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

June 23, 2006

The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion,

fatigue and addiction

Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2005 by Dani Veracity, Key concepts:

caffeine, coffee and sugar.

Permalink: http://www.NewsTarget.com/012352.html

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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.

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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.

sugar effects

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

disorders, caffeine cravings and sleep hormone imbalances

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

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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

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The Seven Laws of Nutrition

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yourself from pharmaceuticals by mastering the fundamental laws of

nutrition.

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

and nutritional detox expert

" 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

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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 by Elson M Haas MD, page 937

macronutrients

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

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cayenne and a number of culinary herbs.

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

changing your diet

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

ingredients

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

accepting money from manufacturer of candy and sodas

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

chemicals instead of resorting to dangerous antidepressant drugs

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

health requirement for pure water, says doctor

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

herbs and foods stave off colds and flus

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

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