of sugar and fat into the blood stream. The pancreas produces insulin to remove the excess blood sugar and store it as fat that creates a blood sugar rollercoaster. Muscle tension is increased. The blood vessels " constrict " reducing the flow of oxygen to important areas like your brain (up to 30%) and your extremities. Digestion and the " immune system " are impaired or suppressed. The production of DHEA and other anti-aging hormones is decreased. What are the results of increased stress from coffee consumption on a day in and day out basis? For a quick review, read the " Top 10 Health Problems Exacerbated by Caffeine " . For a full comprehension of the problems caused by coffee drinking and caffeine consumption, we highly recommend the book " Caffeine Blues " by Stephen Cherniske (Warner Books, 1998) Well written and easy to read, Caffeine Blues will help you understand the health consequences of caffeine addiction. Additionally, Cherniske, a nutritional biochemist, gives you a complete nutritional program to help you recover your own natural energy. Protect the Gift of Good Health As many coffee drinkers have discovered, you never know the myriad ways that coffee is affecting you until you quit. Your body is like a sophisticated laboratory that specializes in one thing: you. If you listen carefully, it will tell you exactly what it needs. But it is hard to hear its signals if it is stressed out by stimulants. You may be experiencing pains and discomforts you would never imagine were caused by caffeine until they miraculously disappear after you quit coffee. The body's reaction to the toxicity of coffee can vary so greatly that you have to discover how it is uniquely affecting you. Look for improvements in your digestion, sleep, mood, energy and skin among others. Don't be surprised if three months after quitting coffee you discover you feel better than you've felt in years and your energy supply stays steady all day long. Then, if you have a occasional late night when you need that extra boost to keep you going, use caffeine like any drug should be used - on occasion but never habitually. " Imagine if in every heart and from every tongue, all anger, hate, envy and greed were eliminated and their places filled with sweet gentleness of true understanding, thoughtfulness and courtesy. " ~ Alice Foote MacDougall, 1928 http://www.teeccino.com/WhyPeopleQuit.aspx _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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