The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion, fatigue and addict

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The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion, fatigue

and addiction

 

Most a.m. coffee drinkers don't realize it, but their morning cups of

coffee set their bodies up for a rollercoaster day of highs and lows,

only to bottom out at the point of exhaustion. Just a few hours after

consumption, when the artificial high dies down, many people may reach

for more coffee or something sugary to get another lift, leading to

daily fluctuations in energy and alertness, and possibly to eventual

chronic adrenal exhaustion.

 

Now, you don't have to explain your coffee addiction to me. I worked

as an espresso barista for four years, so I know what it's like to

drink coffee and espresso constantly. Throughout college, I drank

about four espresso drinks a day, most of them doubles, and that's a

conservative estimate. I only slept two or three hours most nights,

but once a week or so, I would completely crash and sleep for twelve

or thirteen hours straight. Since I graduated from college, I've also

graduated to only drinking one cup of coffee a day and sometimes none

at all. I feel much better and now I even have a somewhat normal

sleeping schedule.

 

You probably don't drink as much coffee as I drank, but just one

caffeinated drink – whether it's a soft drink, caffeinated tea or

coffee – will put your body on the caffeine rollercoaster. When you

consume caffeine, the drug begins its effects by initiating

uncontrolled neuron firing in your brain, according to Stephen

Cherniske in his book, Caffeine Blues. This excess neuron activity

triggers your pituitary gland to secrete a hormone that tells your

adrenal glands to produce adrenalin.

 

Adrenalin is what gives athletes that winning burst of energy and Good

Samaritans the ability to rescue people by lifting cars. Adrenalin is

also the source of our " fight-or-flight " response, which enabled our

prehistoric ancestors to escape from saber-toothed tigers and other

predators. By stimulating your adrenal glands to produce adrenalin,

caffeine puts your body in this " fight-or-flight " state, which is

useless while you're just sitting at your desk. When this adrenal high

wears off later, you feel the drop in terms of fatigue, irritability,

headache or confusion.

 

At this point, you may reach for another " hit " of caffeine, followed

by another, and another and maybe even one more. If you constantly

keep your body on a caffeine high, you're constantly keeping your body

in " flight-or-flight " mode.

 

Cherniske explains your body's " perspective " of this constant state:

" Imagine you lived in a country that was always under threat of

attack. No matter where you went, there was a perpetual state of

alert. Not only that, but your defenses were constantly being depleted

and weakened. Does that sound stressful? Caffeine produces the same

effect on your body, like fighting a war on multiple fronts at the

same time. " Cherniske calls your body's constant state of alert

" caffeinism, " which is characterized by fatigue, anxiety, mood swings,

sleep disturbance, irritability and depression.

 

After prolonged " caffeinism, " your body enters a state of adrenal

exhaustion. Your caffeine consumption has simply pushed your adrenal

glands so much that they've burned out. Ralph T. Golan, ND, describes

this unfortunate state in his book, Herbal Defense: " Caffeine forces

your glands to secrete when they don't have much left to give, and

they have to keep digging deeper and deeper, making you more and more

tired over time. And over the years, it takes more and more coffee to

get the same result. Some people reach the point of drinking half a

dozen or more cups of coffee to get the same result and it's barely

keeping them awake. That's severe adrenal depletion. "

 

In other words, caffeine affects your body just like any drug. You

start taking it slowly, but as your body develops a tolerance to it,

you need more and more to feel the same effects. Eventually, your body

reaches a point where it can't be without it; otherwise, you will

start to experience withdrawal symptoms.

 

You may think that you don't drink nearly enough to become addicted to

it, but you probably already are. " Careful research conducted by the

department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins

University School of Medicine shows that low to moderate caffeine

intake (as little as one 14-ounce mug per day) can quickly produce

withdrawal symptoms, " writes Cherniske. Yes, caffeine is a drug, even

though it's something that you ingested in your beloved chocolate bars

and colas since early childhood.

 

Instead of reaching for your morning cup of coffee, you can do your

body a big favor by eating a healthy breakfast instead. A good

breakfast, maintained by a healthy lunch, will keep you energetic all

day. You can read News Target's page on breakfast to learn to

distinguish between the good and bad breakfast foods, but whatever you

do, don't wash it down with a cup of coffee.

 

The experts speak on caffeine, exhaustion and fatigue:

 

" Caffeine's immediate effects on your body "

 

It doesn't take a genius to see that there might be a downside to all

of this neuron activity. In fact, uncontrolled neuron firing creates

an emergency situation, which triggers the pituitary gland in the

brain to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). ACTH tells the

adrenal glands to pump out stress hormones—the next major side effect

of caffeine.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 56

 

Within five minutes after you drink your morning coffee, the caffeine

begins to stimulate your central nervous system, triggering the

release of stress hormones in your body, causing a stress ( " fight or

flight " ) response. The stress hormones are useful if you need to

prepare yourself to fight or flee a dangerous situation, but if you

are simply sitting at your desk you may feel a short charge of

alertness, quickly followed by feelings of agitation. Within the next

hour or so, after the stress response dissipates, you will probably

feel more tired and hungry. At these low-energy times, many people

reach for another cup of coffee, or eat a snack that is often high in

sugar to " pep up " and stay alert. However, both caffeine and sugar

only give you temporary feelings of increased energy, which quickly

dissipate. For some people, this cycle of low energy followed by an

infusion of caffeine or food continues the entire day -- leaving them

feeling exhausted and unable to focus by 3:00 p.m. because they are

drained from the ups and downs in energy their body endured throughout

the day.

Active Wellness By Gayle Reichler MS RD CDN, page 12

 

Among other things, it stimulates the production of adrenaline, one of

the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands to help us in extreme

emergency situations. Our adrenals evolved to give our early ancestors

the extra strength and alertness needed to escape a saber tooth tiger

attack, but we don't often need that much adrenaline these days. Like

sugar, coffee constantly stimulates the production of adrenaline,

putting excessive wear and tear on the adrenal glands. And let's not

forget that green tea and black tea contain caffeine, and even decaf

still contains some caffeine. If you're sensitive to caffeine it can

keep you awake at night even if you haven't had any since noon. If

you're suffering from insomnia, your best bet is to drink

nonstimulating herbal teas such as chamomile or mint in the evening.

If you need a boost in the afternoon, try a cup of ginseng tea.

Prescription Alternatives by Earl Mindell RPh PhD and Virginia Hopkins

MA, page 388

 

Caffeine triggers a stress response that involves a surge in adrenal

hormones and the classic fight-or-flight " emergency, " affecting

virtually every cell in the body.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 98

 

Everybody " knows " that caffeine makes you more alert and clearheaded.

Think again. A cup of coffee gives you a wakeup jolt because it

triggers a stress response. Your adrenal glands are prompted to kick

out the same stress hormones that are released when you perceive an

external threat or danger. Your muscles tense, your blood sugar

elevates for extra energy, your pulse and respiration rates speed up,

and your state of alertness increases so you're ready to wrestle with

or run from environmental dangers. You may be only sitting at your

table or desk drinking a cup of coffee, but your body doesn't know

that. It's preparing for action.

The Memory Solution by Dr Julian Whitaker, page 261

 

Caffeine increases the stimulating neurohormone, noradrenaline, and

reduces the calming neurotransmitter, serotonin.

The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, page 191

 

Caffeine also stimulates the production of norepinephrine, another

stress hormone that acts directly on the brain and nervous system.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are responsible for increased heart

rate, increased blood pressure, and that " emergency " feeling. In fact,

the emergency is quite real. caffeine can trigger a classic

fight-or-flight stress reaction with all of the results listed in

Illustration.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 57

 

I particularly recommend that you avoid caffeine. What caffeine

actually does is set off a stress response. It stimulates your adrenal

glands to make epinephrine and norepinephrine—the same stress hormones

that are produced in response to any stressor. This sets the stress

response in motion, causing tense muscles, elevated blood sugar, and

increased pulse and respiration. You may feel mentally sharper because

your brain is high on adrenaline. It's ready to rumble. One cup of

coffee for most people isn't damaging. But as you may recall from our

discussion of the three stages of the stress response, if stress

hormones remain elevated, the body is thrown into a state of chronic

stress. By sipping on coffee, tea, or caffeinated soda all day long,

you are forcing your adrenal glands to continue to pump out stress

hormones.

The Memory Solution by Dr Julian Whitaker, page 165

 

Caffeine works by mimicking a hormone that tells the adrenal glands to

crank out more adrenaline. The adrenal glands think there is a

stressful situation and that they are supposed to be making more

adrenal hormone.

Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 280

 

A dosage of 50 to 100 mg caffeine, the amount in one cup of coffee,

will produce a temporary increase in mental clarity and energy levels

while simultaneously reducing drowsiness. It also improves

muscular-coordinated work activity, such as typing. Through its CNS

stimulation, caffeine increases brain activity; however, it also

stimulates the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and heart

rate. It generally speeds up our body by increasing our basal

metabolic rate (BMR), which burns more calories. Initially, caffeine

may lower blood sugar; however, this can lead to increased hunger or

cravings for sweets. After adrenal stimulation, blood sugar rises

again. Caffeine also increases respiratory rates, and for people with

tight airways, it can open breathing passages. Caffeine is also a

diuretic and a mild laxative.

The New Detox Diet by Elson M Haas MD, page 30

 

Caffeine and nicotine overstimulate the adrenal glands. When these

substances, other stressors, and a generally poor diet are combined,

the adrenals can enter into a state of emergency. They become depleted

of important vitamins, such as B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 233

 

Although we think of caffeine in coffee as the " wake-me-up " chemical,

chronic use of it may cause fatigue, headache, moodiness, and

depression in some people. Because caffeine boosts energy through

increasing the production of ATP, the basic unit of energy production

in your body, one school of thought suggests that chronically

stimulating this system may deplete it, sort of like overworking the

soil in farmland. Recommendation: If you are a caffeine junkie (more

than 3 cups of coffee a day) and can't get through the day without

your coffee fix, you may be promoting your fatigue with caffeine and

need a rest period. Go slowly with your reduction to zero caffeine to

avoid developing overwhelming sleepiness and a bad headache.

Doctors Complete Guide Vitamins Minerals by Mary D Eades MD, page 324

 

Caffeine can have a detrimental effect on blood sugar. When caffeine

is ingested, the nervous system is stimulated. Adrenaline is released

and, in turn, the liver begins to emit stored blood sugar. Insulin is

then released, and blood sugar drops below normal—a common seizure

trigger for people with epilepsy. Caffeine can also constrict blood

vessels in the brain. It is important for people with epilepsy to know

that caffeine can be an ingredient in medications, including some

antihistamines and decongestants.

Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 739

 

For an optimal response to our plan, we recommend eliminating or

sharply reducing your caffeine intake. Caffeine raises levels of

adrenaline, causes overexcitation, increases stress, and impairs the

relaxation response. It's hard to be at peace when you're revved up on

caffeine.

Ultraprevention by Mark Hyman MD and Mark Liponis MD, page 241

 

Watch out for coffee. The caffeine in coffee can upset blood-sugar

levels, leaving you fatigued and longing for a quick-pick-me-up snack.

Limit coffee to two cups a day.

Food & Mood By Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 57

 

Caffeine, in fact, is the most widely used cognitive-enhancement

product in our society. Numerous tests have proved that, when used in

moderate amounts, caffeine boosts concentration and alertness. Because

it is a stimulant, it increases output of adrenaline, and can

temporarily improve memory and mood.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page 266

 

Caffeine acts directly upon the central nervous system. It brings

about an almost immediate sense of clearer thought and lessens

fatigue. It also stimulates the release of stored sugar from the

liver, which accounts for the " lift " coffee, cola, and chocolate give.

But these benefits may be far outweighed by the side effects:

Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century by Earl Mindell, page 315

 

Caffeine doesn't add energy to your system, it just burns up your

reserves at a faster pace. You get a short-term boost at the expense

of long-term jitters and fatigue.

The Unofficial Guide to Beating Stress by Pat Goudey, page 136

 

On the physical level, we need a steady source of energy to accomplish

our goals. Nothing is more frustrating than to be motivated, to have a

great plan, but no energy to carry it out. When I ask patients about

their reasons for drinking coffee, the most common response is: " I

need the energy. " The irony is that caffeine is a major cause of

fatigue. Depending on caffeine to get you through the day might work

for a while, but in the long run it will make your dreams harder and

harder to achieve.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 43

 

Avoid caffeine -- it increases the stress hormones and adrenaline,

which causes a spike in blood sugar.

Ultraprevention by Mark Hyman MD and Mark Liponis MD, page 306

 

" Constant 'fight-or-flight' mode and the caffeine rollercoaster "

 

If you continue to drink coffee or other beverages containing caffeine

throughout the day, your adrenal glands will be constantly stimulated

and you will find yourself in a chronic state of stress. Extra stress,

I guarantee, you don't need—it takes a toll on your body and brain.

And even though most people think caffeine makes them mentally

sharper, studies demonstrate that, in fact, the opposite is true.

The Memory Solution by Dr Julian Whitaker, page 261

 

Cut back on sugar and caffeine. These quick-fix solutions to lagging

energy and poor mood fuel your fatigue and depression and aggravate

food cravings. You can achieve the same neurotransmitter " fix, " but

provide your body with a sustained energy boost and mood elevation, by

switching to fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as breads, rice, pasta,

low-sugar cereals, and starchy vegetables. Coffee is a mixed bag. One

to two cups a day boosts energy and mood, but more than that --

especially in people who are unknowingly sensitive to caffeine—can

fuel the fatigue spiral. Never consume sugar and caffeine together,

and include the occasional sweet treat with a meal -- don't eat sweets

alone.

Food & Mood By Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 274

 

Using sugar as a quick fix for dwindling energy results in a temporary

high. In the long run, it could create a vicious cycle. " The person

suffering from chronic tiredness and depression who turns to sugary

foods may relieve the fatigue and feel better for a short while, but

the depression and fatigue return, " says Dr. Chris-tensen. The person

then must either reach for another sugar fix or seek help elsewhere.

As opposed to the temporary sugar high, eliminating sugar and caffeine

from the diet is a permanent solution. " Ninety percent of our patients

went cold turkey [eliminated all sugar and caffeine from the diet}.

They felt worse at first, but an overwhelming number of them felt

better and had more energy within a week, " says Dr. Christensen.

Food & Mood By Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 110

 

It is also interesting to note that several studies have found

caffeine intake to be extremely high in individuals with psychiatric

disorders. Another interesting finding is that the degree of fatigue

experienced is often related to the quantity of caffeine ingested. In

one survey of hospitalized psychiatric patients, 61% of those

ingesting at least 750 mg/day (at least five cups of coffee)

complained of fatigue, compared with 54% of those ingesting 250-749

mg/day, and only 24% of those ingesting less than 250 mg/day.

Textbook of Natural Medicine Volumes 1-2 by Joseph E Pizzorno and

Michael T Murray, page 433

 

" Caffeinism and chronic fatigue "

 

" Caffeinism " is a state of chronic toxicity resulting from excess

caffeine consumption. Caffeinism usually combines physical addiction

with a wide range of debilitating effects, most notably anxiety,

irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbance, depression, and fatigue.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 36

 

Although caffeine consumption provides temporary stimulation, regular

caffeine intake may actually lead to chronic fatigue. While mice fed

one dose of caffeine demonstrated significant increases in their

swimming capacity, when the dose of caffeine was given for six weeks,

a significant decrease in swimming capacity was observed.

Encyclopedia Of Natural Medicine by Michael T Murray MD Joseph L

Pizzorno ND, page 368

 

Caffeine does not provide energy—only chemical stimulation. The

perceived " energy " comes from the body's struggle to adapt to

increased blood levels of stress hormones. In most cases, this induced

emergency state leads to well-defined side effects collectively known

as caffeinism. Ironically, caffeinism is characterized by fatigue.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 10

 

While coffee, tea and other substances containing caffeine may be used

as stimulants to overcome the toxic effects of sedative drug

poisoning, they tend to charge the adrenals and thus deplete the

body's reserves.

Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra CA ND, page 241

 

Let's face it, remaining healthy and strong throughout life is a

battle. Caffeine is the Trojan horse. It looks like a gift but instead

delivers adrenal stress, low blood sugar, mood and energy swings,

fatigue, depression, malnutrition, and disturbed sleep. By now, you

are starting to see the full scope of how caffeine affects the quality

of life. Caffeinism is a gradual and at first imperceptible disorder.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 94

 

The truth about caffeine and energy is finally getting out. Physicians

are starting to warn their patients about caffeine " rebound, " and an

article in U.S. News & World Report listed caffeine addiction as a

major cause of fatigue, including a " crash " that occurs after caffeine

" buzz " wears off. People who become aware of this powerful influence

on energy and mood and take steps to improve their energy naturally

can experience remarkable improvements in their quality of life.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 119

 

" Adrenal fatigue "

 

The caffeine connection has been hidden by the fact that treatment for

adrenal dysfunction disorders tends to be shortsighted and

one-dimensional. As I have explained before, understanding the health

effects of caffeine requires a long view, perhaps encompassing most of

one's lifetime. And from that long-term view, a two-phase phenomenon

is revealed.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 205

 

Another concern is that caffeine addiction often occurs along with

other substance abuses, nicotine and sugar most commonly. Caffeine,

like sugar, over stimulates the adrenals and then weakens them with

persistent or chronic use. First, sugar stimulates and weakens the

adrenals, which creates fatigue. Then we use caffeine to keep us aware

and awake, further depleting our adrenals, to which many respond by

drinking more caffeine with sugar. In addition, people who overuse

caffeine tend to need more tranquilizers and sleeping pills to help

them relax or sleep.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition (see related ebook on nutrition) by

Elson M Haas MD, page 937

 

Reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet. Caffeine puts additional

stress on your adrenal glands.

Enhancing Heart Health by Matthew budoff MD FACC, page 61

 

But caffeine overstimulates the nerves and glands. It drains the

adrenal system, damages the thyroid, and can trigger heart

arrhythmias. In female and male menopause, caffeine plays a role:

Breast cysts and lumps are common in women, while men suffer from

caffeine-induced prostate problems.

Food Swings by Barnet Meltzer MD, page 56

 

In Phase 1 of the caffeine/adrenal relationship, stress hormones are

pumped out in excessive amounts. This action suppresses immunity and

increases risk for a number of health disorders, especially

cardiovascular disease. It also lowers production of DHEA, a hormone

critical to the optimum functioning of your immune, cardiovascular,

reproductive, and nervous systems.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 208

 

The active ingredient in kola nut is caffeine. It is used both for its

stimulating action as well as its flavor and color in various soft

drinks. Its use for depression and fatigue, therefore, is purely

symptomatic. A continual reliance on such symptomatic treatments as

this and others such as coffee or tea (Camellia sinensis) for

tiredness and fatigue is bound to deplete further the body's reserves,

setting one up for more chronic degenerative conditions. Fatigue and

tiredness usually have a cause that should be discovered and treated

at a deeper level with diet, herbs and appropriate physiotherapy and

lifestyle adjustments.

The Way Of Herbs by Michael Tierra, page 150

 

Although acute caffeine consumption provides stimulation, regular

caffeine intake may actually lead to chronic fatigue. While mice fed

one dose of caffeine demonstrated significant increases in their

swimming capacity, when the dose of caffeine was given for 6 weeks, a

significant decrease in swimming capacity was observed.

Textbook of Natural Medicine Volumes 1-2 by Joseph E Pizzorno and

Michael T Murray, page 433

 

Caffeine depletes the body of B vitamins, which you need for proper

brain and nervous system functioning and for converting food to

energy, says Michael Murray, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Seattle

and author of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Getting Well Naturally. To

make matters worse, it also prevents iron absorption, says Dr. Murray,

which can lead to anemia, a condition in which you have too few

oxygen-carrying red blood cells and which is a major contributor to

fatigue.

The Complete Book Of Alternative Nutrition by Selene Y Craig, page 389

 

" After prolonged 'caffeinism,' your body enters a state of adrenal

exhaustion "

 

Habitual caffeine use ultimately leads to Phase 2, what has been

called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal exhaustion. This condition

bears more than a casual resemblance to the post-traumatic stress

syndrome experienced by soldiers returning from combat. In effect, the

adrenal glands simply wear out from chronic stimulation.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 206

 

But with caffeine, we don't provide the glands anything to make that

hormone out of—we just cry " emergency " and force them to figure it

out, one way or another. So the body reaches down into its reserves

and makes more hormone because it thinks it is the right thing to do.

Caffeine forces your glands to secrete when they don't have much left

to give, and they have to keep digging deeper and deeper, making you

more and more tired over time. And over the years, it takes more and

more coffee to get the same result. Some people reach the point of

drinking half a dozen or more cups a day and it's barely keeping them

awake. That's severe adrenal depletion.

Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 280

 

Another concern is that caffeine is often consumed along with other

substances such as nicotine and sugar. Like sugar, caffeine

overstimulates the adrenals and then weakens them with persistent or

chronic use. A cycle develops where first sugar stimulates and weakens

the adrenals, creating fatigue to which we then respond by drinking

caffeine to stay awake. In addition, people who overuse caffeine tend

to need more tranquilizers and sleeping pills to help them relax or

sleep. Caffeine is a lifetime drug for many. We begin at a young age

with hot chocolate or chocolate bars, move into colas or other soft

drinks, and then add coffee and tea.

The New Detox Diet by Elson M Haas MD, page 30

 

Dr. Hibbs describes a male patient suffering from many effects of

stress, including fatigue and constipation. The patient relied heavily

on coffee to keep him going physically and had developed chronic

adrenal fatigue. Dr. Hibbs took him off caffeine and sugar, which are

both stimulants and were taxing his system. Appropriate exercise and

dietary changes were made and he was put on adrenal supportive

supplements containing glandular tissue, herbs, and nutrients. His

bowel habits normalized quickly and remained that way when he stopped

the adrenal supplements several months later.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 688

 

The adrenal exhaustion/stress/fatigue/hypoglycemia syndrome is tied to

caffeine use as well. Caffeine has an overall effect of increasing

blood sugar (especially when it is sweetened), as it stimulates the

adrenals. Both stress and sugar use tend to pressure and weaken the

adrenal function. Recovery from the resulting fatigue requires rest,

stress reduction, and sugar avoidance, but caffeine can override this

fatigue and restimulate the adrenals. This process can eventually lead

to chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, and subsequent inability to

handle stress and sugar intake. Caffeine will then be of little help.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 942

 

Research is revealing that cortisol and DHEA, both produced in the

adrenal cortex, hold an inverse relationship. As serum cortisol

increases, DHEA levels fall. It may be that stress and caffeine create

such a high need for cortisol that the exhausted adrenals simply

cannot maintain production of DHEA at optimal levels.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 68

 

Caffeine is undeniably an effective central nervous system stimulant.

It stimulates the brain, increases the secretion of adrenaline

(epinephrine), and boosts heart rate. Although relatively safe,

long-term use in excess of 250 to 300 mg daily may cause numerous

health problems. Caffeine has been known to raise blood-cholesterol

levels, deplete B vitamins, irritate the stomach and bladder, exhaust

the adrenals, and possibly lead to breast and prostate problems.

Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 112

 

Far too many people overconsume caffeine, however. This occurs, I

think, because people simply do not have enough natural energy.

Instead of getting enough sleep, nutrients, and exercise to provide

the energy they need, people depend upon caffeine to push them through

the day. The short-term price for this dependency is nervousness,

irritability, insomnia, and a " rebound effect " of lethargy and mental

lassitude. The long-term price is burnout of the adrenal glands, and a

body that has been exhausted by artificial stimulation.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page 266

 

Fatigue, childbirth, or injury to the kidney-adrenal area, also

steroid drugs or excess use of stimulants, including caffeine, to the

point of adrenal exhaustion, can all harm sexual strength for men and

women alike. Muscles can become weak. Blood circulation and nerve

sensitivity can become impaired. These are important factors in sexual

strength. Some sexologists think of the vagina as a muscle.

Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 423

 

According to Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., dizziness when standing after

sitting or lying down can be an indication of adrenal exhaustion. The

individual should take action to restore adrenal health by stopping

the use of stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol) and via rest and

normalization of lifestyle and nutritional balance.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 1014

 

" In other words, caffeine affects your body just like any drug:

Addiction and withdrawal "

 

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Studies show that

abstinence induces a withdrawal syndrome of fatigue, headache and

drowsiness within 24 hours and lasts about a week, on giving up the habit.

Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram, page 83

 

The second way that caffeine contributes to depression is, of course,

the withdrawal reaction, the most prevalent symptoms being headache,

depression, and fatigue. Three facts are important to grasp in regard

to withdrawal. First of all, each of the symptoms compounds or

magnifies the depressive effect. Secondly, withdrawal can occur even

in light caffeine users. And third, withdrawal reactions can be

evident even when caffeine is withheld for just a few hours. Some

people feel depressed or anxious if they're simply late for their

morning or afternoon cup. That's not only a powerful motivation to

consume the beverage, but it also creates an often-unidentified source

of background stress.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 112

 

Almost all of the research that has been done on caffeine agrees that

it is definitely physically addictive. It is a mood-altering central

nervous system stimulant. Though milder in its effects, caffeine

manipulates the same neurochemical channels that amphetamines,

cocaine, and heroin do. Overuse of caffeine can result in a variety of

symptoms, including irregular heartbeat, sleeplessness, headaches,

nervousness, tremors, irritability, and depression. Withdrawing from

heavy caffeine use can cause symptoms, too, principally a nagging

headache that is unaffected by aspirin or other over-the-counter

painkillers, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, and feelings

of depression. To break a caffeine addiction, therefore, it is best to

cut down gradually to avoid an uncomfortable withdrawal period.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 230

 

It's this " more " that is a double-edged sword. The initial high from

caffeine is followed by mild withdrawal symptoms, one of which is

fatigue. A vicious cycle can result as you drink more coffee to

prevent the inevitable letdown. The fatigue, an irritable or depressed

mood, and reduced work performance associated with caffeine withdrawal

can begin within hours of the last cup and can last up to a week or

more. People's tolerance to caffeine varies widely. Withdrawal

symptoms are reported in some people even with small amounts of daily

caffeine, such as one to two cups, while other people can tolerate

higher doses with no problems.

Food & Mood By Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 105

 

Caffeine, which has come to be many Americans' " drug of choice, " is

highly addictive. A number of people suffer severe withdrawal

symptoms—headache, fatigue, depression, muscle pains—when they

abruptly stop their coffee or indeed their caffeinated tea intake.

Caffeine also gives some people headaches and makes others quite

anxious. Coffee in particular irritates the stomach and may stimulate

the development of cysts in women's breasts.

Manifesto For A New Medicine By James S Gordon MD, page 155

 

Caffeine is clearly addictive, completely unregulated, and its

presence in our foods and beverages is often hidden! Almost daily I

see a patient whose symptoms are made worse by the consumption of

caffeine. The drug contributes to palpitations, panic attacks,

hypoglycemia, gastritis, fatigue, insomnia, and PMS, to name a few.

Some people are so sensitive to caffeine that they don't realize a

fruit drink with hidden caffeine can cause their symptoms.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 10

 

Many people are addicted to caffeine. While studies attempting to

prove that caffeine is implicated in everything from heart disease to

high blood pressure have never been conclusive, I believe that the

damage excessive caffeine consumption does can't be ignored. Caffeine

wreaks havoc on your metabolism and creates a real stress that could

precipitate symptoms including headaches, fatigue, irritability,

inability to concentrate, depression, and nervousness.

Natural Prescriptions by Dr Robert M Giller, page 10

 

Telling whether you are addicted to caffeine is simple, says Dr.

Griffiths. Just give up your caffeine sources—coffee, tea, soft drinks

—for a couple of days and see if you feel tired, headachy,

unmotivated, grumpy and depressed. Headaches and fatigue are the

classic signs of caffeine deprivation.

Food Your Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 277

 

A significant cause of general fatigue is caffeine withdrawal. Since

millions of Americans have caffeine addictions, caffeine-related

fatigue is a common problem. When a person accustomed to large

quantities of caffeine suddenly limits his or her intake, the result

will be fatigue, probably accompanied by a headache. Eliminating

dependence upon coffee and other caffeinated products is crucial to

maintaining health and avoiding debilitating bouts with fatigue.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 104

 

Anyone with regular caffeine intake should truly consider withdrawing

from their habit until they can reach a state of occasional use and

enjoyment. For caffeine detoxification, it is important to support

ourselves nutritionally while we eliminate or reduce our intake. If we

are clearly addicted to caffeine products or if we become pregnant, we

should quit totally. Breaking the habit by tapering down or going

" cold turkey " will be better handled with a good diet and adrenal support.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 942

 

If your body doesn't get its caffeine quota, it can go through a week

or two of withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, intense

cravings for caffeine, constipation, anxiety, and a dim bulb where you

used to have bright ideas.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 137

 

It is important for people with hypoglycemic-induced fatigue to alter

their diets, incorporating high-fiber, protein-containing complex

carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, into their meals, and consuming

nutritious snacks during the mid-morning and afternoon. Complex

carbohydrates and high-protein (from fish and vegetable sources) diets

can also be useful in combating fatigue resulting from caffeine

withdrawal.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 106

 

" Although the phenomenon of caffeine withdrawal has been described

previously, the present report documents that the incidence of

caffeine withdrawal is higher (100 percent of subjects), the daily

dose level at which withdrawal occurs is lower (roughly equivalent to

the amount of caffeine in a single cup of strong brewed coffee or

three cans of caffeinated soft drink), and the range of symptoms

experienced is broader (including headache, fatigue and other

dysphoric mood changes, muscle pain/stiffness, flu-like feelings,

nausea/vomiting and craving for caffeine) than heretofore recognized. "

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 189

 

Cut off from caffeine or limited to considerably less than they're

accustomed to, caffeine junkies complain of headaches, depression,

difficulty concentrating and fatigue.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women, page 99

 

Some people run their bodies on caffeine and not on their basic life

force and the natural energy of their hormones, such as adrenal and

thyroid. Caffeine, although it is not seriously addicting, is very

habit forming. It is not particularly good for athletes or anyone

seriously interested in their health. Although it may improve muscular

work and short-term performance in both physical and mental athletes,

it creates depletion by its diuretic nutrients, and foods can help

balance this.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 939

 

Do not consume any caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. Eating sugar in any

form—including fructose and honey—promotes fatigue, increases pain,

and disturbs sleep. If these substances have been a regular part of

your diet, your symptoms may actually get worse for a short period as

a result of the " withdrawal " effect, but after that, you should

experience a noticeable improvement in your condition.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James

F Balch MD, page 377

 

Fatigue is a common symptom when you're quitting caffeine. One way to

beat it is to " thoroughly rub your ears and earlobes for a couple of

minutes when you wake up in the morning, " says Dierauf.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 138

 

Headache isn't the only side effect you may experience from quitting

caffeine. It's just the most obvious. Your body, which has become

accustomed to drug-induced stimulation, needs to recover its natural

abundant energy supply. After all, most people consume caffeine to

boost their energy levels, so restoring natural energy production once

you're off the bean is critical. If you find yourself unable to muster

the oomph to face the day, or crippled by " brain fog " that won't

clear, you'll get discouraged quickly. Any program for quitting

caffeine must provide a variety of successful methods to deal with

fatigue so you don't go running back to caffeine.

Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 336

 

Be aware that abrupt cessation of coffee drinking will probably result

in symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, including fatigue, headache, and

an intense desire for coffee. Fortunately, this withdrawal period

doesn't last more than a few days.

Encyclopedia Of Natural Medicine by Michael T Murray MD Joseph L

Pizzorno ND, page 368

 

Overview:

 

* The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion,

fatigue and addiction

 

Source: http://www.newstarget.com/012352.html