Kick the Caffeine Craving

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Kick the Caffeine Craving

 

Caffeine is a favorite pick-me-up, especially for those who work in

an office. Most people realize that caffeine has negative side-

effects, but what they may not know is that it actually diminishes

energy in the long run.

 

Caffeine, being a central nervous system stimulant, does make you

feel more alert and energetic. But the effects are short lived. When

you have used up your stores of energy (and then some!), you end up

with less energy than you would have had otherwise. For someone who

drinks a lot of caffeine, the eventual result can be fatigue,

anxiety, depression and insomnia.

 

Other ways caffeine affects the body include:

 

Caffeine leeches calcium from the body, which is especially

problematic if you are at risk for osteoporosis.

 

 

If you don't get your usual fix at the usual time, you will likely

experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue and

severe headaches.

 

 

Excessive consumption of caffeine increases blood pressure,

causes " bad " cholesterol levels to rise, and disturbs heart rhythms.

 

 

Caffeine causes gastrointestinal problems, including gastric reflex

and acidic stomach.

 

 

Caffeine contributes to or exacerbates fibrocystic breast disease.

 

 

Caffeine impairs fertility.

So what are good alternatives to caffeine? It depends upon what you

seek from your daily coffee or soda.

 

If you enjoy the ritualistic warm, comforting feeling of coffee in

the morning, try a different morning ritual: a root or grain

beverage such as Inka or Cafix with milk and sweetener, Roastaroma

tea from Celestial Seasonings, chai tea (some brands now are made

with green tea), green tea (a lower-caffeine alternative to coffee)

or herbal tea.

 

If you thrive on the energy boost, it's helpful to explore the

underlying reasons for your energy deficit, according to Kasia

Hopewell, ND. " I try to assess whether someone is getting exercise,

enough sleep and a balanced diet. I ask if they are drinking enough

fluids in general. I also explore what other lifestyle factors may

be contributing to their fatigue. " Dealing with the underlying

reasons for tiredness will help create a natural, reliable source of

energy that doesn't wax and wane so dramatically.

 

If you drink soda pop for the refreshing feeling, try a sparkling

water such as Talking Rain, which has a few drops of essential oils

for flavoring. You can also try squeezing some fresh lemon or lime

juice into some sparkling water.

 

If you're trying to kick caffeine, it's important to proceed

gently. " Be easy on yourself. Get lots of water, rest and

relaxation, " recommends Dr. Hopewell. She often prescribes Siberian

ginseng to help support patients through the transition. " You may

experience fatigue and severe headaches for a few days, but after

that, you're done. "

 

Writer: Sydney Maupin, Staff Writer

Contributor: Kasia Hopewell, ND

http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/163/

 

Learn more about the nutrition services provided by Bastyr Center

for Natural Health, or schedule your appointment today.